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M-A in Tamil Language And Literature at University of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Tamil Language and Literature at University of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram?
This M.A. Tamil Language and Literature program at the University of Kerala focuses on a comprehensive study of Tamil, one of the world''''s longest-surviving classical languages. It delves into its rich linguistic heritage, extensive literary traditions from Sangam to modern periods, and its critical and cultural dimensions. The program is vital for preserving and promoting Tamil''''s unique identity in India, fostering deep understanding and critical thinking within its vast literary landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in Tamil who seek to deepen their academic and research skills in the language and its literature. It also caters to aspiring educators, scholars, and those interested in cultural preservation or media roles related to Tamil. Individuals passionate about classical languages, comparative literature, and linguistic studies will find this curriculum particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as college lecturers, researchers, content writers for Tamil media, editors, translators, and cultural heritage specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-10 LPA in academia or related fields. The program also serves as a strong foundation for M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Linguistic & Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on understanding the evolution of Tamil language, its ancient literary forms, and the nuances of early critical thought. Engage with primary texts from the Sangam period and early epigraphical records. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s collection of Tamil classics, Online archives of Dravidian language studies, Expert lectures, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for advanced research, teaching, and roles in cultural heritage preservation, enabling accurate interpretation of historical texts.
Cultivate Critical Reading & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with literary theories and critical methodologies introduced in the curriculum. Practice analyzing texts from diverse periods, identifying themes, styles, and literary devices. Form a reading club with peers to discuss and debate interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals on Tamil studies, Literary criticism texts, Online forums for discussion, University writing center support
Career Connection
Develops analytical abilities essential for academic research, journalism, editing, and any role requiring deep textual understanding.
Explore Elective Paths Early- (Semester 2)
Even in the first two semesters, research the options available for electives (e.g., Comparative Literature, Translation, Grammar). Attend introductory sessions or talk to faculty to understand which area aligns best with long-term interests and career aspirations.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Career counseling cell, Course brochures, Alumni network for insights into different specializations
Career Connection
Early exploration helps in making informed choices for specialization, enhancing future employability in niche areas like translation or linguistic computing.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialized Literary Eras & Theories- (Semester 3)
Intensively study Sangam and Bhakti literature, focusing on primary texts and their socio-cultural contexts. Simultaneously, engage with advanced literary theories and their application to Tamil texts. Participate in workshops on specific literary genres or authors and present your analyses.
Tools & Resources
Specialized commentaries on Tolkappiyam, Critical editions of literary works, Digital libraries for ancient texts, University research grants, Academic journals
Career Connection
Essential for becoming a subject matter expert, particularly for academic positions, research roles, or advanced literary criticism.
Undertake a Robust Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Begin your Project/Dissertation work early in Semester 3, identifying a unique research question, conducting thorough literature reviews, and applying appropriate research methodology. Work closely with your supervisor and aim for a high-quality academic output.
Tools & Resources
University research portal, Supervisor guidance, Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Citation management tools (Zotero, Mendeley), University writing center
Career Connection
Develops crucial research skills, independent thinking, and academic writing abilities, which are paramount for higher studies (M.Phil., Ph.D.) and research-oriented careers.
Prepare for Career Transition and Professional Roles- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with campus placement cells for opportunities in academia, media, or cultural organizations. Refine your CV, practice interview skills, and attend career fairs. If interested in teaching, prepare for NET/SET examinations.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Alumni mentors, Mock interview sessions, Online platforms for job searching, NET/SET preparatory materials
Career Connection
Direct preparation for securing placements as lecturers, researchers, content specialists, or translators, ensuring a smooth transition into the professional world.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate must have passed B.A. Degree in Tamil (Main) or B.A. / B.Sc. Degree of the University of Kerala or any other University recognized by the University of Kerala as equivalent thereto with Tamil as an optional subject having not less than 45% marks in Tamil (Main) and subsidiary put together or B.A. degree in Tamil (Main) with 45% marks in Part III (Core & Complementary courses). SC/ST candidates are eligible for admission if they have minimum pass marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA 211 | History of Tamil Language | Core | 4 | Origin and development of Tamil, Dravidian language family, History of Tamil script and phonology, Influence of Sanskrit and other languages, Dialectal variations and linguistic changes |
