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B-A in English at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is English at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This B.A. English program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on developing critical thinking, literary analysis, and advanced communication skills. It delves into diverse literary traditions, including Indian, American, and Postcolonial literature, providing a global perspective relevant to India''''s evolving media and cultural landscape. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing students for diverse professional roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates passionate about literature, language, and critical inquiry. It suits aspiring educators, writers, journalists, content creators, and those aiming for civil services, who seek a robust foundation in humanities. Individuals interested in cultural studies, media analysis, or pursuing higher education in English and related fields will find this specialization enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles in publishing, content writing, media houses, teaching, and public relations within India. They develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, vital for careers in journalism, advertising, and even civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from 2.5 to 4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning 6-10 LPA or more in specialized content and editorial roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Extensive Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts and explore additional literary works from diverse genres and authors. Maintain a reading journal to document insights, questions, and reflections, building a strong foundation in literary knowledge and critical appreciation.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, Goodreads, Project Gutenberg, Literary Journals
Career Connection
Enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical abilities, crucial for strong communication skills valued in all professional fields and higher studies.
Master Foundational Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in writing workshops and focus on improving grammar, syntax, and essay structuring. Practice academic writing for assignments, seeking regular feedback from professors to refine clarity, coherence, and argumentative strength.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, University Writing Center, Peer Review Groups
Career Connection
Develops pristine written communication, a non-negotiable skill for content creation, journalism, academic research, and effective workplace correspondence.
Engage in Literary Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Join the departmental literary club or student forums to participate in discussions, book reviews, and debates. Actively contribute your interpretations and respectfully challenge others, fostering critical thinking and articulate expression.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Literary Club, Online Discussion Forums, Debate Competitions
Career Connection
Sharpens oral communication, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation, essential for leadership roles, teaching, and media professions.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Internships in Related Industries- (Semester 3-5)
Actively search for internships in publishing houses, media organizations, content writing agencies, or educational institutions during semester breaks. Gain practical experience in editing, proofreading, content creation, or academic support roles.
Tools & Resources
University Placement Cell, Internshala, LinkedIn Jobs, Company Websites
Career Connection
Provides valuable industry exposure, helps build a professional network, and translates theoretical knowledge into practical skills, significantly boosting employability.
Develop Advanced Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Undertake independent research projects on topics of interest, focusing on in-depth literary analysis and critical evaluation. Learn to use academic databases and citation styles effectively for producing well-supported arguments.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, MLA Handbook, University Research Mentors
Career Connection
Essential for postgraduate studies, research-oriented careers, and roles requiring critical thinking and problem-solving, like policy analysis or strategic communication.
Participate in Academic Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and, if possible, present papers at inter-collegiate or national level academic conferences related to English literature or language. Engage in specialized workshops to gain insights into specific literary theories, genres, or communication skills.
Tools & Resources
University Event Calendar, Reputable Academic Organizations, Departmental Announcements
Career Connection
Builds academic credentials, hones presentation skills, facilitates networking with scholars, and exposes students to cutting-edge research in the field.
Advanced Stage
Build a Professional Portfolio and Resume- (Semester 6)
Compile a robust portfolio showcasing your best academic essays, creative writing pieces, research papers, and any professional writing samples from internships. Develop a tailored resume highlighting skills relevant to your target career path.
Tools & Resources
Behance (for creative work), LinkedIn Profile, Canva (for resume design), University Career Services
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and resume are crucial for demonstrating practical skills and experience to potential employers, significantly improving placement prospects.
Prepare for Higher Studies and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
For those aspiring to academia or civil services, begin preparation for exams like NET/SET (National Eligibility Test/State Eligibility Test) or UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). Focus on broad knowledge, critical reasoning, and current affairs.
Tools & Resources
NTA NET/SET Previous Papers, UPSC Study Materials, Online Coaching Platforms, Subject-specific reference books
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into academic research, teaching positions at colleges, or esteemed government administrative roles, opening significant career growth trajectories in India.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)
Actively connect with program alumni and professionals in your desired industries through alumni meets, networking events, and platforms like LinkedIn. Seek mentorship, career advice, and insights into current industry trends and job market demands.
