Literature and Life Course | IIT Madras NPTEL | Prof. S P Dhanavel
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 588 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, English Studies |
| 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 | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Discover the Profound Connection Between Literature and Life
Have you ever read a poem, a novel, or watched a play and felt it spoke directly to your own experiences? The timeless wisdom of literature offers more than just entertainment; it provides a mirror to our own lives, relationships, and the world around us. A new online course from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) makes this powerful connection its central theme.
Taught by the distinguished Prof. S P Dhanavel, the 12-week course "Literature and Life" is designed to help learners make sense of their personal journeys through the profound insights found in literary works. This free course, available on the NPTEL/SWAYAM portal, is a unique opportunity for undergraduates, professionals, and lifelong learners to enrich their understanding of the human condition.
About the Instructor: Prof. S P Dhanavel
Prof. S P Dhanavel is a Professor of English at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras. With a prolific career spanning decades, his expertise is both deep and wide-ranging. He has authored over 80 research papers and numerous influential books, including volumes of poetry like Poetry of Life and Purpose of Life, critical studies, and innovative textbooks on communication, soft skills, and personality development for college students.
His practical handbooks, such as English and Soft Skills and Personality Development, are widely used, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. This blend of literary scholarship and focus on holistic development makes him the perfect guide for a course that seeks to connect texts to life.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
The primary objective of "Literature and Life" is to explore the intricate interconnections between literary art and human existence. The course will use a carefully selected anthology of essays, poems, plays, and short stories from British, American, and Indian literature to examine the complex dynamics of human relationships.
You will explore these relationships at multiple levels:
- The Individual: Inner conflicts, aspirations, and self-discovery.
- The Family: Dynamics of love, duty, and generational ties.
- Society & Politics: Issues of justice, power, and social norms.
- Business & Professional World: Ethics, ambition, and interpersonal dynamics.
By the end of the course, you will not only appreciate literature more deeply but also gain valuable perspectives to navigate your own personal and professional life with greater empathy and understanding.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Module Title | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction | Course orientation and the fundamental link between literature and life. |
| Week 2 | Elements of Literature | Understanding theme, plot, character, setting, and symbolism. |
| Weeks 3-4 | Prose - 1 & 2 | Analysis of selected essays and non-fiction. |
| Weeks 5-6 | Poetry - 1 & 2 | Exploring poetic forms, imagery, and emotional resonance. |
| Week 7 | Drama | Study of full-length plays and dramatic conflict. |
| Week 8 | One Act Plays | Focused analysis of short, powerful dramatic works. |
| Week 9 | Novel | Examining narrative techniques and character development in novels. |
| Weeks 10-11 | Short Story - 1 & 2 | Mastering the concise art of the short story. |
| Week 12 | Panel Discussion | Synthesizing course learnings and broader implications. |
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for a diverse audience:
- Undergraduate Students from any discipline seeking a humanities credit or personal enrichment.
- College Faculty looking for innovative teaching perspectives.
- Working Professionals in any industry aiming to enhance their communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills.
- The General Public with an interest in literature and self-improvement.
Industry Relevance and Value Addition
In today's world, technical skills alone are not enough. Industries are increasingly valuing soft skills, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning. This course directly addresses these needs. Companies interested in fostering well-rounded employees with strong interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of human motivations will find this course a significant value addition to their training and development programs.
Key Reference Books
The course will reference several seminal texts, including:
- Barnet, Sylvan, et al. An Introduction to Literature.
- Bennett, Andrew and Nicholas Royle. This Thing Called Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing.
- Kusch, Celena. Literary Analysis: The Basics.
- Scholes, Robert, et al. (Eds.). Elements of Literature.
- Watson, Lillian E. (Ed.). Light from Many Lamps.
"Literature and Life" is more than an academic course; it's an invitation to a journey of self-discovery and broader human understanding. Guided by an expert like Prof. Dhanavel, participants will unlock the timeless lessons hidden in great writings and learn to apply them to create more meaningful, empathetic, and successful lives.
Enroll today on the NPTEL/SWAYAM portal and transform the way you see literature—and life.
Enroll Now →