The 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
Message from the HOD
The Department of English welcomes you to an intellectually vibrant and critically engaging academic community. We foster an open, inclusive environment where dialogue, curiosity, and innovation thrive—both inside and beyond the classroom. Through our academic and co-curricular initiatives, we encourage you to question, create, and contribute meaningfully to contemporary cultural and intellectual landscapes.
The study of English Language and Literature today extends beyond traditional boundaries, opening pathways in academia, research, publishing, media and communication, cultural and translation studies, digital humanities, content and knowledge industries, and other emerging global fields.
As you pursue your academic and professional aspirations, we hope your experiences here will help you grow into thoughtful, confident, and socially responsible individuals.
Messages from the Retired Faculty
English
