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B-A-3-YEARS in English at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is English at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri Kozhikode?
This B.A. English program at St. Joseph''''s College, Kozhikode, focuses on developing a deep understanding of English language, literature, and critical thought. The curriculum delves into various literary periods, genres, and theoretical frameworks, alongside practical applications in language and communication. In the Indian context, strong English communication and analytical skills are highly valued across diverse industries, making this program a foundational step for many career paths.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in literature, language, and cultural studies. It attracts individuals passionate about reading, writing, and critical analysis, who aim for careers requiring strong communication, research, and interpretative abilities. Aspiring educators, journalists, content creators, and civil service candidates will find the foundational knowledge particularly relevant, enhancing their verbal and analytical aptitude.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writing, editing, publishing, journalism, teaching, and public relations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories often lead to roles as senior editors, communication managers, literary critics, or academics. The program also provides a strong base for competitive exams and postgraduate studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Reading and Analytical Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts, actively highlighting, annotating, and summarizing key arguments. Participate in classroom discussions and join college literary clubs to debate interpretations and share insights.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, online literary journals (e.g., Jstor access via institution), Goodreads for tracking reading, peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds critical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills vital for research, content creation, and competitive exams.
Master Academic Writing and Presentation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on refining essay writing, research paper structuring, and formal presentation skills. Seek feedback from professors on every assignment, attend workshops on academic writing, and practice public speaking.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, plagiarism checkers (Turnitin if available), university writing center, TED Talks for presentation inspiration
Career Connection
Essential for academic success, postgraduate studies, and any professional role requiring clear and persuasive communication.
Broaden Language Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the additional language courses, and explore opportunities to practice speaking and writing in both English and the regional language. Read widely across genres to enhance vocabulary and idiomatic expression.
Tools & Resources
Language learning apps (Duolingo), local newspapers/magazines in both languages, college language exchange programs, public speaking forums
Career Connection
Increases employability in a multilingual country like India, especially in journalism, public relations, and cross-cultural communication roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theories and Criticism- (Semester 3-4)
Dive deeper into various literary theories (feminism, Marxism, postcolonialism). Apply these frameworks to analyze texts, participate in critical analysis workshops, and write analytical essays.
Tools & Resources
Online literary theory encyclopedias (e.g., LitCharts), academic databases, faculty office hours for concept clarification
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical and critical thinking, valuable for research, academia, and sophisticated content creation roles.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Identify connections between English literature and other fields like history, sociology, and media studies, especially through complementary courses. Attend inter-departmental seminars and lectures.
Tools & Resources
Cross-departmental reading lists, online MOOCs in related humanities fields, discussions with faculty from other departments
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic understanding, making graduates versatile for roles in cultural institutions, policy analysis, and diverse content industries.
Participate in Co-Curricular Activities & Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Join college debate teams, quiz clubs, or organize literary events. Participate in inter-collegiate essay writing, poetry, and public speaking competitions to hone skills and build a portfolio.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, local literary festivals, online writing platforms (Wattpad for practice)
Career Connection
Builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and portfolio-worthy achievements, improving soft skills crucial for placements.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research and Project Work- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a research topic early for the Semester 6 project, conduct thorough literature review, collect data (if applicable), analyze findings, and write a high-quality dissertation under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, statistical software (if needed), university research ethics guidelines, faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for postgraduate studies, research-oriented roles, and demonstrates advanced academic and analytical capabilities to potential employers.
Gain Practical Exposure through Internships- (Semester 5-6)
Actively seek internships in publishing houses, media companies, content marketing firms, or NGOs. Apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and build professional networks.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, online internship portals (Internshala), alumni network
Career Connection
Provides valuable work experience, enhances resume, facilitates networking, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Prepare for Higher Studies and Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Begin preparation for postgraduate entrance exams (e.g., NET, SET, GRE, CUET) or civil service exams if applicable. Attend career counseling sessions and alumni talks for insights into various career paths.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes, online test series, previous year question papers, career guidance workshops offered by the college
Career Connection
Equips students for advanced academic pursuits or entry into public services, offering diverse and stable career opportunities in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed Plus Two or equivalent examination from any recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters/ 3 years
