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Affiliated to Karnatak University, Dharwad

MGC CollegeSiddapur · since 1969

Languages · since 1969

Department of English

The Department of English was established with the college in 1969 and offers English both as a language and as an optional (Discipline Specific Core) subject, with a focus on reading, writing and spoken skills.

Objectives

English was earlier a compulsory subject at the undergraduate level; under the National Education Policy it is no longer mandatory. Besides basic English, the then Principal and the management chose to offer English as an optional subject (DSCC) to raise students' overall proficiency, given the national and global relevance of the language.

English is a language of opportunity: it is the medium of instruction in higher education and is unavoidable in interstate and international relations. As the job market becomes increasingly skill-based, fluency in English is essential.

  • To develop reading with comprehension, since English is used in India mainly as a language of knowledge.
  • To develop writing skills, including letters, reports, essays and scholarly papers.
  • To develop conversational skills for a globalised world.

History of the department

The department began with two learned teachers, Dr. Divaspati Hegde and Prof. I. G. Patil, whose scholarship and dedication laid a strong foundation. In 1976 Prof. N. N. Sabhahit, then Reader in English at MES College, Sirsi, joined as Principal and also headed the department. Two years later Shri S. M. Hegde joined as a lecturer, and together their teaching made the department very popular, attracting a steady flow of students to this day.

Dr. Divaspati Hegde and Prof. S. M. Hegde left in 1977 and 1986 respectively for appointments elsewhere. In 1986 Prof. V. S. Hegde joined on transfer from S.V.S. College, Bantwal; he held a Post-Graduate Diploma in the Teaching of English from the Central Institute of English, Hyderabad, and retired in 2011. Shri P. Kannan was appointed in 1994, served as NSS Officer for three years, and left after about ten years. Prof. N. N. Sabhahit retired in 1996 and Prof. L. G. Patil in February 2004.

Shri Manoj Kumar joined in June 2013 and later left for another opportunity. Dr. Devanampriya M. has been a permanent member of the faculty since 2014, and Shri Mahabalesh B. has worked in the department as guest faculty since 2008.

Vision and mission

Vision: To inspire students and shape their future for a better tomorrow.

Mission: To help students build knowledge of the content and methods of literary studies, English education, and academic, professional and creative writing.

Subjects taught

  • History of English literature
  • Biography and autobiography
  • Poetics and criticism
  • Research methods
  • Classical English literature
  • Grammar
  • Novels, short stories and poems

Learning resources

  • Central library with 2,640 reference books in English
  • Periodical: University News

Activities

  • State-level seminars on the relevance of Ambedkar's thoughts and on B. H. Shridhara's literature
  • Workshops: A Read on Kuvempu; Women, Society and Literature
  • Special lectures, spoken English sessions and workshops on career opportunities and personality development
  • Student seminars on Dr. Shivarama Karanth's "Chomana Dudi" (Choma's Drum), Dalit autobiography, women's autobiography, and race and gender, along with film screenings
  • Faculty present research papers at state, national and international seminars, serve as resource persons and attend refresher and orientation courses

Faculty

  • Dr. Devanampriya M.

    Dr. Devanampriya M.

    Head of the Department

    M.A., NET, Ph.D.

    9 years of teaching experience

Photos