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B-A in English Language And Literature at Viswabrahmana College, Vechoochira
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is English Language and Literature at Viswabrahmana College, Vechoochira Pathanamthitta?
This B.A. English Language and Literature program at Viswabrahmana College, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, focuses on developing a deep understanding of literary traditions, critical theories, and the nuances of the English language. It equips students with analytical, communicative, and creative skills highly valued in India''''s growing content, media, and education sectors. The program''''s comprehensive curriculum differentiates it by blending classical literature with contemporary studies, fostering a holistic intellectual growth essential for dynamic career paths.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into content writing, journalism, publishing, or teaching professions in India. It also suits individuals with a passion for literature and language who wish to pursue higher studies like M.A., B.Ed., or competitive exams. Career changers looking to transition into academic research or media roles can also benefit, provided they have a strong foundational interest in humanities and critical thinking. Students aiming for roles in corporate communication or technical writing also find value.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including content writer, journalist, editor, proofreader, teacher, public relations executive, or civil services aspirant. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in publishing or corporate communication. Growth trajectories involve leadership roles in media houses, academic positions, or specialized content roles. The program also prepares for various professional certifications in writing and communication.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Robust Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with prescribed texts and explore diverse literary genres beyond the syllabus. Join the college''''s literary club or start a peer reading group to discuss books, fostering critical analysis and diverse perspectives. This practice builds foundational knowledge and enhances comprehension skills crucial for all subsequent semesters.
Tools & Resources
College library, Online literary journals (e.g., Muse India), Goodreads, Peer discussion groups
Career Connection
Strong reading habits are fundamental for careers in writing, editing, and academic research, enabling quick assimilation of information and nuanced understanding.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on courses like ''''Critical Reasoning and Academic Writing''''. Practice essay writing, proper citation (e.g., MLA style), and basic research methods. Utilize college workshops or online resources to refine your academic presentation and avoid plagiarism. This ensures clarity and integrity in all academic submissions.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (MLA style guide), College writing center (if available), Grammarly (for proofreading), Mendeley/Zotero (for citation management)
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing is directly transferable to professional content creation, technical writing, and journalism, making you a valuable asset in the content industry.
Enhance Communicative English Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in communicative English classes, debates, and public speaking events within the college. Practice daily spoken English with peers and faculty. Focus on pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary building. This builds confidence and prepares for professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
Duolingo/FluentU (for vocabulary), Toastmasters (if available locally), English speaking clubs, News channels (for listening practice)
Career Connection
Superior communication skills are indispensable for roles in public relations, teaching, marketing, and any client-facing positions, significantly boosting employability.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek connections between English literature and complementary subjects like History, Linguistics, or Cultural Studies. Participate in inter-departmental seminars or projects. For example, analyse historical contexts in literary works or linguistic patterns in poetic forms. This broadens your analytical framework.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR/EBSCO (for academic articles), Cross-disciplinary college workshops, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary outlook is highly valued in fields like cultural journalism, research, and policy analysis, offering a unique perspective in problem-solving.
Engage with Literary Events & Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and participate in literary festivals, poetry slams, short story competitions, and quizzes organized by the college or other institutions in Kerala. Present your original creative writing or critical analyses. This builds confidence, network, and provides exposure to contemporary literary trends.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Association, Local literary circles, Youth festivals and inter-collegiate events
Career Connection
Participation in such events boosts your portfolio for publishing, content creation, and media roles, demonstrating initiative and talent beyond academics.
Develop Foundational Professional Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Begin exploring basic professional skills relevant to your interests, such as content creation for digital platforms, basic editing/proofreading for college magazines, or social media management for college events. Take short online courses in these areas. This early exposure helps in identifying potential career paths.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX (for short courses), Canva (for content design), College magazine/newsletter teams
Career Connection
Early development of these skills creates a practical portfolio, making you more attractive to employers for internships and entry-level positions in digital marketing and publishing.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 6)
Utilize your final semester project (''''EN6PRO01'''') to delve deeply into a specific area of interest within English literature or language. Aim for original research, rigorous methodology, and a high-quality written report. Seek continuous feedback from your faculty mentor. This capstone project showcases your research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Institutional repository, Research databases (e.g., MLA International Bibliography), Statistical software (if applicable), Dedicated faculty supervision
Career Connection
A strong research project is critical for pursuing higher education (MA, PhD) and for research-oriented roles in academia, think tanks, or specialized content creation.
Prepare for Post-Graduation Opportunities- (Semester 6)
Start preparing for competitive exams like UGC NET, Civil Services, or postgraduate entrance exams (e.g., M.A. English) early in your final year. Attend career counselling sessions offered by the college, participate in mock interviews, and develop a professional resume and portfolio showcasing your skills and achievements.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Online test series for NET/UPSC, LinkedIn for networking, Resume building workshops
Career Connection
Proactive preparation opens doors to prestigious government jobs, academic careers, or further specialization, ensuring a smooth transition into your chosen professional path.
