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BA in English at St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur
Thrissur, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is English at St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur Thrissur?
This BA English program at St. Thomas College, Thrissur focuses on developing profound literary understanding, critical thinking, and advanced communication skills. Aligned with the University of Calicut''''s LRP framework, it emphasizes a diverse range of literary traditions, critical theories, and contemporary issues. India''''s growing creative industries and demand for skilled communicators make this specialization highly relevant, preparing students for dynamic roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for young graduates with a passion for literature, language, and cultural studies seeking a robust foundation for academic pursuits or diverse career paths. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in teaching, journalism, content creation, civil services, or publishing. Students with strong analytical and expressive abilities, keen to explore the nuances of language and its impact, will thrive in this environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, opening doors to various India-specific career paths. Entry-level salaries in teaching or content writing might range from INR 2.5-4 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience in fields like media, public relations, or academia. The program offers pathways to competitive exams, postgraduate studies, and professional certifications in writing or editing.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Habit- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently read beyond prescribed texts. Engage with diverse genres, authors, and critical essays to broaden perspectives and vocabulary. Join campus reading clubs or online literary communities to discuss ideas.
Tools & Resources
College library, local public libraries, online archives (e.g., Project Gutenberg), Goodreads, literary blogs
Career Connection
Enhances critical analysis, comprehension, and general knowledge crucial for competitive exams, content creation, and academic research.
Master Academic Writing Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding essay structures, thesis development, proper citation (MLA/APA as relevant), and grammar. Utilize college writing centers for feedback and practice writing short analytical pieces regularly.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, institutional writing workshops, peer review groups
Career Connection
Essential for all academic careers, research, content writing, professional communication, and effectively conveying ideas in any field.
Engage in Active Classroom Participation- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in discussions, ask clarifying questions, and present ideas confidently. This builds public speaking and critical thinking skills. Collaborate with peers on study groups for concept reinforcement.
Tools & Resources
Classroom discussions, peer study groups, departmental seminars, online discussion forums related to literature
Career Connection
Improves communication, interpersonal skills, and confidence, vital for interviews, group projects, and leadership roles in future workplaces.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Connect literary studies with complementary subjects like history, sociology, psychology, or journalism. Attend guest lectures and workshops on interdisciplinary topics to deepen understanding and broaden career prospects.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminars, academic journals, online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera) in related fields, TED Talks
Career Connection
Develops a holistic perspective, valuable for roles requiring diverse knowledge such as policy analysis, cultural commentary, or specialized journalism.
Develop Research and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in departmental research projects or seminars. Practice creating well-structured presentations and delivering them clearly. Seek opportunities to present findings at college-level events.
Tools & Resources
College research labs/facilities (if any), presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), academic conferences
Career Connection
Crucial for postgraduate studies, academic research, public speaking engagements, and professional roles requiring strong presentation abilities.
Volunteer for Literary Events and Publications- (Semester 3-4)
Join college literary magazines, cultural fests, or event organizing committees. Take on roles like editor, content writer, or event coordinator to gain practical experience and network with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
College literary club, student magazine, local literary festivals, university publications
Career Connection
Builds teamwork, leadership, event management, and practical writing/editing skills, highly valued in publishing, media, and cultural industries.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Significant Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a topic of genuine interest for your final year project. Dedicate ample time to in-depth research, critical analysis, and structured writing, seeking regular guidance from faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, JSTOR, institutional research guidelines, faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong project demonstrates independent research capability, analytical rigor, and subject expertise, highly beneficial for higher education and research-oriented careers.
