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M-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 M.A. English program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on developing advanced literary, critical, and analytical skills. It delves into diverse literary traditions, theories, and contemporary global perspectives, highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning creative and media industries. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach prepares students for various roles in academic research, content creation, and professional communication.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English literature or related humanities, aspiring to build a career in academia, publishing, or content development. It also suits working professionals looking to enhance their critical thinking and communication skills for roles in journalism, advertising, or education. Individuals with a keen interest in cultural studies and global literature will find this specialization particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India, including roles as university lecturers, content writers, editors, journalists, and public relations specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with the demand for skilled communicators and researchers in India''''s growing digital content and education sectors, offering strong growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Literary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core literary texts from various periods, focusing on critical analysis and understanding historical contexts. Participate in literary discussions and debates to articulate interpretations clearly.
Tools & Resources
Online literary archives (Project Gutenberg), Institutional library resources, Peer study groups, Academic journals
Career Connection
Develops foundational critical thinking and analytical skills essential for research, content creation, and academic roles.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Prioritize developing strong academic writing skills, including essay structuring, argumentation, and citation. Practice identifying credible sources and formulating research questions effectively.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Institutional writing centers, Academic style guides (MLA/APA), JSTOR, Google Scholar
Career Connection
Crucial for dissertations, academic publications, and any professional role requiring precise written communication.
Cultivate Effective Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and present ideas concisely. Join literary clubs or public speaking forums to enhance oral communication and presentation abilities.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (if available), University debate societies, Online communication courses, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Essential for interviews, teaching, public relations, and leadership roles in any industry.
Intermediate Stage
Dive into Specialized Literary Theories- (Semester 3-4)
Explore diverse literary theories beyond the curriculum, such as post-humanism or ecocriticism, through independent reading and online courses. Apply these theories to analyze texts from fresh perspectives.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera, EdX, University library''''s theory collections, Specialized academic blogs
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical prowess, crucial for academic research, specialized content roles, and critical editorial positions.
Gain Practical Exposure through Internships- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks))
Seek internships with Indian publishing houses, content marketing agencies, media organizations, or educational technology companies to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Internshala, Company websites, Networking events
Career Connection
Provides industry experience, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers in fields like content writing, editing, and media.
Engage in Research and Academic Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Collaborate with faculty on minor research projects or participate in inter-university paper presentation competitions. Begin conceptualizing your dissertation topic early.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, University research grants, Academic conferences, Online research communities
Career Connection
Strengthens research skills, enhances academic profile for Ph.D. aspirations, and demonstrates initiative to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Master Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your M.A. dissertation, ensuring original research, rigorous methodology, and polished writing. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Academic supervisors, Plagiarism checkers, Referencing software
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation serves as a strong portfolio piece, showcasing advanced research capabilities and deep understanding of a specialized area, vital for academic and research roles.
Develop a Professional Portfolio & Network- (Semester 4 and Post-Graduation)
Curate a portfolio of your best academic papers, creative writing samples, or content projects. Actively network with industry professionals, alumni, and potential employers.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Personal website/blog, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Medium), Industry events, alumni association
Career Connection
Directly supports placement efforts by showcasing skills and connecting with job opportunities in publishing, media, and education.