| TA 212 | Ancient Tamil Literature | Core | 4 | Sangam literature (Pattuppattu and Ettuthogai), Didactic literature (Pathinenkilkanakku), Early epics (Cilappatikaram, Manimekalai), Poetic conventions and themes, Historical and cultural context of early literature |
| TA 213 | History of Tamil Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Ancient critical traditions in Tamil, Medieval commentaries and interpretations, Impact of Western literary criticism, Modern and contemporary critical theories, Evolution of critical perspectives in Tamil |
| TA 214 | Epigraphy and Folkloristics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Tamil epigraphy, Decipherment of ancient Tamil inscriptions, Folk literature genres (tales, ballads, songs), Oral traditions and their significance, Folk beliefs, rituals, and cultural practices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA 221 | Medieval Tamil Literature | Core | 4 | Bhakti movement (Alvars and Nayanmars), Epic literature (Kambaramayanam, Periapuranam), Minor literary forms (Prabandhams), Philosophical and devotional poetry, Social and religious contexts of medieval works |
| TA 222 | Modern Tamil Literature (Poetry, Fiction, Drama) | Core | 4 | Bharathiyar and Bharathidasan poetry, Evolution of modern short stories and novels, Development of Tamil drama and theatre, Post-independence literary trends, Feminist and Dalit literature movements |
| TA 223 | Tolkappiyam (Ezhuthathikaram & Sollathikaram) | Core | 4 | Tolkappiyam as ancient Tamil grammar, Ezhuthathikaram: Phonology and Orthography, Sollathikaram: Morphology and Word Classification, Syntax and grammatical structures, Linguistic principles of Tolkappiyam |
| TA 224-A | Elective – I: Comparative Literature | Elective | 4 | Introduction to comparative literature, Theories and methodologies of comparison, Themes and genres across literatures, Interdisciplinary approaches to literature, Cross-cultural literary studies |
| TA 224-B | Elective – I: Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories and history of translation, Types of translation (literary, technical), Cultural and linguistic challenges in translation, Translation techniques and strategies, Role of translator and ethics in translation |
| TA 224-C | Elective – I: Tamil Grammar – Nannool | Elective | 4 | Nannool as a medieval Tamil grammar, Rules of Tamil phonology and morphology, Word formation and sentence structure, Syntax and semantics in Nannool, Practical application of Nannool grammar |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA 231 | Sangam Literature (Selected Texts) | Core | 4 | Detailed study of Pathirrupaththu, Detailed study of Kaliththokai, Detailed study of Paripadal, Poetic techniques and themes in selected texts, Socio-cultural insights from Sangam works |
| TA 232 | Bhakti Literature (Selected Texts) | Core | 4 | Alvar works (Divyaprabandham), Nayanmar works (Thevaram, Thiruvasagam), Devotional themes and expressions, Philosophical underpinnings of Bhakti poetry, Impact on Tamil society and culture |
| TA 233 | Tolkappiyam (Porulathikaram) | Core | 4 | Porulathikaram: Poetics and Dramatics, Akam (love) and Puram (heroism) conventions, Theories of literary composition, Rhetoric, prosody, and literary devices, Aesthetics and meaning in Tolkappiyam |
| TA 234-A | Elective – II: Literary Theories in Tamil | Elective | 4 | Indigenous Tamil literary theories, Application of Western theories to Tamil literature, Structuralism, post-structuralism, deconstruction, Feminist, post-colonial, and subaltern theories, Contemporary critical discourse in Tamil |
| TA 234-B | Elective – II: Folklore and Oral Traditions | Elective | 4 | Methods of folklore collection and analysis, Study of Tamil folk tales, myths, and legends, Folk songs, ballads, and ritualistic performances, Material culture and traditional arts, Role of folklore in cultural identity |
| TA 234-C | Elective – II: Tamil Computing | Elective | 4 | Tamil script encoding and Unicode standards, Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Tamil, Machine translation and text-to-speech synthesis, Digital humanities and text analysis tools, Development of Tamil software applications |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TA 241 | Ethics and Aesthetics in Tamil Literature | Core | 4 | Ethical values in Tamil classical works, Moral philosophy reflected in literature, Aesthetic theories of Tamil poetics, Concept of beauty and literary experience, Interplay of ethics and aesthetics in criticism |
| TA 242 | Research Methodology and Hermeneutics | Core | 4 | Principles of literary research design, Data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Academic writing and citation styles, Hermeneutics: Theory and practice of interpretation, Ethical considerations in research |
| TA 243 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 4 | Independent research on a chosen topic, Literature review and problem formulation, Methodology and data collection, Analysis, findings, and conclusion, Dissertation writing and oral presentation |
| TA 244-A | Elective – III: Tamil Journalism and Media Studies | Elective | 4 | History of Tamil journalism and media, Print media (newspapers, magazines), Electronic media (radio, television), Digital journalism and social media, Media ethics and communication theories |
| TA 244-B | Elective – III: Manuscriptology | Elective | 4 | Study of palm-leaf and paper manuscripts, Conservation and preservation techniques, Textual criticism and manuscript editing, Paleography and ancient script decipherment, Role of manuscripts in cultural heritage |
| TA 244-C | Elective – III: Tamil Diaspora Literature | Elective | 4 | Literature of Tamils in various diasporas, Themes of identity, migration, and nostalgia, Cultural adaptation and transnationalism, Impact of globalization on diasporic narratives, Selected works of prominent diaspora writers |
