Graduates with a BA special degree in English Literature from the University of Jaffna will have a broad, wide-ranging textual and theoretical knowledge in the field of English literary and language studies. They will possess a solid understanding of the historical development of the English language, English literature and literatures written in different varieties of English from different parts of the world. They will have a clear view of the paradigms deployed in literary analysis and language studies and be able to analyze literary texts and linguistic situations critically bringing in inter-disciplinary approaches and interpret them from various perspectives. While possessing the methodological expertise and writing skills necessary for analyses and research in literary and language studies, they will adhere to professional ethics and be keen on participating in the ongoing scholarly conversations in their areas of academic interest.

Graduate Attributes

A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) graduate in English Literature of the University of Jaffna will be

Academically excellent:

• Possessing a sound textual and theoretical knowledge with strong English language fluency and communication skills

• Having the ability to read carefully, think critically, and distinguish between and synthesize ideas in order to generate new knowledge

• Having the ability to conduct in-depth, inter-disciplinary research on key topics in the discipline of English Literature

• Showing a keen interest in archival research

• Engaging in public discussions in ways that make his/her scholarship meaningful and relevant to society at-large

Employable and able to contribute to regional and national development:

• Possessing the qualities necessary to work in harmony in diverse cultural environments and share knowledge

• Being adaptable, flexible and work in teams to achieve targets

• Being confident, taking risks and managing work in multiple platforms applying the knowledge they gained from the Department

• Possessing different types of academic and professional skills that cater to both the public and private workforce

• Having the ability to identify and discuss regional and national issues that hinder development at the regional and national levels

A sensitive global citizen:

• Possessing the ability to respond to literature with a great sense of sensitivity and responsibility, and reflect such sensitivity in responding to everyday events

• Fostering loving-kindness, compassion, empathy and patience that would help create responsible global citizens who have high regard for justice, ethics, equity and human rights

• Conducting themselves as civic-conscious individuals who are more accepting and considerate of other human beings in diverse and multi-cultural environments

• Developing their critical thinking skills and sensitizing themselves to understand the multi-faceted nature of phenomena and the complexities that arise in making value judgements

• Acting as individuals who are able to respond proactively to human suffering rather than being passive observers