

M-A-TAMIL in Tamil at University of Calicut


Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Tamil at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This M.A. Tamil program at University of Calicut focuses on a profound exploration of Tamil language, literature, and culture from ancient to modern periods. It delves into classical Sangam works, devotional poetry, epic narratives, grammar, linguistics, and contemporary literary forms, aligning with India''''s rich linguistic heritage. The program prepares students for diverse roles in academia, research, and cultural preservation, reflecting a strong demand for Tamil language experts in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.A. in Tamil or equivalent, seeking entry into academic research, teaching, or cultural heritage roles. It also suits working professionals, such as school teachers or content creators, looking to deepen their expertise or transition into higher education and specialized language services. Individuals passionate about the nuances of Tamil literature, history, and linguistic studies will thrive here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect career paths as college professors, researchers, content writers, translators, journalists, or cultural archivists within India. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in state education boards, publishing houses, and media organizations, often aligning with professional certifications for teaching or research eligibility like UGC NET.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundations in Classical Tamil- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand Sangam literature, ancient grammar, and Post-Sangam epics. Focus on the historical context and philosophical underpinnings of these texts. Participate in study groups to discuss complex poetic and grammatical structures.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, classical Tamil commentaries, online archives of Sangam texts, peer discussion forums
Career Connection
A deep understanding of classical Tamil is crucial for academic research, teaching roles, and preserving cultural heritage, making graduates highly valuable in these fields.
Develop Analytical and Critical Reading Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage critically with both ancient and modern Tamil literature. Practice identifying literary devices, themes, and societal reflections. Write analytical essays regularly, seeking feedback from professors and peers to refine your critical lens and argumentative clarity.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, literary criticism texts, online essay writing platforms, workshops on critical thinking
Career Connection
Enhances research capabilities, preparing for roles in content creation, journalism, and literary analysis, which require sharp analytical minds.
Initiate Basic Research & Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Start practicing basic academic research by exploring topics beyond assigned readings. Prepare and deliver short presentations on literary themes or linguistic concepts in class. This builds confidence and hones public speaking abilities essential for academic and professional settings.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides, university research guides, public speaking clubs, peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Early exposure to research and presentation skills provides a significant advantage for project work, seminars, and future conference participation, boosting employability.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialized Literary Forms- (Semester 3)
Based on core and elective choices, intensely study specific literary forms like Medieval Epics, Folk Literature, or comparative literary theories. Go beyond syllabus requirements by reading supplementary texts and critical analyses. Formulate your initial research interests.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, specific critical editions of texts, online literary archives, discussions with subject matter experts
Career Connection
Specialization enhances expertise for focused research projects, dissertation work, and eligibility for specific academic positions or cultural conservation roles.
Explore Interdisciplinary Perspectives- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek connections between Tamil literature and other fields like history, anthropology, or media studies. Attend guest lectures and workshops on topics that bridge disciplines. This broadens intellectual horizons and uncovers new research avenues.
Tools & Resources
Cross-departmental seminars, interdisciplinary research papers, academic events focused on cultural studies
Career Connection
Developing an interdisciplinary outlook makes you a versatile candidate for research, policy-making in cultural departments, and roles requiring a holistic understanding of societal impact.
Initiate Professional Networking- (Semester 3)
Begin connecting with professors, visiting scholars, and alumni working in relevant fields. Attend departmental colloquia, and if possible, regional literary conferences. Build relationships that could lead to mentorship, research collaborations, or internship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university alumni network, professional associations for Tamil language and literature
Career Connection
A strong professional network is invaluable for job referrals, career guidance, and staying updated on industry trends, significantly aiding in placement.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Research Project & Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate rigorous effort to your final semester project/dissertation. Choose a topic that aligns with your career goals, conduct thorough research, and refine your writing and analytical skills. Seek regular feedback from your guide and peers.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, statistical software if applicable, university ethics guidelines, academic writing centers
Career Connection
A strong project/dissertation is a key portfolio piece, demonstrating research aptitude essential for Ph.D. admissions, academic positions, and high-level research roles.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations & Placements- (Semester 4)
Start preparing early for competitive exams like UGC NET/SET if pursuing academia, or develop a strong resume and interview skills for other careers. Attend campus placement drives and career counseling sessions offered by the university.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET study materials, online mock tests, career guidance cells, interview preparation workshops
Career Connection
Direct preparation for these milestones significantly increases chances of securing desired placements in teaching, research, government, or media sectors.
Cultivate Professional Communication & Digital Literacy- (Semester 4)
Refine your formal communication skills, both written and oral, crucial for academic publications and professional correspondence. Ensure proficiency in using office software, academic databases, and digital presentation tools. Master online conferencing for remote collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace, academic writing guides, online presentation tutorials, Zoom/Google Meet
Career Connection
Strong professional communication and digital literacy are universally valued skills, making graduates adaptable and effective in any modern workplace environment.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any candidate who has passed B.A. Degree in Tamil of this University or a degree recognised as equivalent thereto shall be eligible for admission to the M.A. Tamil Programme.