Prepare for Career Pathways- (Semester 4)
Identify specific career goals and tailor your skill development, resume, and interview preparation accordingly. Explore options for higher education (Ph.D.) or specific industry roles.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interviews, Online courses for specific job skills (e.g., SEO for content writing), UGC NET preparation materials
Career Connection
Ensures smooth transition into desired careers by aligning academic learning with market demands and demonstrating job readiness.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. English / B.A. English Literature / B.A. English Language and Literature / B.A. Literature / B.A. Communicative English / B.A. Functional English / B.A. Journalism and Communicative English or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PENG101 | Elizabethan and Jacobean Literature | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Age, Jacobean Period, Shakespearean Tragedies, Metaphysical Poetry, Prose of the period |
| PENG102 | Restoration and Neo-Classical Literature | Core | 4 | Restoration Drama, Augustan Age, Satire and Wit, John Dryden, Alexander Pope |
| PENG103 | Romantic Literature | Core | 4 | Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Imagination, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley |
| PENG104 | Victorian Literature | Core | 4 | Victorian Age, Social Issues, Victorian Novel, Tennyson, Browning, Dickens |
| PENG105 | Literary Criticism I | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Plato and Aristotle, Horace and Longinus, Philip Sidney, Renaissance Criticism |
| PENG1E1A | Indian Writing in English (Elective I) | Elective | 4 | Origin of IWE, Early Novelists, Poetry and Drama, Post-Colonial themes, Contemporary Indian Voices |
| PENG1E1B | American Literature (Elective I) | Elective | 4 | Early American Writers, Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Novel, Contemporary Voices |
| PENG1E1C | English Language Teaching (ELT) (Elective I) | Elective | 4 | Principles of ELT, Approaches and Methods, Teaching Language Skills, Classroom Management, Assessment in ELT |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PENG201 | Modern British Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism, World Wars Impact, T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, George Orwell |
| PENG202 | Post-Colonial Literature | Core | 4 | Post-colonial Theory, Identity and Hybridity, Resistance Literature, Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o |
| PENG203 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Feminist Criticism, Marxist Criticism, New Criticism, Reader-response |
| PENG204 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Process, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Citation Styles, Research Ethics |
| PENG205 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Shakespearean Comedies, Tragedies and Romances, Sonnets, Historical Context, Dramatic Techniques |
| PENG2E1A | Commonwealth Literature (Elective II) | Elective | 4 | Commonwealth Nations, Literature from Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Africa and Caribbean Literature, Diaspora Narratives |
| PENG2E1B | Women’s Writing (Elective II) | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Women''''s Voices, Patriarchy and Resistance, Representation of Women, Indian Women Writers |
| PENG2E1C | Translation Studies (Elective II) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Issues in Translation, Untranslatability, Machine Translation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PENG301 | European Literature in Translation | Core | 4 | European Literary Movements, Greek and Roman Drama, Russian Novel, French Existentialism, German Romanticism |
| PENG302 | English Language Studies | Core | 4 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Applied Linguistics |
| PENG303 | South Asian Literature | Core | 4 | Literature from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, Diaspora Literature, Partition Literature |
| PENG304 | Diaspora Literature | Core | 4 | Diaspora Studies, Migration and Displacement, Home and Exile, Hybrid Identity, Indian Diaspora Writers |
| PENG3E1A | Children’s Literature (Elective III) | Elective | 4 | History of Children''''s Lit, Genres in Children''''s Lit, Bildungsroman, Fantasy and Adventure, Indian Children''''s Authors |
| PENG3E1B | Eco-criticism (Elective III) | Elective | 4 | Ecocritical Theory, Nature in Literature, Environmentalism, Anthropocene, Green Studies |
| PENG3E1C | Stylistics (Elective III) | Elective | 4 | Levels of Style, Foregrounding, Literary Devices, Discourse Analysis, Register and Genre |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PENG401 | Literary Criticism II | Core | 4 | Modern Criticism, Russian Formalism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Archetypal Criticism, Deconstruction |
| PENG402 | Soft Skills & Professional English | Core | 4 | Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion Techniques, Interview Preparation, Professional Correspondence |
| PENG4PR | Project / Dissertation | Project | 8 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Chapter Writing, Viva Voce |
| PENG4E1A | Digital Humanities (Elective IV) | Elective | 4 | Digital Tools for Literature, Text Encoding, Data Visualization, Digital Archives, AI in Humanities |
| PENG4E1B | Film Studies (Elective IV) | Elective | 4 | Film Theory, Narratology, Auteur Theory, Indian Cinema, Adaptation, Genre Studies |
| PENG4E1C | World Literatures (Elective IV) | Elective | 4 | Global Literary Trends, Latin American Literature, African Literature, Nobel Laureates, Comparative Literature |
