DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

BRIEF HISTORY:

The Department of English began in 1946 under the first Principal, Rev. Fr. C. Browne, a noted scholar of English and French. Fr. A. Fleury, a Cambridge graduate, served as the first Head of the Department. Early faculty like Mr. S.S. Hoskot, Mr. John J. Pinto, and Mr. D.S. Gordon contributed significantly to its foundation.

The department had the privilege of hosting Prof. M. Gopala Krishna Adiga, a renowned modernist poet and critic. Prof. M.S. Krishna Rao served from 1952 to 1983, followed by Prof. A. John Siluvai. Fr. N. Devaraj, though not the head, was a beloved and respected teacher.

After Prof. Krishna Rao’s retirement in 1988, Prof. Ramdas Pai led the department along with Prof. Siluvai, Prof. K.P. Vasudevan, Prof. C. Srinivas, and Rev. Fr. Leslie Moras until 1992.

The year 1992 marked a new chapter as Rev. Fr. Leslie Moras became Principal and Prof. Siluvai took charge as Head. Student strength in Optional English grew rapidly. In 1996, the UGC-sponsored Functional English course was launched with support from journalist Mrs. June Gaur.

Prof. Vasudevan became Head in 2002 and served till 2006. He was also known for his work with MUPCTA. After Prof. C. Srinivas’s tenure, Rev. Fr. Leslie Moras resumed as Head in 2013, leading a vibrant, empowered faculty team.

Achievements:

The Department of English aims to develop students’ literary appreciation through a well-balanced selection of classical, modern, and experimental texts. Practical criticism, comparative studies, and student presentations help enhance critical thinking. TED Talks and video lectures are also used to promote engaging discussions.

The UGC-sponsored vocational course in Functional English was introduced in 1996 (originally called Communicative English). Initially a part of the English Department, it later became an independent course.

The department offers Alternate English as a second language for foreign and out-of-state students who cannot opt for Indian languages or French. The course includes Indian Writing in English and global English literature. Special classes are conducted to support basic English learning.

On March 23, 2013, the department organized a UGC-sponsored National Seminar on Feminist Aesthetics in collaboration with the Centre for Women’s Studies, University of Mysore.

Future Plan of Action:

The department plans:

To inculcate life skills and value-based education, helping students become responsible global citizens.
To promote research projects on a minor scale.
To become a model department at the college, state, and national levels by promoting unity in diversity through innovative teaching and learning experiences.
To nurture the mind, body, and soul of students, guiding them toward excellence and lifelong learning in a culturally diverse global society.

Visit our literary club: The Bibliophiles

https://sites.google.com/stphilos.ac.in/thebibliophiles/home