.png&w=1920&q=75)
BA-LIBERAL-ARTS-HONS-SSLA in English at Symbiosis International University (SIU)
Pune, Maharashtra
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is English at Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune?
This English specialization program at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) offers a comprehensive exploration of literature, language, and critical theory. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, fostering analytical and communication skills crucial for diverse Indian industries. The program distinguishes itself through its liberal arts foundation, preparing students for dynamic roles demanding critical thought and nuanced expression.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into publishing, media, content creation, or education fields. It also suits individuals with a passion for reading and critical analysis, aspiring to become researchers, journalists, or communication specialists. Students with a strong humanities background and a desire for intellectual rigor will find this specialization particularly engaging.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including content writer, editor, journalist, academician, or public relations specialist. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Growth trajectories are strong in digital media and corporate communications. The program aligns well with competitive exams requiring strong analytical and writing abilities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate a Habit of Diverse Reading- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with a wide range of literary genres, non-fiction, and academic texts beyond the syllabus. This builds a strong foundational knowledge and enhances critical thinking necessary for literary analysis.
Tools & Resources
Goodreads, Project Gutenberg, Local libraries, University''''s digital library
Career Connection
Develops broad perspectives and a rich vocabulary, essential for content creation, journalism, and academic research.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on developing clear, concise, and well-structured academic essays. Learn proper citation methods and basic research techniques to prepare for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Mendeley for referencing, University writing center
Career Connection
Crucial for publishing, technical writing, academic careers, and any role requiring structured communication.
Participate in Literary and Debating Societies- (Semester 1-2)
Join college literary clubs, participate in debates, elocution, and creative writing competitions. This refines public speaking, persuasive communication, and imaginative expression.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, Inter-college festivals, Online writing prompts
Career Connection
Builds confidence and communication skills vital for journalism, public relations, and teaching roles.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Mentorship and Build Academic Networks- (Semester 3-4)
Connect with faculty members and senior students to discuss academic interests and career aspirations. Attend seminars and workshops to expand your network within literary and academic circles.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Departmental seminars, LinkedIn groups for English literature
Career Connection
Opens doors to research assistantships, collaborative projects, and valuable career guidance.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize the liberal arts framework to take electives in complementary fields like psychology, history, philosophy, or media studies. This broadens understanding and enhances critical perspectives on literature.
Tools & Resources
University course catalog, Online open courses (NPTEL, Coursera)
Career Connection
Creates a unique skill set attractive to roles requiring holistic thinking, such as policy analysis or cultural studies.
Start Building a Writing Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Actively contribute to college magazines, newsletters, or local online publications. Begin compiling samples of your best academic essays, creative writing, and journalistic pieces.
Tools & Resources
Blogging platforms (WordPress, Medium), Personal website, University publications
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is essential for securing internships and jobs in content writing, journalism, and publishing.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Specialization-Specific Internships- (Semester 5-6)
Secure internships in publishing houses, media organizations, content marketing agencies, or educational institutions. Gain practical experience in editing, proofreading, content creation, or research.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Internshala, Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs
Career Connection
Directly applies theoretical knowledge, builds industry contacts, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Prepare for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
If pursuing academia, start researching MA/PhD programs and prepare for entrance exams like NET/SET or GRE. If aiming for civil services, focus on current affairs and essay writing practice.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF study materials, Exam preparation institutes, University alumni network
Career Connection
Essential for academic career progression or entry into esteemed public sector roles in India.
Develop Advanced Digital and Content Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Learn advanced content tools, SEO basics, social media content strategy, or transcription and subtitling. These practical skills are highly valued in the modern digital economy.
Tools & Resources
Google Analytics Academy, HubSpot Academy, YouTube tutorials, Online certification courses
Career Connection
Enhances employability in digital marketing, social media management, technical writing, and e-learning industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from any recognized board with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST category).
