LANGUAGES

An Overview of the Department

1. Introduction
The Department of English, one of the oldest and premier departments of the college was established in 1962, the year of inception of the institution with the goal of fostering effective communication, literary appreciation and critical thinking among students. It aims to equip students with the linguistic and communicative competence necessary to function effectively in diverse social and professional contexts. By exposing learners to literatures from across the world, the department fosters an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, encouraging empathy and global awareness. Through the study of literary texts, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to engage with complex ideas. Additionally, the department seeks to nurture a spirit of inquiry and academic curiosity, motivating students to pursue research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in language, literature, and related fields.

Vision
To foster critical thinking, creativity, and ethical leadership by providing a transformative learning experience rooted in academic excellence, sound values, and inclusive teaching practices and by empowering students to become socially responsible individuals who actively contribute to a just and equitable world through interdisciplinary inquiry and meaningful engagement with diverse literary traditions.

Mission
M1: To provide a dynamic and interdisciplinary education in English language and literature, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication.
M2: To equip students with analytical, interpretative, and communicative skills, preparing them for diverse career paths and higher education through a holistic and value-based approach.
M3: To create an inclusive and stimulating learning environment that promotes research, innovation, and a lifelong passion for literature and language studies.
M4: To nurture socially responsible individuals by encouraging engagement with real-world language applications, diverse literary traditions and cultural narratives.

2. Historical Background
The retired stalwarts of the department—Sr. Anne Julius, Ms. Marjorie Ebenezer, Ms. Moly Pothan, Ms. Nirmala Prabhakar, Ms. Jane Sarojini, Ms. Anne Nazareth, Ms. K.R. Bhagyamani, Ms. V. Sandhya, Dr. Girija Nambiar, Dr. K. Sandhya, and Dr. V. Satya Sudha—left an indelible mark on the institution through their exceptional commitment, pedagogical excellence, and pioneering spirit. Each one, in their own unique way, contributed immensely to shaping the academic and moral fabric of the department and the college at large. They headed the department with their profound sense of discipline and nurturing leadership, laid a strong foundation for holistic education and were instrumental in instilling values of integrity and compassion among students, leaving a lasting legacy of service-oriented education. 
The academic expertise, research orientation and scholarly contributions of Dr. Girija Nambiar and Dr. K. Sandhya significantly enriched the department’s academic resources, cultivated a culture of inquiry and publication among both faculty and students and elevated the department’s profile. Joining the department in 2015, Ms. Y. Supriya continues to serve both as a dedicated faculty member and the Head of the Department striving to witness the academic growth, of the department under her leadership with curricular innovation and an increased emphasis on student-centred learning. She is committed to cultivate the progressive and inclusive academic environment.

3. Academic Programmes
Since its inception, the department has remained committed to delivering a comprehensive and enriching education in English language and literature. The department offers General English to all the streams of undergraduate programmes and English literature as a core paper in  Intermediate programme, BA and MA programmes in English with interdisciplinary combinations, ensuring students develop a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical language skills. The Department focuses to promote Communication Skills and empower students with relevant skills set in the globalised context.  Over the years, it has developed a robust curriculum that encompasses a wide range of literary works and critical studies, aiming to enhance students’ linguistic proficiency and literary appreciation. 
Through its longstanding commitment to academic excellence and holistic development,  English Department at Maris Stella continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of its students.
The courses offered in English include:
Core Courses:
Literary Theory, English Language Teaching, Poetry, Drama, Fiction, Linguistics, Phonetics, American Literature, British Literature, Postcolonial Studies, World Literature, and Composition.
Elective Courses:
Creative Writing, Gender Studies, Journalistic Writing, Advanced Writing Skills, Translation Studies—these are skill-enhancement courses designed to refine specific expertise.
Interdisciplinary Electives:
Employability Skills ( Skill Enhancement Course) and Communication Skills ( Multidisciplinary Course), and Business Writing aimed at broadening students’ practical competencies.
Certificate Courses: Specialized certificate courses—English for Empowerment, English for Competitive Examinations, English for Communication and English for Fluency— are designed by the department to enhance the employability skills of students. These courses aim to build linguistic competence, improve communication proficiency, and equip learners with the language skills necessary to excel in academic, professional, and competitive environments.
English Language Proficiency Programmes : 
Language Proficiency Programme (LPP)  offered by the department focuses on improving communication skills and language proficiency in English of first year undergraduate students.  
English for Communication, English for Proficiency and English Language Evaluation offered in collaboration with  reputed institutions such as British council, American Consulate etc.  play a vital role in enhancing students’ communication skills and global employability and  empowering them to succeed academically, professionally, and socially in a global environment. 
A significant role has  been played by the department in the institution’s herculean effort to equip every stellite with proficient English communication skills through various courses conducted in collaboration with renowned national and international organizations.

