

M-A-ENGLISH in World Drama at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI


Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is World Drama at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI Kozhikode?
This M.A. English program at St. Joseph''''s College, Devagiri, provides a comprehensive study of literature, critical theories, and cultural studies, offering ''''World Drama'''' as an elective course. In the Indian academic context, a strong foundation in English literature is highly valued for various career paths. The program emphasizes a broad understanding of literary traditions while allowing for focused exploration in areas like drama.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English literature or related humanities fields, aspiring for higher studies or academic careers in India. It also suits working professionals, particularly teachers or content creators, seeking to deepen their understanding of literary theory and drama. Those interested in theatre criticism, cultural studies, or research will find the ''''World Drama'''' elective particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India as college lecturers, researchers, content writers, editors, or cultural critics. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential in academic or senior content roles. The program fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for competitive examinations like UGC NET/JRF and for roles in India''''s dynamic educational and media sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Base- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core critical theories and literary history. Regularly read canonical texts, primary literary works, and critical essays. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and apply them to texts. Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
Jstor, Project Gutenberg, Literary criticism journals, College library resources, Discussion forums
Career Connection
A robust theoretical foundation is crucial for academic writing, research, and for clearing competitive exams (e.g., UGC NET/JRF) for teaching positions in India.
Enhance Academic Writing & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to courses on research methodology. Practice different forms of academic writing through essays, reviews, and short research papers. Actively seek and incorporate feedback from professors on structure, argumentation, and citation styles like MLA or Chicago.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Zotero/Mendeley (for citation management), College writing center (if available)
Career Connection
Strong academic writing is essential for dissertations, publications, and any professional role requiring clear and concise written communication, such as content creation, journalism, or academic research.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Reading and Critical Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore connections between literature and other disciplines like Gender Studies. Beyond prescribed texts, read articles and books that bridge literary studies with sociology, psychology, and history. Participate in interdisciplinary discussions and college literary clubs.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases (e.g., EBSCO, ProQuest), Departmental reading circles, University cultural events
Career Connection
Develops a holistic perspective and strengthens analytical abilities, making you adaptable to diverse research topics and enriching your skill set for various professional fields in India.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into World Drama (Elective Specialization)- (Semester 3)
If you choose ''''World Drama'''' as your elective, immerse yourself fully in its historical and contemporary contexts. Beyond course readings, watch live or recorded performances of plays from different global traditions. Analyze staging, direction, and cultural impact, and explore global theatre festivals and dramatists.
Tools & Resources
Online archives of theatre performances (e.g., National Theatre Live, Globe Player), Theatre reviews, Books on comparative drama, Documentaries on global theatre
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge vital for roles in theatre criticism, dramaturgy, cultural research, or contributing to educational content on global performing arts, which has growing relevance in India.
Engage with Contemporary Debates & Film Studies- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in discussions on Literary Theory and Contemporary Debates, and critically analyze films as texts. Follow current academic discourse in literary journals. Practice applying advanced theories (e.g., Postcolonialism, Ecocriticism) to various literary works and media, including Indian and international films.
Tools & Resources
Film journals, Academic blogs, Film archives, Cultural studies databases, Departmental discussion groups
Career Connection
Prepares you for roles in media analysis, cultural criticism, academic research, and communication, providing a nuanced understanding of contemporary societal and cultural issues relevant to the Indian context.
Initiate and Structure Your Research Project- (Semester 3)
Begin planning for your Semester 4 project/dissertation early. Choose a topic that genuinely interests you, ideally related to your elective (World Drama) or another area of passion developed during your studies. Develop a robust research proposal and start gathering initial resources.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, University library advanced search, Academic databases, Research proposal templates
Career Connection
This early initiative demonstrates independent research capability, which is vital for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. admissions, securing grants, and excelling in advanced academic and research careers.
Advanced Stage
Execute Dissertation/Project and Refine Research- (Semester 4)
Focus intently on completing your Semester 4 Project/Dissertation. Conduct thorough data collection and analysis, write your thesis, and diligently prepare for the presentation and viva voce. Seek continuous feedback from your supervisor and refine your arguments.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Statistical software (if applicable), Academic writing tools, Presentation software
Career Connection
Successfully completing a high-quality dissertation is a strong indicator of research acumen and commitment, significantly boosting your profile for academic roles, research positions, or competitive government exams.
Network and Explore Career Paths- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with alumni and industry professionals in relevant fields such as publishing, journalism, education, and cultural organizations. Attend career fairs, alumni meet-ups, and workshops. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect and seek informational interviews to understand various career options in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College career services office, Alumni network events
Career Connection
Proactive networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship, which are crucial for a smooth transition from academia to the professional world in India.