Prepare for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Research postgraduate programs (MA, B.Ed) or prepare for competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services, UGC NET, or State PSC exams. Enroll in coaching classes if needed and practice previous year papers.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cell, online test series, reference books for specific exams, alumni network for insights
Career Connection
Directly aligns with career aspirations in academia, government services, or specialized fields requiring advanced qualifications.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 5-6)
Curate a portfolio of your best academic papers, creative writing samples, or project reports. Attend literary festivals, workshops, and alumni meets to network with professionals in publishing, media, and education.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, personal website/blog, professional networking events, alumni association
Career Connection
Essential for showcasing skills to potential employers or academic institutions and leveraging connections for internships and job opportunities post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Plus Two or equivalent examination recognized by the University of Calicut.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG1A01 | Literary Perspectives | Common | 4 | Reading Comprehension, Literary Elements and Forms, Poetry Analysis, Prose Reading, Creative Writing, Communication Strategies |
| ENG1A02 | English for Academic and Professional Purposes | Common | 3 | Academic Reading and Writing, Research Skills, Note-taking and Summarizing, Presentation Skills, Email Etiquette, Resume and Cover Letter Writing |
| ENG1B01 | Introduction to Literary Studies | Core | 4 | Forms of Literature, Critical Terms, Literary Movements, Genres of Literature, Academic Writing Conventions, Research Ethics |
| ENG1B02 | History of English Literature - I | Core | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Literature, The Renaissance, Elizabethan Age, Neoclassical Period, Romanticism |
| JOU1C01 | Introduction to Journalism | Complementary (Example - chosen subject depends on college offering) | 3 | News Concepts and Values, Reporting Techniques, Editing Principles, Media Law and Ethics, Types of Journalism, Role of Media in Society |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG2A03 | Media and Society | Common | 4 | Mass Media Theories, Social Impact of Media, Media Ethics and Regulations, Digital Media Landscape, Journalism and Public Relations, Global Media Trends |
| ENG2A04 | Business Communication | Common | 3 | Formal Business Communication, Report Writing, Proposal Development, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques, Group Discussion Strategies |
| ENG2B03 | Applied Phonetics and Linguistics | Core | 4 | Phonemes and Allophones, Morphemes and Word Formation, Syntactic Structures, Semantics and Pragmatics, Language Variation and Change, Language Acquisition Theories |
| ENG2B04 | History of English Literature - II | Core | 4 | Victorian Age, Modernism, Postmodernism, Contemporary Literary Movements, Literary Theory Development, Key Authors of 19th and 20th Centuries |
| JOU2C02 | News Reporting and Editing | Complementary (Example) | 3 | News Gathering Techniques, Feature Writing, Headline Writing, Newspaper Layout, Copy Editing, Proofreading Symbols |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAL3A05 | Malayalam Padyam / Gadhyam (or other chosen language) | Common | 4 | Classical Malayalam Poetry, Modern Malayalam Prose, Cultural Context of Literature, Prominent Literary Figures, Malayalam Grammar and Usage, Literary Analysis and Appreciation |
| ENG3B05 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Major Indian English Authors, Indian English Novel, Poetry and Drama in India, Post-Independence Themes, Regional Indian English Literature, Cultural Nationalism and Literature |
| ENG3B06 | Critical Approaches to Literature | Core | 4 | Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Marxist Criticism |
| ENG3B07 | Literature of the Margins | Core | 4 | Dalit Literature, Indigenous Voices, Subaltern Studies, Minority Discourse, Resistance Literature, Social Justice and Representation |
| JOU3C03 | Media Management and Public Relations | Complementary (Example) | 3 | Media Business Models, Marketing and Advertising, Public Relations Strategies, Corporate Communication, Event Management, Crisis Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAL4A06 | Malayalam Kavitha / Cherukadha (or other chosen language) | Common | 4 | Modern Malayalam Poetry, Malayalam Short Stories, Contemporary Literary Trends, Social Themes in Literature, Literary Criticism in Malayalam, Translation Studies |
| ENG4B08 | Shakespeare Studies | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Context, Shakespearean Tragedies, Comedies and Romances, Sonnets and Poetic Devices, Language and Imagery, Performance and Adaptation |
| ENG4B09 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial and Revolutionary Literature, American Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Fiction, Postmodern Voices, African-American Literature |
| EVS4B10 | Environmental Studies | Core (Mandatory for all UG programs) | 4 | Natural Resources, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Sustainable Development, Environmental Ethics |
| JOU4C04 | Electronic Media and Digital Journalism | Complementary (Example) | 3 | Radio and Television Journalism, Online Journalism, Social Media Reporting, Podcasting and Vlogging, Multimedia Storytelling, Citizen Journalism |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG5B11 | European Literature (excluding British) | Core | 4 | Russian Realism, French Symbolism, German Expressionism, Existentialism in Literature, Modern European Novel, Absurdist Theatre |
| ENG5B12 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Canadian and Australian Literatures, Diaspora and Migration Narratives, Hybridity and Identity |
| ENG5B13 | Film Studies | Core | 4 | Film as an Art Form, Introduction to Film Theory, Film Genres, Indian Cinema, World Cinema, Adaptation of Literature to Film |
| ENG5B14 | Gender Studies and Literature | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Gender Identity and Performance, Representation of Gender in Literature, Queer Studies, Women''''s Writing, Masculinities in Literature |
| ENG5D01 | Creative Writing | Elective (Open Elective - Example) | 3 | Poetry Writing Techniques, Short Story Writing, Script Writing Fundamentals, Blogging and Content Creation, Editing and Revision, Publishing Processes |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG6B15 | Postcolonial Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Key Postcolonial Theorists, Subalternity and Voice, Orientalism and Occidentalism, Nation and Narration, Hybridity and Mimicry, Resistance and Decolonization |
| ENG6B16 | Research Methodology for Literary Studies | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Citation Styles (MLA/APA), Thesis Construction, Literary Research Tools, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism |
| ENG6B17 (P) | Project / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Project Proposal Development, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation of Findings, Bibliography and Referencing |
| ENG6E01 | Eco-criticism | Elective (Programme Elective - Example) | 3 | Environmental Literature, Nature Writing, Ecofeminism, Green Poetics, Anthropocene Narratives, Sustainability in Literature |
| ENG6E02 | Disability Studies | Elective (Programme Elective - Example) | 3 | Representation of Disability, Disability Models, Literature and Disability, Identity and Disability, Social Justice Issues, Inclusive Communication |