Tools & Resources
Vels University Alumni Network, LinkedIn, Industry-specific Conferences
Career Connection
Facilitates mentorship, opens doors to hidden job opportunities, provides invaluable career guidance, and establishes crucial professional connections for future career progression.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Higher Secondary Course (10+2 pattern) or equivalent with English as one of the subjects.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 124 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U23FLN101 | Language I (Tamil/Hindi/French) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Basic Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Essay and Letter Writing, Introduction to Literary Forms, Cultural Nuances of Language |
| U23FEN101 | English I: PROSE, POETRY & DRAMA | Compulsory English | 4 | Understanding Prose Forms, Poetic Devices and Appreciation, Elements of Drama, Literary Appreciation, Critical Analysis of Texts |
| U23FENC01 | HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE I (From Chaucer to Elizabethan Age) | Core | 4 | Chaucer and His Age, The English Renaissance, Elizabethan Poetry and Sonnets, Elizabethan Drama and Playwrights, Prose of the Elizabethan Period |
| U23FENC02 | HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE II (From Elizabethan Age to Restoration Age) | Core | 4 | Metaphysical Poetry, The Puritan Age and Milton, Restoration Drama, John Dryden and his Works, Seventeenth-Century Prose |
| U23FENA01 | SOCIAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND I (From Roman Period to Restoration Period) | Allied | 4 | Roman and Anglo-Saxon Britain, The Norman Conquest, Medieval Society and Culture, The Renaissance and Reformation, Civil War and the Restoration |
| U23FNVA01 | ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES | Value Added Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources and Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Climate Change and Sustainable Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U23FLN201 | Language II (Tamil/Hindi/French) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Syntax, Literary Movements and Authors, Creative Writing and Translation, Oral Communication Skills, Cultural Contexts of Language Use |
| U23FEN201 | English II: EXTENSIVE READING & SHORT FICTION | Compulsory English | 4 | Elements of Short Story, Analysis of Novellas, Literary Techniques and Devices, Character Development and Plot Structures, Themes in Short Fiction |
| U23FENC03 | HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE III (From Neo-Classical Age to Romantic Age) | Core | 4 | The Neo-Classical Age, Augustan Prose and Satire, Poetry of Sensibility, Romanticism and its Ideals, Major Romantic Poets and Prose Writers |
| U23FENC04 | HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IV (From Victorian Age to Modern Age) | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry and Prose, The Victorian Novel, Aestheticism and Decadence, Modernism and its Manifestations, Post-Modern and Contemporary Literature |
| U23FENA02 | SOCIAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND II (From Glorious Revolution to Post-War Period) | Allied | 4 | The Glorious Revolution, The Industrial Revolution, Victorian Society and Reforms, Impact of World Wars, Post-War Britain and Social Changes |
| U23FNAE01 | ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Oral Communication Skills, Written Business Communication, Presentation Techniques, Group Discussions and Interviews, Technical Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U23FENC05 | AMERICAN LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Early American Writing, Transcendentalism and Romanticism, Modern American Novel, African American Literature, Contemporary American Poetry and Drama |
| U23FENC06 | INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH I (Poetry & Drama) | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Poetry, Modern Indian English Poets, Indian English Drama and Playwrights, Themes in Indian English Literature, Post-Independence Indian English Writing |
| U23FENA03 | LITERARY CRITICISM I (From Classical to Romantic Criticism) | Allied | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Matthew Arnold and Cultural Criticism, Russian Formalism |
| U23FNSE01 | CREATIVE WRITING | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) - Choice based | 2 | Elements of Fiction Writing, Poetry and Poetic Forms, Playwriting Basics, Dialogue and Narrative Development, Editing and Revision Techniques |
| U23FENE01 | JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION (Elective I - One of three choices) | Elective | 3 | Principles of Journalism, News Reporting and Editing, Media Ethics and Law, Print and Broadcast Journalism, Role of Mass Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U23FENC07 | POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory and Concepts, Subaltern Studies and Hybridity, Themes of Colonization and Resistance, Diaspora and Identity, Major Postcolonial Authors |
| U23FENC08 | INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH II (Fiction & Prose) | Core | 4 | Indian English Novel Development, Short Fiction by Indian Writers, Autobiographical and Memoir Writing, Themes of Partition and Identity, Contemporary Trends in Indian Prose |
| U23FENA04 | LITERARY CRITICISM II (From Victorian to Modern Criticism) | Allied | 4 | Victorian Critical Approaches, New Criticism and its Principles, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction and Reader-Response Theory, Feminist Criticism |
| U23FNSE02 | PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) - Choice based | 2 | Business Correspondence, Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interview Techniques, Presentation Skills for Professionals, Email Etiquette and Report Writing |
| U23FENE04 | WOMEN’S WRITING (Elective II - One of three choices) | Elective | 3 | Feminist Literary Theory, Women Writers through Ages, Themes of Patriarchy and Resistance, Gender Roles and Representation, Female Identity and Experience |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U23FENC09 | SHAKESPEARE | Core | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedies, Comedies and History Plays, Shakespeare''''s Poetic Language, Characters and Themes in Plays, Critical Interpretations of Shakespeare |
| U23FENC10 | EUROPEAN CLASSICS IN TRANSLATION | Core | 4 | Greek Tragedies and Epics, Roman Literature, Medieval European Works, Renaissance Masterpieces, Modern European Literature |
| U23FENC11 | LITERARY THEORY | Core | 4 | Marxist Literary Theory, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Theory, Postcolonial Theory, Deconstruction and Postmodernism |
| U23FENC12 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Research Ethics and Report Writing |
| U23FENE07 | TECHNICAL WRITING (Elective III - One of three choices) | Elective | 3 | Principles of Technical Communication, User Manuals and Instructions, Technical Reports and Proposals, Visuals in Technical Writing, Audience Analysis and Usability |
| U23FENE10 | INDIAN AESTHETICS (Elective IV - One of three choices) | Elective | 3 | Rasa Theory, Dhvani and Alankara, Natyashastra, Concepts of Beauty in Indian Arts, Traditional Indian Literary Theories |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U23FENC13 | WORLD LITERATURE | Core | 4 | African and Latin American Literature, Asian and Middle Eastern Literature, Nobel Laureates in Literature, Global Literary Trends, Cross-Cultural Literary Studies |
| U23FENC14 | CONTEMPORARY LITERARY THEORIES | Core | 4 | Ecocriticism and Environmental Literature, Digital Humanities, Cognitive Literary Studies, Trauma Theory, Disability Studies and Animal Studies |
| U23FENC15 | ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING | Core | 4 | Theories of Language Acquisition, ESL/EFL Methodologies, Lesson Planning and Classroom Management, Assessment in ELT, Materials Development and Evaluation |
| U23FENP01 | PROJECT WORK / INTERNSHIP | Project/Internship | 6 | Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation Skills, Practical Application of Learning |
| U23FENE13 | LITERARY TRANSLATION (Elective V - One of three choices) | Elective | 3 | Theories of Translation, Equivalence and Untranslatability, Cultural Context in Translation, Literary Genres and Translation, Practice of Literary Translation |
| U23FENE16 | GENDER STUDIES (Elective VI - One of three choices) | Elective | 3 | Gender as a Social Construct, Feminism and Patriarchy, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Representation of Gender in Literature |
