Literature is the reflection of society, its culture, values and traditions through the medium of language. While Literature embodies the cognitive aspects, language translates these into expressions and actions. A course in language is basic to the understanding of life and its meaning.
The understanding of literature enables the students to empower themselves with essential life skills and enhance their career and personal growth, to participate in society as well-informed, responsible members. The Department of English therefore focuses on developing a deep understanding of language and literature and a perfect realization of the value of critical reading and effective writing. To achieve this end, the department inspires in the students a love of literature and language; it also imparts critical reading and reflection, and the ability to interpret and evaluate the content of any text in English. The UG and PG curricula have been framed keeping in mind the diversity and complexity and the inherent interdisciplinary and intercultural nature of the discipline. The department also provides greater scope for the faculty for professional development.
Genesis of the Department
The Department of English has been active since its inception in 1957. Initially offering Part II General English for the undergraduates, the department introduced English Literature as an undergraduate major in 1967 with a thrust on Social, Historical and Cultural contexts of English Literature. Since then the Department of English grew at a steady pace widening the horizon from MA. (DLL) in 1988 to M.A. English in 2004, offering research degrees like M.Phil (1992) and Ph.D. (1993), which bolstered the research quest of the students.
Fulfilling the evolving needs of the English graduates in the contemporary world, the Department of English structured its curriculum to meet the demands of both academia and industry.
Objectives
- To enhance both oral and written communication skills
- To develop the capacity to critically examine Literature and Language
- To prepare the students to be career-ready for a variety of jobs
- To develop appreciation of English Language and Literature
- To impart research skills and application of literary theories in research
Thrust areas
- Indian Writing in English
- Indian English Drama
- Gender Studies
- Culture Studies
- Subaltern Studies
- American Literature
- Drama
- Diasporic Literature
- New Literature
- African American Literature
- Children's Literature
- Eco Literature
- British Literature
- Canadian Literature
- Theoretical and Cultural Studies
- English Language Teaching
- Literary Theory and Criticism
- Common Wealth Literature
- Translation