Introduction to English Literature

The course begins with an introduction to key literary periods, movements, and genres. Students will read and analyze texts from different historical contexts, understanding the socio-political forces that shaped them.

• Key topics:
• The Renaissance and Shakespearean Drama
• The Romantic Movement
• Victorian Literature

Core Literary Genres

In this module, students explore major literary genres like poetry, drama, fiction, and prose. They will study the evolution of these genres over time, and how they reflect cultural and historical shifts.

• Key Topics:
• Poetry: Classical to Modern
• Drama: Tragedy, Comedy, and Modern Theatre
• Fiction: Novels, Short Stories

Literary Theory and Criticism

Students are introduced to various schools of literary criticism and theory that form the foundation of modern literary studies. This includes formalist, feminist, psychoanalytic, postcolonial, and Marxist readings.

• Key Topics:
• Structuralism
• Post-Structuralism
• Feminist Criticism
• Psychoanalytic Theory

World Literature

This module expands the study of literature beyond the Western canon. Students will read and analyze texts from different cultures, offering a global perspective on literature.

• Key Topics:
• African Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• Indian Writing in English

Language and Linguistics

Focusing on the structure of language, this module covers key linguistic concepts, including phonology, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics. Students will also explore the history and evolution of the English language.

• Key Topics:
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Syntax and Grammar
• Historical Linguistics

Creative Writing

This module encourages students to experiment with various forms of writing, including fiction, poetry, and drama. Emphasis is placed on creativity, originality, and critical feedback.

• Key Topics:
• Short Story Writing
• Poetry and Verse
• Scriptwriting

Modern English Literature

Focusing on 20th and 21st-century works, students will explore modernist and postmodernist texts and their impact on contemporary thought.

• Key Topics:
• Modernism and Postmodernism
• Contemporary Literature
• Famous Authors: James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Samuel Beckett

Dissertation/Final Project

In the final semester, students will undertake an in-depth research project or dissertation, applying their acquired knowledge to a topic of personal or academic interest within the realm of English literature or language.

• Objective:
• Independent research
• Academic writing and presentation skills

Conclusion

The BA English (Hons) program equips students with essential literary knowledge, critical thinking, and writing skills, offering an intellectually stimulating education. The diverse range of topics ensures a well-rounded understanding of the English language, its literature, and its significance in shaping societies.