Language Learning Journey: Literature vs. Communication

Literature is the study of prose and poetry and helps to understand the culture, attitudes, and traditions. Through literary works of authors and poets from around the world, students learn about different writing styles, interpret works of art, critique and interpret written texts, and develop an understanding of language, history, philosophy, drama, and social backgrounds. Communication plays an essential role in all aspects of professional and personal lives. It is essential for effectively conveying needs and processes within an organisation and communicating with customers about one’s products and services. Literature and Communication are related to the creative and timely use of language and lead to lucrative career opportunities.

Available Courses and their Eligibility: Literature vs. Communication
Some of the programmes that you can pursue in Literature study are:

Course Type	Course Name	Duration	Eligibility
B. A.	Literature	3- years	Minimum 50% marks in the class 12th Previous academic background in the language they wish to study
M. A.	Literature	2-years	Minimum 50% marks in an undergraduate course Bachelor’s degree in the language they wish to study
PhD		3-years	Minimum 50% marks in postgraduate course

Some of the programmes that you can pursue in Communication studies are:

Course Type	Course Name	Duration	Eligibility
Certificate	Mass Communication Corporate Communication Public Relation	6-months	Completed 10th or 12th grade from a recognised board
Diploma	Mass Communication Corporate Communication Public Relation	1-year course	Completed 10th or 12th grade from a recognised board
Bachelor	Journalism and Mass Communication Mass Communication Mass Media Journalism	3- years	Minimum 50% marks in the class 12th Entrance exam
Postgraduate Diploma	Mass Communication Corporate Communication Journalism and Mass Communication Communication Public Relations Journalism	2-years	Bachelor’s degree in any stream Entrance exam
Master	Literature	2-years	Minimum 50% marks in an undergraduate course Bachelor’s degree in the language they wish to study
PhD		3-years	Minimum 50% marks in postgraduate course

Syllabus and curriculum: Literature vs. Communication

Some of the subjects taught in Literature courses are -

• Modern Literature
• Linguistics
• History of Literature & Culture
• Medieval Literature
• Sangam Literature
• History of Language and Literature
• Literary Criticism & Creative Writing
• Folklore

The curriculum for the course covers classroom lectures, guest lectures, projects, field visits, and written exams.
Some of the subjects taught in communication courses are -

• Communication Theory
• Fundamentals of Mass Communication
• Fundamentals of Journalism
• Print Editing
• Introduction to Radio
• Advertising
• Visual Communication
• Traditional Entertainment
• Audio/ Video Production

The curriculum for the course includes classroom lectures, projects, presentations, group projects, fieldwork, written exams, viva voce exams, and internships.

Career Prospects: Literature vs. Communication

Through learning literature, one learns essential skills such as -

• Oral and written proficiency in a language
• Knowledge of culture, history, society, and human values
• Ability to compose error-free and articulate text
• Research and interpretation of texts

These skills are essential for a writer, translator, manager, and journalist. So, with a literature degree, one can seek career opportunities as -

• Translator - works with publishing companies, businesses, and tourism companies to translate books, reports, manuals, verbal communication etc.
• Writer - you can author books, or write editorials, blogs, scripts, or documents.
• Journalist - Skills learnt as a Literature student can be transferred to print, radio or TV journalism to write news articles and create audio and video scripts for newsreaders.
• Marketing Content Writer- Write SEO articles or blogs, social media content, print Ads, video scripts and more for marketing and advertising.

Through learning communication, one learns essential skills such as -

• Communication guidelines in different circumstances
• Effectively convey information for proper understanding
• Knowledge of communication tools and modes of communication
• Liaising skills
• Proficiency in oral and written communication

With these skills, one can find excellent opportunities in -

• Public Relations Officer - they work with individuals and organisations to create a strong public image by effectively communicating activities and essential news through proper channels and at reasonable times.
• Corporate Communication - Work in framing internal and external communication across written and oral channels.
• Advertising and marketing - effectively build strategies and messages to advertise and market a product or service.
• Copywriter - draft advertisement copies for effective engagement of target audience.
• Media Relations - work with individuals and organisations to build media relations and ensure timely and effective communication through the right channels to the target audience.

Language and communication are vital and professionals with strong communication skills often reach leadership roles in their fields. Literature and communication can materialise in career opportunities in various fields and there are many good institutions with focused programmes for particular roles. If you are a student with a flair for the written word and interpersonal skills, you can pursue a course in Literature or communication to hone your talent. If you are a working professional, you can do a course in Communication or literature for better performance in your role and growth in new career avenues.