M.A. in English Language and Literature

The M.A. in English Language and Literature at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is one of the oldest programmes offered by the Institute, and hence the foundation of the curricular and pedagogical aspects has been laid by stalwarts and academic luminaries such as Prof. V K Gokak, Prof. Jayalakshmi Gopinath, Prof. Anima Mukherjee, Prof. Zeba Bashiruddin and Prof. Rajeshwari C Patel, among others.

This two-year programme is open to graduates from any discipline with a passion for studying English literature. The comprehensive and well-represented curriculum brings together the best of the old and the new in English literary and linguistic studies, ranging from Brit Lit survey courses to electives and interdisciplinary papers, focused on strengthening the learners’ existing skills and developing new ones. This includes professional skills in literary studies such as critical thinking, researching, and presentation.

The programme helps the students get immersed in an exciting world of learning with faculty members who are experts in teaching courses in Linguistics, ELT, Media Studies, Indian Writing in English, Postcolonial Literatures, American Literature, European Classics, Ecocritical Studies, Popular Culture Studies, Translation Studies, Women’s Writing, Life Writing, Comparative Literature and Literary Theory, etc. This will give students a solid grounding in periods and genres of English literature.

The second year of the programme is devised to support research, with coursework and training given in research methods and methodologies so that students who secure a CGPA of 6.5 or more after the first three semesters of study can opt for writing their dissertation in the IV semester on a topic of their choice, with the help of a supervisor.

Every year, students get ample opportunity to write and present research papers in national and international conferences, leading to publication of their work, and get involved in literary events, performances, colloquiums, and online and onsite talks by experts.

Graduates of the programme can pursue careers in a broad range of fields such as content writing, editing, publishing, advertising, journalism, television and media, public relations, librarian jobs, and teaching and research. They may also venture into entrepreneurship in writing and publishing or related fields.

They can also choose to pursue doctoral studies at SSSIHL to conduct research in their area(s) of interest to deepen their knowledge and progress to an academic career. The skills and knowledge base that the students build will be sought after across different sectors.