Seek Practical Industry Exposure- (Semester 5-6)
Actively look for internships in publishing houses, media companies, content marketing agencies, or educational institutions during semester breaks or your final semester. Even short-term, unpaid internships provide invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and a clearer understanding of industry demands in India.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Naukri.com (for internships), College placement cell, Direct company applications
Career Connection
Practical exposure significantly enhances your resume, often leading directly to job offers or providing critical insights for informed career decisions post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the Plus Two or equivalent examination is eligible for admission to the B.A. English Language and Literature program.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1CCC01 | Communicative English | Common Course (English) | 4 | Fundamentals of Communication, Listening and Speaking Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing for Communication, Grammar and Usage |
| ML1CCC01 | Kathasahithyam | Common Course (Additional Language - Malayalam) | 4 | History of Malayalam Fiction, Short Stories and Novels, Literary Movements, Literary Criticism, Influence of Western Literature |
| EN1COR01 | Methodology of Literary Studies | Core | 4 | Introduction to Literary Theory, Approaches to Literature, Academic Research Skills, Referencing and Citation, Close Reading Techniques |
| EN1CMP01 | Introduction to Linguistics | Complementary | 4 | Nature and Scope of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Language Acquisition |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN2CCC02 | Critical Reasoning and Academic Writing | Common Course (English) | 4 | Elements of Critical Thinking, Argumentation and Logic, Structure of Academic Essays, Research and Citation, Developing a Thesis Statement |
| ML2CCC02 | Drusyakalasahithyam | Common Course (Additional Language - Malayalam) | 4 | History of Malayalam Drama and Cinema, Playwriting Techniques, Film Theory and Analysis, Performing Arts, Literary Adaptations |
| EN2COR02 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical and Neo-classical Criticism, Romantic and Victorian Criticism, New Criticism and Formalism, Historical and Biographical Criticism, Practical Criticism |
| EN2CMP02 | Cultural Studies | Complementary | 4 | Introduction to Cultural Studies, Culture, Ideology, Hegemony, Popular Culture, Media and Representation, Globalisation and Culture |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN3CCC03 | Readings in Literature and Culture | Common Course (English) | 4 | Literary Genres and Forms, Representation of Culture in Literature, Themes in World Literature, Indian Literary Traditions, Interdisciplinary Readings |
| EN3COR03 | Reading Prose | Core | 4 | Forms of Prose: Essay, Biography, Oration, Narrative Techniques in Prose, Major Prose Writers, Rhetoric and Argumentation, Analysing Non-fiction Texts |
| EN3COR04 | Reading Poetry | Core | 4 | Elements of Poetry: Meter, Rhyme, Stanza, Poetic Devices and Figures of Speech, Forms of Poetry: Sonnet, Ode, Ballad, Major Poetic Movements, Close Reading of Poems |
| EN3CMP03 | History of Modern India (1857-1947) | Complementary | 4 | The Revolt of 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Mahatma Gandhi and Freedom Struggle, Partition of India, Social and Political Changes |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN4CCC04 | Literature and the Contemporary World | Common Course (English) | 4 | Literature and Society, Environmental Literature, Human Rights and Literature, Globalization and Culture, Digital Humanities |
| EN4COR05 | Reading Drama | Core | 4 | Elements of Drama: Plot, Character, Dialogue, Forms of Drama: Tragedy, Comedy, Farce, Greek and Elizabethan Drama, Modern and Contemporary Theatre, Stagecraft and Performance |
| EN4COR06 | Reading Fiction | Core | 4 | Elements of Fiction: Plot, Character, Setting, Narrative Perspective and Voice, Themes in Fiction, Forms of Fiction: Novel, Short Story, Novella, Analysing Fictional Texts |
| EN4CMP04 | Indian Constitution and Politics | Complementary | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Structure of Indian Government, Political Parties and Elections, Challenges to Indian Democracy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN5COR07 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | History of Indian English Writing, Major Indian English Novelists, Indian English Poetry and Drama, Themes in Indian English Literature, Post-independence Indian Writing |
| EN5COR08 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedies, Shakespearean Comedies, Historical Plays and Romances, Sonnets and Poetic Language, Elizabethan Theatre and Context |
| EN5COR09 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial and Early American Writing, Transcendentalism and Realism, Modern American Novel and Poetry, African American Literature, Contemporary American Voices |
| EN5COR10 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 4 | Theories of Postcolonialism, Literature from Africa, Caribbean Literature, South Asian Literature, Diaspora Writing |
| EN5OC01 | Creative Writing | Open Course | 3 | Techniques of Creative Writing, Writing Short Stories, Poetry Writing, Scriptwriting Basics, Editing and Revising |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN6COR11 | Modern English Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism and its Manifestations, Bloomsbury Group and War Poets, Post-War English Literature, Modernist Poetry and Prose, Modern Drama and Theatre |
| EN6COR12 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theories, Canonical Women Writers, Gender and Representation in Literature, Autobiographical and Memoir Writing, Subaltern Voices in Women''''s Writing |
| EN6COR13 | Literary Theory and Criticism | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Reader-Response Theory, New Historicism and Cultural Materialism |
| EN6COR14 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | History of ELT Methodologies, Communicative Language Teaching, Teaching Language Skills (LSRW), Lesson Planning and Materials Development, Assessment in ELT |
| EN6ELE01 | Journalism and Mass Communication | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of Journalism, News Reporting and Editing, Feature Writing and Columns, Media Ethics and Law, Introduction to Mass Communication |
| EN6PRO01 | Project | Project | 2 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