Duration: 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL1C01 | பழந்தமிழ் இலக்கியம் | Core | 4 | சங்க இலக்கியம், எட்டுத்தொகை, பத்துப் பாட்டு, அகப்பொருள், புறப்பொருள், தொல்காப்பியம் |
| MTL1C02 | இக்காலத் தமிழ் இலக்கியம் | Core | 4 | புதுக்கவிதை, சிறுகதை, நாவல், நாடகம், திறனாய்வு |
| MTL1C03 | இலக்கணம் - எழுத்ததிகாரம் & சொல்லதிகாரம் | Core | 4 | தொல்காப்பியம், நன்னூல், எழுத்திலக்கணம், சொல்லிலக்கணம், எழுத்து வகைகள், பெயர்ச்சொல் |
| MTL1C04 | திராவிட மொழியியல் | Core | 4 | மொழிக் குடும்பங்கள், திராவிட மொழிகள், மொழி வளர்ச்சிக் கோட்பாடுகள், ஒப்பிலக்கணம், செம்மொழி |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL2C05 | சங்கம் மருவிய தமிழ் இலக்கியம் | Core | 4 | பதினெண்கீழ்க்கணக்கு நூல்கள், ஐம்பெருங்காப்பியங்கள், ஐஞ்சிறுகாப்பியங்கள், சிலப்பதிகாரம், மணிமேகலை |
| MTL2C06 | பக்தி இலக்கியம் | Core | 4 | ஆழ்வார்கள், நாயன்மார்கள், தேவாரம், நாலாயிர திவ்ய பிரபந்தம், சிற்றிலக்கியங்கள் |
| MTL2C07 | இலக்கணம் - பொருளதிகாரம் & யாப்பிலக்கணம் | Core | 4 | தொல்காப்பியம் பொருளதிகாரம், யாப்பிலக்கணம், அணியிலக்கணம், செய்யுள் உறுப்புகள், அகப்பொருள், புறப்பொருள் |
| MTL2C08 | திறனாய்வுக் கோட்பாடுகள் | Core | 4 | மேற்கத்திய திறனாய்வு, இந்தியத் திறனாய்வு, சங்க இலக்கியத் திறனாய்வு, மார்க்சியத் திறனாய்வு, நவீனத் திறனாய்வு |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL3C09 | இடைக்காலத் தமிழ் இலக்கியம் | Core | 4 | கம்பராமாயணம், பெரியபுராணம், திருவிளையாடற்புராணம், நாட்டுப்புற இலக்கியம், இசுலாமியத் தமிழ் இலக்கியம் |
| MTL3C10 | உரைநடை இலக்கிய வரலாறு | Core | 4 | பல்லவர் காலம், சோழர் காலம், நவீன உரைநடை, கட்டுரை, ஆராய்ச்சி உரைநடை, இதழியல் |
| MTL3C11 | ஒப்பிலக்கியம் | Core | 4 | ஒப்பிலக்கியக் கோட்பாடுகள், ஒப்பிலக்கியப் பகுப்பாய்வு, தமிழ்ப்பிற மொழிகள், பன்முகப் பார்வை |
| MTL3E01 | Elective I | Elective | 4 | கல்வெட்டாய்வு, மொழிபெயர்ப்புக் கோட்பாடுகள், இந்திய அழகியல், இலக்கிய வகைகள், பண்பாட்டுப் பரிமாற்றம் |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL4C12 | நாட்டுப்புறவியல் | Core | 4 | நாட்டுப்புற இலக்கிய வகைகள், வாய்மொழி இலக்கியம், கதைப்பாடல்கள், சடங்குகள், நம்பிக்கைகள், தமிழக நாட்டுப்புறவியல் |
| MTL4C13 | தமிழ் ஆராய்ச்சிக் கோட்பாடுகள் | Core | 4 | ஆய்வு முறையியல், கருதுகோள், தரவு சேகரிப்பு, ஆய்வுத் திட்டமிடல், மேற்கோள் குறிப்புகள் |
| MTL4E02 | Elective II | Elective | 4 | இணையவழி இதழியல், இலக்கிய விமர்சனக் கோட்பாடுகள், தமிழ் கணினியியல், எழுத்துரு மாற்றம், தகவல் தொடர்பு |
| MTL4P01 | Project & Viva Voce | Core | 4 | ஆராய்ச்சித் திட்டம், ஆய்வுச் சுருக்கம், தரவுப் பகுப்பாய்வு, முடிவுகள், வாய்மொழித் தேர்வு |




