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B-A-3-YEARS in Functional English at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Functional English at St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Devagiri Kozhikode?
This Functional English program at St. Joseph''''s College, Kozhikode, focuses on developing advanced communication skills essential for diverse professional environments in India. It integrates linguistics, literature, media studies, and business communication, preparing students for roles requiring strong verbal and written proficiency. The curriculum addresses the growing demand for skilled communicators in India''''s expanding corporate and media sectors, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into journalism, public relations, content creation, or corporate communication roles. It also suits individuals passionate about language, literature, and media, aiming to build a career in India''''s dynamic communication landscape. Students aspiring for roles in technical writing, advertising, or academic research within English studies will find this specialization particularly beneficial, along with those preparing for competitive exams that require strong English language aptitude.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in media houses, PR agencies, IT companies (technical writing), content marketing firms, and educational institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-10 LPA. The growth trajectories are promising, with opportunities to become editors, journalists, PR managers, content strategists, or corporate trainers, aligning with certifications in digital marketing, content writing, or public relations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Language Fundamentals and Phonetics- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently study the core concepts of English grammar, syntax, and phonetics from semester 1. Utilize online resources like Cambridge English Dictionary (for pronunciation), British Council LearnEnglish, and grammarly.com to reinforce learning and correct common errors. Engage in daily reading of diverse English texts to improve vocabulary and comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Cambridge English Dictionary, British Council LearnEnglish, Grammarly, The Hindu/Indian Express editorials
Career Connection
Strong language fundamentals are crucial for any communication-centric role, enhancing clarity in written and verbal expression for future professional settings and competitive exams.
Develop Effective Study Habits and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex linguistic theories and literary texts. Practice active listening and note-taking during lectures. Utilize college library resources for supplementary readings. Engage in debates and discussions on current affairs to improve spontaneous communication. Participate in college literary clubs.
Tools & Resources
College library, Study groups, Literary clubs
Career Connection
Cultivating good study habits and peer collaboration enhances analytical and critical thinking, vital for research and problem-solving in communication-related careers.
Build Basic Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom presentations and group assignments to overcome public speaking apprehension. Record and review your own speeches to identify areas for improvement. Seek feedback from professors and peers. Focus on clear articulation and confident delivery for academic excellence.
Tools & Resources
Smartphone recording, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Early development of presentation skills is essential for future job interviews, corporate presentations, and effective team communication, giving a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Application and Project Work- (Semester 3-5)
Apply theoretical knowledge from Business Communication and Journalism courses by undertaking small-scale projects. Volunteer for college magazine editing, create mock news reports, or develop short advertising campaigns for college events. Focus on hands-on experience in content creation and media production.
Tools & Resources
Canva for design, Microsoft Word/Google Docs for writing, College media clubs
Career Connection
Practical exposure through projects builds a portfolio, demonstrating relevant skills to potential employers in media, PR, and content industries in India.
Seek Industry Exposure and Networking Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry professionals in journalism, advertising, and PR. Look for short-term internships or shadowing opportunities during semester breaks with local newspapers, advertising agencies, or NGOs. Connect with alumni working in relevant fields through LinkedIn or college networks.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry workshops, Alumni network
Career Connection
Networking and industry exposure provide insights into current trends, open doors to internships, and improve job prospects in the competitive Indian communication sector.
Specialize Skills with Online Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Complement coursework by pursuing online certifications in areas like digital marketing, content writing, social media management, or advanced English grammar (e.g., from Coursera, Udemy, NPTEL). This helps in building a specialized skill set sought after by Indian companies for roles beyond traditional journalism.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, Udemy, NPTEL, HubSpot Academy
Career Connection
Specialized certifications enhance employability and demonstrate proactive learning, making graduates more attractive to recruiters in niche communication fields.
Advanced Stage
Prepare a Strong Professional Portfolio- (Semester 6)
Compile all your creative writing pieces, project reports, presentations, and any media contributions (articles, videos) into a professional portfolio. Design an online portfolio using platforms like Behance or a personal blog. This serves as a tangible representation of your skills and accomplishments.
Tools & Resources
Behance, WordPress/Blogger, Google Drive for organizing content
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio is critical for showcasing abilities to prospective employers during job interviews and placement drives, especially in creative and media roles.
Focus on Placement and Interview Preparation- (Semester 6)
Actively participate in campus placement drives and workshops on resume building, interview techniques, and group discussions. Practice mock interviews. Research companies and roles that align with Functional English specialization, focusing on communication, content, and media sectors in India. Refine your soft skills.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Mock interview platforms, Aptitude test prep resources
Career Connection
Targeted placement preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable job offers in various Indian industries upon graduation.
