MA in English

The programme was founded in 1991, one of the first MA English programmes in an affiliate college in Bangalore. Over the years, through the freedom granted by autonomy, the curriculum has been regularly revised to allow inclusion of new areas within literary studies and the cultural turn that English studies has witnessed across the world at the turn of the century. Balancing courses that impart domain knowledge as well as skill sets, the programme seeks to equip students for research and employment. It fosters erudite reading skills and ability think critically. It allows a substantial amount of choice, both in evolving students’ individual interests across core papers, and in selecting a subject for research in the final year.

The courses are structured with the following general objectives:

• Develop critical and analytical skills
• Inculcate research thinking
• Nuanced understanding of the world
• Foster strong sense of empathy for the subaltern
• Improve written and spoken communication
• Impart skills to enhance employability

On completion of the MA English programme, the students are equipped with comprehensive knowledge of the domain as well as social and professional skills. The following are the broad outcomes:

• Advanced Proficiency in Language and Communication:
  • Demonstrated mastery of written and spoken English, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively in various forms, such as academic essays, critical analyses, and creative writing.
• In-depth Literary Analysis and Criticism:
  • Proficiency in analysing literary works from different genres, periods, and cultural contexts.
  • Capability to apply various critical theories to interpret and evaluate literature.
• Knowledge of Literary History and Traditions:
  • Comprehensive understanding of the historical development of English literature and major literary movements.
• Research and Scholarly Skills:
  • Competence in conducting thorough research, utilizing academic databases, and critically evaluating sources.
  • Ability to develop and present well-structured, evidence-based arguments in scholarly writing.
• Cultural and Global Awareness:
  • Awareness of diverse cultural perspectives as represented in literature and the ability to engage in cross-cultural analysis.
  • Recognition of the global impact and dissemination of Literature.
• Creative Expression and Writing Proficiency:
  • A capacity to produce original creative writing, such as poetry, fiction, or drama, exhibiting innovative ideas and artistic flair.
  • Skill in editing and revising creative work to achieve literary excellence.
• Interdisciplinary Connections:
  • Ability to draw connections between literature and other fields of study, such as history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology.
  • Utilization of interdisciplinary approaches to enrich literary analysis.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
  • Development of critical thinking skills to identify complex issues within literary texts and propose insightful solutions.
  • Application of critical reasoning to engage with literary debates and theoretical questions.
• Ethical and Professional Conduct:
  • Understanding of ethical considerations in literary research and academic writing.
  • Adherence to professional standards in writing and engaging with literary scholarship.
• Effective Teaching and Communication Skills:
  • Proficiency in conveying complex literary concepts to diverse audiences, including teaching and public speaking.
  • Ability to design engaging and informative lessons for literature courses.
• Preparation for Further Academic Pursuits:
  • Readiness for Ph.D. programs in English or related disciplines.
  • Capacity to contribute to the academic community through conference presentations and publications.
• Proficient Digital Content Creation:
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to create engaging and relevant content for various digital platforms, including websites, social media, blogs, and multimedia presentations.
  • They will develop skills in crafting attention-grabbing headlines, writing concise and compelling copy, and incorporating multimedia elements effectively to enhance the digital content.
  • They will understand the importance of adhering to web accessibility and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) guidelines
• Editing and Proofreading Skills:
  • Students will acquire editing and proofreading techniques.
  • They will learn to identify and rectify grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensure consistency in tone and style across publications.