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 166-170 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAF01 | Critical Thinking | Foundation | 4 | Logic and Reasoning, Argument Analysis, Problem-Solving Techniques, Cognitive Biases, Ethical Decision Making |
| LAF02 | Introduction to Psychology | Foundation | 4 | Foundations of Psychology, Cognition and Learning, Motivation and Emotion, Personality Theories, Social Psychology |
| LAF03 | Introduction to Sociology | Foundation | 4 | Sociological Perspectives, Culture and Society, Social Stratification, Family and Education, Social Change |
| LAF04 | Introduction to Economics | Foundation | 4 | Basic Economic Principles, Supply and Demand, Market Structures, National Income, Fiscal and Monetary Policy |
| LASE105 | Introduction to Literary Studies | Skill Enhancement | 3 | Literary Genres, Elements of Fiction, Poetry Analysis, Dramatic Forms, Literary Devices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAF05 | Research Methodology | Foundation | 4 | Types of Research, Formulating Research Questions, Data Collection Methods, Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Report Writing |
| LAF06 | Indian Political Thought | Foundation | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Ideas, Medieval Political Thinkers, Colonial Discourse, Modern Indian Political Philosophy, Constitutionalism |
| LAF07 | Introduction to Philosophy | Foundation | 4 | Branches of Philosophy, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Ethics, Political Philosophy |
| LASE106 | Professional Communication | Skill Enhancement | 3 | Business Correspondence, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication, Report Writing, Digital Communication |
| ENGL201 | History of English Literature I (Early to 18th Century) | Core | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Period, Renaissance and Elizabethan Age, Augustan Age, Rise of the Novel |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL202 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Origins and Development, Fiction by Indian Authors, Poetry and Drama, Themes and Issues, Regional Variations |
| ENGL203 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism |
| LASE207 | Academic Writing | Skill Enhancement | 3 | Essay Structure, Argumentation, Referencing Styles, Research Paper Writing, Avoiding Plagiarism |
| LAI208 | Interdisciplinary Elective I | Elective | 4 | Selected Topics from Humanities, Selected Topics from Social Sciences, Selected Topics from Arts, Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Specialized Area Studies |
| ENGL204 | History of English Literature II (19th to 20th Century) | Core | 4 | Romantic Movement, Victorian Age, Modernism, Post-Modernism, Contemporary Trends |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL301 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Writing, Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Fiction, African American Literature |
| ENGL302 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 4 | Theories of Postcolonialism, Decolonization Narratives, Hybridity and Identity, Commonwealth Literature, Subaltern Studies |
| ENGL303 | European Drama | Core | 4 | Greek Tragedy and Comedy, Medieval Theatre, Renaissance Drama, Absurdist Theatre, Modern European Playwrights |
| LASE209 | Digital Humanities | Skill Enhancement | 3 | Introduction to DH, Textual Analysis Tools, Digital Archiving, Data Visualization, Digital Storytelling |
| LAI210 | Interdisciplinary Elective II | Elective | 4 | Selected Topics from Creative Arts, Selected Topics from Environmental Studies, Selected Topics from Media Studies, Area Studies Focus, Cross-Cultural Perspectives |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL401 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Marxist Criticism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Deconstruction, Eco-criticism |
| ENGL402 | Research Project / Dissertation I | Project | 6 | Topic Selection, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection, Ethical Considerations |
| ENGL403 | Elective from English Literature Stream I | Elective | 4 | Shakespeare Studies, Children''''s Literature, Graphic Novels, Fantasy Literature, Travel Writing |
| ENGL404 | Elective from English Literature Stream II | Elective | 4 | Film Studies, Popular Culture Studies, World Literatures, Translation Studies, Creative Writing: Poetry |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL405 | Contemporary World Literature | Core | 4 | Globalization and Literature, Migrant Narratives, Digital Age Literature, Cross-Cultural Exchanges, Emerging Literary Forms |
| ENGL406 | Research Project / Dissertation II | Project | 6 | Data Analysis, Interpretation of Findings, Argumentation and Discussion, Thesis Writing, Presentation and Defense |
| ENGL407 | Elective from English Literature Stream III | Elective | 4 | Gender and Literature, Queer Literature, Disability Studies, Environmental Literature, Medical Humanities |
| ENGL408 | Elective from English Literature Stream IV | Elective | 4 | Journalism and Media Writing, Copywriting and Content Creation, Technical Writing, Publishing Industry, Textual Editing |