Explore Advanced Studies and Research Opportunities- (Semester 6)
For those interested in academia or higher research, begin exploring options for MA in English, Linguistics, or Mass Communication. Identify potential research topics for your final year project, focusing on contemporary issues in language, media, or communication in India. Consult faculty for guidance on entrance exams like NET/SET.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET study material, Research journals, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Pursuing advanced studies opens doors to teaching, research, and specialized roles requiring higher academic qualifications, contributing to knowledge creation in the field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Plus Two or equivalent examination
Duration: 6 Semesters (3 Years)
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Common English I: Readings on Life and Culture | Common Course | 4 | Autobiographical Writing, Short Story Analysis, Travelogue, Interviews and Speeches, Socio-cultural Narratives |
| A02 | Common English II: Readings on Kerala Culture | Common Course | 3 | Literary Texts from Kerala, Historical and Cultural Essays, Folklore and Traditions, Kerala''''s Artistic Heritage, Contemporary Social Issues |
| A07(2) | Second Language I: (e.g., Hindi/Malayalam/Arabic) | Common Course | 4 | Basic Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Cultural Context, Conversational Practice |
| FE1CRT01 | Introduction to Functional English | Core Course | 4 | Nature of Language, Language Functions, Communication Process, Varieties of English, Phonetics and Phonology |
| FE1CMT01 | Complementary Course I: Basic Journalism | Complementary Course | 3 | Introduction to Journalism, News Reporting, Feature Writing, Editing Basics, Media Ethics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A03 | Common English III: Readings in Fiction and Philosophy | Common Course | 4 | Novel Analysis, Philosophical Texts, Critical Thinking, Existentialist Themes, Literary Movements |
| A04 | Common English IV: Readings in Poetry and Drama | Common Course | 3 | Poetic Forms and Devices, Dramatic Structure, Shakespearean Drama, Modern Poetry, Performance Studies |
| A08(2) | Second Language II: (e.g., Hindi/Malayalam/Arabic) | Common Course | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Creative Writing, Translation Practice, Regional Literature, Public Speaking |
| FE2CRT02 | Structure of Modern English | Core Course | 4 | Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Generative Grammar |
| FE2CMT02 | Complementary Course II: Reporting and Editing | Complementary Course | 3 | News Gathering Techniques, Interviewing Skills, Copy Editing, Headline Writing, Layout and Design Principles |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A05 | Common English V: Methodology of Humanities | Common Course | 4 | Research Paradigms, Qualitative Methods, Data Analysis, Academic Writing, Interdisciplinary Approaches |
| FE3CRT03 | Business Communication | Core Course | 4 | Principles of Business Communication, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication, Digital Communication Ethics |
| FE3CRT04 | Journalism in Practice | Core Course | 4 | Broadcast Journalism, Print Media, Photojournalism, Online Journalism, Legal Aspects of Media |
| FE3CMT03 | Complementary Course III: Advertising and Public Relations | Complementary Course | 3 | Advertising Principles, Marketing Communication, Public Relations Strategies, Brand Management, Crisis Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A06 | Common English VI: Literary Criticism | Common Course | 4 | Theories of Criticism, Practical Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Postcolonialism, Marxist Criticism |
| FE4CRT05 | Linguistics | Core Course | 4 | Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Applied Linguistics, Language Acquisition, Discourse Analysis |
| FE4CRT06 | Creative Writing | Core Course | 4 | Poetry Writing, Fiction Writing, Script Writing, Memoir Writing, Editing and Publishing |
| FE4CMT04 | Complementary Course IV: Event Management | Complementary Course | 3 | Event Planning, Logistics and Operations, Marketing Events, Budgeting and Sponsorship, Risk Management |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE5CRT07 | Communicative English | Core Course | 4 | Spoken English, Public Speaking, Debate and Discussion, Interpersonal Skills, Accent Training |
| FE5CRT08 | Introduction to Translation Studies | Core Course | 4 | Theories of Translation, Translation Methods, Cultural Aspects in Translation, Technical Translation, Literary Translation |
| FE5CRT09 | Film Studies | Core Course | 4 | History of Cinema, Film Theory, Elements of Film, Indian Cinema, Documentary Film |
| FE5CRT10 | E-Learning | Core Course | 4 | Principles of E-Learning, Instructional Design, Multimedia in Education, Learning Management Systems, Online Content Creation |
| FE5OPT01 | Open Course: (e.g., Media Literacy/Professional Communication) | Open Course | 3 | Media Consumption, Information Evaluation, Digital Citizenship, Responsible Communication, Ethics in Media |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE6CRT11 | Technical Writing and Editing | Core Course | 4 | Principles of Technical Writing, Documentation, User Manuals, Research Papers, Editing for Clarity and Accuracy |
| FE6CRT12 | Advertising | Core Course | 4 | Advertising Appeals, Media Planning, Copywriting, Campaign Management, Digital Advertising |
| FE6CRT13 | Public Relations | Core Course | 4 | PR Tools and Techniques, Media Relations, Corporate Communication, Social Media PR, Image Building |
| FE6CRT14 | Language and Gender | Core Course | 4 | Gendered Language, Discourse and Power, Representation of Gender, Feminist Linguistics, Language Policy |
| FE6PR01 | Project | Core Course | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
