A Complete Guide to Studying English and Literature in India

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Today, as India tries to globalize itself, the importance to learn and speak English is higher than ever before. One component of English is literature. English Literature refers to the body of work that may be written or spoken in the English language. With the dawn of the intellectual age, the demand for books, plays and poetry for academic, business and leisure purposes has increased. This has led not just to the rise in books published, but also to the establishment of courses in English Literature. A rise in the number of people taking interest in this subject has led to many institutions offering a course in English Literature. Here is a complete guide to studying English Literature in India.

Courses in English-

1. B.A. in English Literature – A student can pursue their B.A in English Literature after completing their 12^th standard. 
2. M.A in English Literature – A student can pursue their M.A in English Literature after completing their Bachelor’s degree. 
3. Ph.D. in English Literature – This can be done after completing a master’s degree.

Subject Matter

Courses in English Literature include topics such as –

1. Prose
2. Drama
3. Poetry

Although English Literature may include the above topics, students have to do much more than read books on them. Students have to analyse the texts they read and present them. They also learn past and present literature as well as the differences in the styles and settings. Students are taught the history literature where they learn its beginning and evolution. This helps them better understand what they read and makes them aware of the changes in the style of writing as well as the reason for those changes. The students are also taught different types of literature like postcolonial, fictional and renaissance literature among others.

Colleges offering a degree in English Literature

Students pursuing English Literature in India have a variety of colleges to choose from. They include-

1. ST. Stephens College, New Delhi.

2. Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata.

• Location – Emerald Bower Campus 56A, B.T. Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700050
• Courses-
  • B.A. (Hons)
  • M.A.
  • M.Phil.
  • Ph.D.

3. St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

• Location – 5, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
• Courses –
  • B.A

4. Hindu College, New Delhi.

• Location – Sudhir Bose Marg, University Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110007
• Courses –
  • B.A.

5. St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

• Location – 30 Mother Teresa Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
• Courses –
  • B.A.
  • M.A

6. Madras Christian College, Chennai.

• Location – Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600059
• Courses –
  • B.A.
  • M.A.
  • M.Phil.
  • Ph.D.

7. Presidency University, Kolkata.

• Location – 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073
• Courses –
  • B.A.
  • M.A.
  • Ph.D.

Career Opportunities

After studying English Literature, one can continue to pursue other forms of education like an MBA or law or choose to get a job. There are many career opportunities available to students. They include-

1. Media and Journalism
2. Teacher
3. Advertising and PR
4. Content Writing
5. Author
6. Entertainment and Theater
7. Business Sector
8. Social Media Manager
9. Human Resource