Elements of Literature & Creative Communication Course | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 139 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Power of Storytelling: A Deep Dive into the Elements of Literature
In a world driven by data and logic, the profound human capacity for creativity and imagination remains our most distinctive trait. Literature, as the aesthetic embodiment of this capacity, offers a unique lens to understand life, society, and our own inner worlds. The course Elements of Literature and Creative Communication, offered by the prestigious IIT Kharagpur, is designed to harness this power, guiding learners on a 12-week journey to deepen their appreciation for literary art and sharpen their critical and imaginative faculties.
Meet Your Guide: Prof. H S Komalesha
This course is led by the distinguished Prof. H S Komalesha, a Professor of English in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Kharagpur. With an illustrious career spanning poetry, translation, and critical studies, Prof. Komalesha brings unparalleled expertise to the classroom. His credentials include:
- 7 authored books and over 50 research articles and translations.
- Notable publications with global academic presses like Routledge (London & New York) and Peter Lang, Oxford.
- Award-winning translations for the Central Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, including Adoration of the Ancients (2022).
- Expertise in the penumbral spaces of Poetry, Translation, Gender, and Culture Studies.
Learning from a scholar of his caliber ensures an academically rich and culturally nuanced exploration of literature.
Course Philosophy: Beyond Logic, Into Imagination
This course operates on a compelling premise: creativity and imagination possess the innate ability to push cognitive boundaries beyond the limits of mere reason. It is not just about analyzing texts but about using literature as a tool to:
- Understand and appreciate life through humanity's most profound aesthetic expressions.
- Promote imaginative reading and critical thinking skills.
- Foster deep engagement with people and the world.
- Develop an awareness to recognize diversities and accommodate differences, strengthening our multicultural fabric.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for a wide audience, making it perfect for:
- Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Research Students from any discipline.
- Industry Associates in fields like publishing, media, journalism, and corporate communications.
- Lifelong learners and anyone with a passion for stories, poetry, and the arts.
Industry Support: The curriculum holds significant value for Colleges/Universities, the Publishing Industry, Training Institutes, and the Media & Communication sector.
Your 12-Week Literary Journey: Course Layout
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Literature: Nature, Scope and Appreciation |
| Week 2 | Ways of Reading Literature: Forms, Genres and Theories |
| Week 3 | Poetry: A Tryst with Imagination |
| Week 4 | Elements of Poetry: Genres and Types |
| Week 5 | Contemporary Indian English Poetry |
| Week 6 | Contemporary World Poetry |
| Week 7 | Fiction: Introduction to the Form and its Elements |
| Week 8 | Fiction: Exploration and Appreciation |
| Week 9 | Short-Fiction: Introduction, Exploration and Appreciation |
| Week 10 | Introduction to Drama |
| Week 11 | Drama Through the Ages: History and Theory |
| Week 12 | Exploring Indian Drama in English |
Essential Reading Materials
To complement the lectures and discussions, the course references key texts that form the backbone of literary studies:
- An Introduction to Literature: Fiction, Poetry and Drama by Sylvan Barnet (2009).
- An Introduction to Literary Studies by Mario Klarer, Routledge (2013).
- A Poet’s Glossary by Edward Hirsch (2014).
Why Take This Course?
In a rapidly changing world, the skills honed by studying literature—empathy, critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and effective communication—are more valuable than ever. This course is more than an academic pursuit; it's an investment in developing a nuanced perspective and a richer, more engaged way of interacting with the world.
Whether you aim to enhance your professional skills, fuel a personal passion, or simply see the world through a more imaginative lens, Elements of Literature and Creative Communication offers a transformative educational experience under the guidance of one of India's leading literary scholars.
Embark on this journey. Discover the elements that shape great stories, and in turn, learn to shape your own understanding of the human experience.
Enroll Now →