The Department of English

department of english

The history of the English Department is inextricably linked with that of the College. It has been one of the prominent departments of the College before and since its inception as an independent department in 1957, beginning with an undergraduate programme in English Language and Literature. Innovation has always been the hallmark of the Department and it now hosts Postgraduate, MPhil and PhD programmes in an ideal matrix for young scholars. With a team of dedicated faculty members headed by Dr Preeti Kumar, the Department continues to explore new avenues in its pursuit of excellence.

The learning environment is enhanced by the use of smart classrooms and efforts are taken to ensure that the learning process is innovative and progressive, giving due importance to problem-based learning. Assignments and other learning activities are set in line with this approach. Peer learning, remedial classes, mentoring and value education, student-centric participatory learning and proper grievance redressal further ensure the holistic development of students. In addition extension and literary activities are regularly conducted – internships, gender sensitization programmes, Alumni Lecture Series, faculty exchange programmes, visits to libraries of national repute, publication of manuscript magazines, the publication of an international peer-reviewed journal, the observance of student-author day, a Shakespeare Theatre Club and “Panache”, a literary fest.

Being a research centre, the Department engages in research work and ensures that workshops, conferences and seminars are conducted at regular intervals across the academic year. Minor projects and frequent visits of literary luminaries and experts ensure the students’ engagement in academics. The Department also provides a Certificate Course in Functional English for career enhancement. Coaching for the NET ( National Eligibility Test) is a recent initiative of the department. The involvement of the PTA has always been commendable, and their initiative in instituting prizes for the best undergraduate and postgraduate projects deserves special mention.

The Department has produced stalwarts in numerous fields – Writers, Editors, Heads of Departments, Chancellors, IFS officers and CEOs to mention a few. Distinguished alumnae who have made their mark in diverse places such as the New York Times, NUALS, Mahatma Gandhi University, the Government of Maharashtra, Harper Collins Publications, Scotland Bank, Google, and IBM among others, testify to the generations the Department has impacted.

MILESTONES OF THE DEPARTMENT

1925: Year of Establishment

1957: Undergraduate Programme in English Language and Literature

1995: UGC Sponsored Vocational UG Programme in Communicative English

1998: Post Graduate Programme in English

2007: Recognized as Research Centre

2012: Centre for Research Course Work

2016: M.Phil Programme in English

COURSES OFFERED

PhD in English

MA Programme in English

BA Programme in English Language and Literature

Common Courses in English for BA. BSc & BCom

Certificate Course (Certificate Course on Gender and Sexuality,Certificate Course on Popular Culture and The Art of review writing)

To be a premium centre for learning that nurtures graduate and postgraduate students into accomplished and competent young women who can contribute effectively and responsibly to society.
Provide suitable curricular support to the students through remedial programmes, mentoring, tutoring, focus on research and academics and innovative teaching methods to facilitate employability

Message from the HOD

The Department of English opens to you a world of vibrant thought, rich experience, and immense opportunity designed to inspire you to explore your interests and accomplish your dreams. We believe in nurturing a culture of a free and open exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of liberal inquiry, mutual respect, and, as importantly, a spirit of fun. The various ideas and ideologies we introduce through academic discussions and extracurricular activities purpose not only to challenge conventional modes of thinking but also to expand the scope for academic innovation and civic engagement. We encourage our students to explore their ideas, implement their designs and break new paths in thinking and research. A graduate or postgraduate degree in English Language and Literature opens a vista of career prospects in education, digital technology, media, administration, and much more.

As you work towards the career of your choosing, may the enquiries and experiences you have here let you grow to be strong, mature, tolerant, dignified, responsible, independent young women whom others can depend on and whom we can be proud of.

We welcome you to the Department of English.

Dr. Preeti Kumar, Assistant Professor & Head, Department of English

Messages from the Retired Faculty