Q&A

English and Foreign Languages (EFL) University, Hyderabad, is a premier study centre for English Literature.

English Literature

My daughter is interested in pursuing her higher studies in English Literature or Law after Plus Two. She wants a career in the civil services. Please let us know which subject will be the better option for the degree course for preparing for the civil services and explain the higher education facilities.

Muktha, e-mail

English Literature is a good higher study option after Plus Two. Law is also a good option, if one is interested. However, English Literature offers wider choice in terms of higher education and job opportunities, when compared with Law.

Several colleges and universities in the country offer undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil. and PhD programmes in English Literature. The BA and MA courses are common and conventional. Five-year Integrated Master’s programmes in English are also a good choice.

EFL University

The English and Foreign Languages (EFL) University, Hyderabad, is a premier study centre for English Literature. It offers BA (Honours) course in English, Mass Communication, and Journalism. After BA (Hons.), candidates can go for the MA course which gives comprehensive access to English Literature and an understanding of the principles of linguistics and phonetics and second language learning and teaching. Visit www.efluniversity.ac.in for details.

Reputed colleges Lady Shri Ram College for Women, St. Stephen’s College, Miranda House, Hindu College, Hansraj College, Ramjas College, Jesus and Mary College, Kamala Nehru College for Women, Sri Venkateswara College, Indraprastha College for Women, Gargi College, and Delhi College of Arts and Commerce are some of the Delhi-based top-level colleges that offer quality education in arts and humanities subjects, including English. Meritorious Plus Two students can seek admission.

BA (Honours) in English is a good option for those planning to appear for the Civil Services examination. Academic excellence and strict discipline are the trademarks of these institutions.

Some other reputed colleges that offer higher education facilities in English Literature are Loyala College, Chennai; St Xavier’s College, Mumbai; Madras Christian College, Chennai; Christ College, Bangalore; Stella Maris College, Chennai; Fergusson College, Pune; Presidency College, Chennai; Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune; Mount Carmel College, Bangalore; K.J. Somaiya College of Arts Science and Commerce, Mumbai; Women’s Christian College, Chennai; and St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. Details of courses and admission procedures can be collected from the website of the colleges.

Integrated MA A few institutes and universities offer five-year Integrated Masters course in English.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, is one among them. It allows students to choose either English or Development Studies for specialisation from the third year. In the first two years, common subjects related to the two disciplines are taught so as to help students develop an appreciation for the multidisciplinary nature of the fundamental concepts of humanities and social sciences and help them develop professional discipline.

The English part of the course has been designed for students who have an aptitude for and sensitivity to literature and linguistic analysis, providing them a comprehensive understanding of English Literature with emphasis on current debate on literary theory, less-known literature, and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach.

The course in Linguistics will give students an insight into the structure and function of natural languages as systems of cognition and communication.

Students will be exposed to other disciplines such as Economics, Sociology, History, and Philosophy to widen their horizons of knowledge and equip them with basic quantitative and analytical skills. Students completing the programme will have a range of career options from academics to journalism and language training.

There are 46 seats. Selection is through a three-hour entrance examination. Part I has objective-type multiple choice questions for two-and-a-half hours, administered through computer, for testing English and comprehension skills, analytical and quantitative ability, and general knowledge about Indian economy and society, contemporary world affairs, and environment and ecology. Part II is essay writing. For details, visit http://hsee.iitm.ac.in

The Central University of Karnataka offers an integrated MA programme in English with the option to exit after three years with a BA (Honours) degree. There are 30 seats ( >www.cuk.ac.in ). (The list is indicative).

Job prospects Those who acquire a graduate or postgraduate degree in English Literature may take competitive examinations such as the Civil Services examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission or graduate level examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for the recruitment of middle-level officials in the Union government.

The Kerala State Public Service Commission conducts various competitive examinations for graduates for the recruitment of Assistant Grade in Government Secretariat/ KPSC/ Local Fund Audit.

Those who score at least 55% marks in the Masters degree examination may take the National Eligibility Test conducted by the University Grants Commission for appointment as assistant professors in colleges and universities. Those who qualify in the UGC/NET/JRF can do research with fellowship leading to PhD and those obtaining a PhD can get good positions in the academic field.