Credits: 125 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA1A01 | Literature and Contemporary Issues | Common | 4 | Environmental concerns in literature, Social justice and inequality, Cultural identity and representation, Human rights narratives, Literary responses to current events |
| ENGA1A02 | Academic Writing and Presentation Skills | Common | 4 | Essay writing techniques, Research methodology basics, Referencing and citation styles, Effective presentation strategies, Argumentative writing |
| A03 | Common Additional Language | Common | 4 | Grammar fundamentals, Prose and poetry appreciation, Basic translation techniques, Communication skills, Cultural context of language |
| EN1BA01 | Methodology of Literary Studies | Core | 4 | Introduction to literary theory, Research methods in literature, Textual analysis approaches, Critical reading strategies, Literary genres and conventions |
| COMPL HIST C01 | History of Indian Freedom Movement | Complementary | 3 | Rise of Indian nationalism, Gandhian era movements, Partition and independence, Constitutional development, Post-independence challenges |
| COMPL JOU C01 | Introduction to Mass Communication | Complementary | 3 | Mass communication models, Print and electronic media, New media trends, Media ethics and regulation, Public opinion and propaganda |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA2A03 | Readings on Life Narratives | Common | 4 | Autobiography as a genre, Biography and its forms, Memoirs and personal history, Narratives of self-discovery, Life stories and societal context |
| ENGA2A04 | Literature and the World | Common | 4 | Global literary traditions, Comparative literature studies, Cultural exchange in literature, Postcolonial perspectives, World literary movements |
| A04 | Common Additional Language | Common | 4 | Advanced grammar concepts, Literary forms and devices, Critical appreciation of texts, Cultural criticism, Practical translation |
| EN2BA02 | Foundations of Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Victorian critical theories, Modernist critical thought, Post-modernist critical approaches |
| COMPL HIST C02 | Socio-Cultural History of Kerala | Complementary | 3 | Ancient Kerala history, Colonial influence on Kerala, Social reform movements, Cultural heritage of Kerala, Modern Kerala developments |
| COMPL JOU C02 | Reporting and Editing | Complementary | 3 | News gathering techniques, News writing styles (inverted pyramid), Principles of editing, Feature writing and interviews, Photojournalism basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA3A05 | Literature and Ethics | Common | 4 | Moral philosophy in literature, Ethical dilemmas in narratives, Literary representation of justice, Human values and conflict, Conscience and choice in texts |
| A05 | Common Additional Language | Common | 4 | Literary forms and devices, Stylistics, Survey of regional literature, Translation theory and practice, Basic literary criticism |
| EN3BA03 | Chaucer to the Augustans | Core | 4 | Medieval English literature (Chaucer), Renaissance poetry and drama, Metaphysical poets, Neoclassical period characteristics, Restoration drama and prose |
| EN3BA04 | Romanticism to Victorianism | Core | 4 | Romantic poetry features, Victorian novel developments, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Gothic literature, Realism and naturalism |
| COMPL HIST C03 | World History | Complementary | 3 | Ancient civilizations, Medieval societies, Age of Revolutions, Impact of World Wars, Globalization and its effects |
| COMPL JOU C03 | Introduction to Public Relations | Complementary | 3 | PR concepts and theories, Media relations strategies, Crisis communication, Corporate social responsibility, Digital PR |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA4A06 | History of English Literature | Common | 4 | Old English period, Middle English literature, Elizabethan Age, Augustan Age, Romantic and Victorian Eras, Modern and Postmodern developments |
| A06 | Common Additional Language | Common | 4 | Postmodern literary trends, Cultural studies, Comparative literature, Discourse analysis, Creative writing techniques |
| EN4BA05 | Modernism to Postmodernism | Core | 4 | Modernist poetry and prose, Stream of consciousness technique, Absurdist drama, Postmodern fiction characteristics, Experimental literary forms |
| EN4BA06 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Early Indian English writers, Nationalist literature, Contemporary Indian fiction, Indian English poetry, Indian drama in English |
| COMPL HIST C04 | Political Theory | Complementary | 3 | Classical political thought, Liberalism and socialism, Democracy theories, Justice and equality, Contemporary political issues |
| COMPL JOU C04 | Advertising and Branding | Complementary | 3 | Advertising principles, Brand building strategies, Market research, Digital advertising, Consumer behavior |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN5BA07 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | ELT methodologies, Language acquisition theories, Curriculum design in ELT, Assessment in ELT, Classroom management techniques |
| EN5BA08 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Marxist literary criticism, Feminist literary theory, Postcolonial theory, Reader-response criticism |
| EN5BA09 | Linguistics and Phonetics | Core | 4 | Phonology and Morphology, Syntax and Semantics, Pragmatics, Branches of linguistics, Speech sounds and articulation |
| EN5BA10 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist literary history, Representation of women in literature, Gender and identity, Patriarchy and resistance, Contributions of women writers |
| EN5DXX | Open Course (e.g., Human Rights) | Open | 3 | Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human rights in the Indian context, Civil and political rights, Social and economic rights, Justice and equality concepts |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN6BA11 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Transcendentalism, American Renaissance, Modern American fiction, African American literature, Contemporary American poetry |
| EN6BA12 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 4 | Postcolonial theory, Decolonization narratives, Hybridity and diaspora, Subaltern studies, Commonwealth literature |
| EN6BA13 | Film Studies | Core Elective | 4 | Film theory basics, Narrative and mise-en-scène, Film genres and movements, Auteur theory, Indian cinema history and analysis |
| EN6BA14 | Project | Core | 2 | Research question formulation, Literature review, Data collection and analysis, Academic report writing, Presentation skills |
| EN6BA15 | Creative Writing | Core Elective | 3 | Elements of fiction, Poetry forms and techniques, Playwriting basics, Screenwriting introduction, Editing and revision |