Prepare for Competitive Exams or Advanced Studies- (Semester 4)
If aspiring for the UGC NET/JRF or PhD, begin focused and systematic preparation. Revise the entire MA syllabus, solve previous year question papers, and prepare strong research proposals for PhD applications. Attend specialized workshops and coaching classes if beneficial.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF study materials, Online mock tests, University faculty guidance, Research proposal writing guides
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into higher education (Ph.D.) or secures eligibility for assistant professor positions in Indian colleges and universities, laying a foundation for a successful academic career.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- BA English Language and Literature / BA English and History / BA English and Political Science / BA English and Economics / BA Sociology / BA Philosophy / BA Psychology / BA Journalism / B.Sc Physics / B.Sc Chemistry / B.Sc Mathematics / B.Sc Botany / B.Sc Zoology with not less than 4.5 CGPA out of 10 or 1.8 CGPA out of 4 (i.e. 45% marks) in Part I + II + III put together, or an equivalent grade. Candidates with other than BA English Language and Literature Degree must have secured not less than 50% marks for their Core and Complementary Courses put together.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL1C01 | English Language and the History of English Literature | Core | 4 | History of English Language, Old English Period, Middle English Period, The Renaissance, The Restoration and the 18th Century, The Romantic Revival |
| ENGL1C02 | Early English Literature | Core | 4 | Anglo-Saxon Poetry, Medieval Poetry, Medieval Drama, Renaissance Drama, Renaissance Poetry, Renaissance Prose |
| ENGL1C03 | Critical Theory | Core | 4 | Introduction to Theory, Early Modern Literary Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism |
| ENGL1C04 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Indian English Poetry, Indian English Fiction, Indian English Drama, Indian English Prose, Indian Literary Debates, New Voices in Indian Writing |
| ENGL1C05 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Postcolonialism, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Australian Literature, Canadian Literature, South Asian Diaspora |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL2C06 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedy, Shakespearean Comedy, History Plays, Roman Plays, Problem Plays, Sonnets |
| ENGL2C07 | Post-Romantic and Victorian Literature | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry, Victorian Novel, Victorian Prose, Aestheticism and Decadence, Early Modernism, The Transition to Modernity |
| ENGL2C08 | Modernism and Postmodernism | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry, Modernist Novel, Modernist Drama, Postmodern Fiction, Postmodern Drama, Critical Responses to Modernism/Postmodernism |
| ENGL2C09 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Research Ethics, Writing Research Papers |
| ENGL2C10 | Gender Studies | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Gender and Representation, Queer Theory, Masculinity Studies, Transgender Studies, Gender and Culture |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL3C11 | Literary Theory and Contemporary Debates | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, Subaltern Studies, Cultural Studies, Eco-criticism, Digital Humanities, Affect Theory |
| ENGL3C12 | American Literature | Core | 4 | American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, American Realism, Modern American Poetry, Modern American Fiction, Contemporary American Literature |
| ENGL3C13 | European Classics in Translation | Core | 4 | Greek Tragedy, Roman Epics, Medieval Romance, Renaissance Epic, Enlightenment Philosophy, 19th Century European Novel |
| ENGL3C14 | Translation Studies | Core | 4 | Theories of Translation, History of Translation, Cultural Translation, Translation and Power, Machine Translation, Translation Practice |
| ENGL3E01 | World Drama | Elective | 4 | Classical Greek Drama, Roman Drama, Medieval Drama, Renaissance Drama (non-English), Modern European Drama, Contemporary Global Theatre |
| ENGL3E02 | Literature and Ecology | Elective | 4 | Ecocriticism, Nature Writing, Environmental Justice, Anthropocene, Literary Animals, Green Studies |
| ENGL3E03 | Academic Writing | Elective | 4 | Principles of Academic Writing, Essay Structure, Argumentation, Citation Styles, Revising and Editing, Presentation Skills |
| ENGL3E04 | Women''''s Writing | Elective | 4 | Feminist Canon, Women''''s Poetry, Women''''s Fiction, Autobiographical Writing, Contemporary Women Writers, Gender and Genre |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL4C15 | Film Studies | Core | 4 | Elements of Film, Film Theory, National Cinemas, Genre Studies, Documentary Film, Indian Cinema |
| ENGL4C16 | Digital Humanities | Core | 4 | Introduction to DH, Digital Textualities, Data Visualization, Text Mining, Digital Archiving, Digital Pedagogy |
| ENGL4C17 | World Literatures | Core | 4 | Globalization and Literature, Comparative Literature, Transnationalism, World Poetry, World Fiction, Literature and Migration |
| ENGL4C18 | Project/Dissertation/Field work/Internship | Core | 4 | Research Proposal, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Presentation, Viva Voce |
| ENGL4E01 | Performance Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Performance, Performance Art, Theatre Anthropology, Ritual and Performance, Body and Spectacle, Digital Performance |
| ENGL4E02 | Literature and Psychoanalysis | Elective | 4 | Freudian Theory, Lacanian Theory, Jungian Theory, Psychoanalysis and Literary Characters, Dreams and Symbols, Trauma Studies |
| ENGL4E03 | Life Writing | Elective | 4 | Autobiography, Biography, Memoir, Diaries and Letters, Oral History, Testimony |
| ENGL4E04 | Dalit Literature | Elective | 4 | Dalit Aesthetics, Dalit Poetry, Dalit Fiction, Autobiographical Narratives, Protest Literature, Social Justice |