4. Faculty Members & Research
The faculty members of the department are highly qualified and dedicated professionals, committed to fostering academic excellence and intellectual growth. They come from diverse backgrounds, offering expertise in English literature, linguistics, and cultural studies.

• The department is known for nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and a passion for literary analysis.
• Research within the department spans a wide range of topics, from classical literature to contemporary issues in language and society. 
• Faculty members actively contribute to academic and professional advancement through research projects, guideship, and impactful publications, reflecting their commitment to scholarship and experiential learning.
• Faculty members engage in both individual and collaborative research, contributing to national and international academic discourse through participation in seminars and conferences, and publication of research papers in reputable national and international journals.
• Research intersects with diverse disciplines, enriching the understanding of language, literature, and culture.
• Student participation in research projects is strongly encouraged by the department, fostering the development of critical thinking, academic curiosity, and professional competencies through hands-on learning experiences.

5. Student Achievements & Activities
Students are specially recognized for their excellent communication skills in English. They consistently excel in academics, extracurricular activities, and competitive exams. Many students secure top ranks in university exams and pursue postgraduate studies at reputed institutions, further advancing their academic journey. Additionally, a significant number of students secure jobs, applying the skills they have honed in literature, writing, and communication to a wide range of professional fields globally.
The department also fosters a dynamic learning environment through a variety of engaging activities. These include literary quiz competitions, debate sessions, and student-led seminars, all of which encourage intellectual growth and creativity. Furthermore, exhibitions showcasing creative writing, poetry, and critical analyses provide students with a platform to present their skills and abilities. Second and final-year undergraduate students engage in research projects and collaborative writing initiatives, gaining practical, hands-on experience that equips them for future academic and professional success.
The department actively engages students in various scholarly activities such as workshops, conferences, guest lectures, seminars and literary fests. Through ‘Sparklit Club’, a literary club of the department, students showcase their talents by organizing various literary activities. Students are encouraged to hone their skills and talents through the competitions such as essay writing, elocution, debate, poetry recitation and book review organized by the department.

6. Facilities & Resources
The Department provides a well-equipped learning environment that fosters interactive and engaging education. Smart classrooms are equipped with ICT tools to facilitate dynamic and interactive learning experiences, enhancing student engagement and participation. In addition, students have access to a wide array of online learning platforms and digital resources, ensuring that they have the tools needed to explore a variety of academic materials.
The department is equipped with two state-of-the-art language laboratories, featuring spoken English software and self-learning modules that enhance students’ language proficiency, communication skills, and independent learning.
The department also boasts a well-equipped extensive library, offering a comprehensive collection of reference books, textbooks, literary works, and critical resources. It is a valuable asset for students, supporting their academic pursuits and encouraging independent study and research.

7. Industry & Community Engagement
The department collaborates with industries and academic institutions through MoUs to promote research and skill development. It organizes guest lectures and workshops by industry experts, as well as internship and training programs in content writing, communication, and media. The department also conducts community outreach programs to foster literacy and a love for language in local schools. The department offers structured internship opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience, apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, and build professional networks. Through partnerships with schools, publishing houses, media organizations, and NGOs, the department facilitates internships that enrich students’ learning and prepare them for diverse career paths.

8. Curriculum & Pedagogy
The department employs innovative teaching methods—such as project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and collaborative activities—to enhance student engagement and comprehension. An interactive, tech-driven learning environment is created using tools like Duolingo,  Edpuzzle, Flipgrid, Pro-writing Aid, Voice Thread, Quizlet, Lingvist etc. Activities such as student seminars, peer teaching, and hands-on learning experiences—including role play, mock interviews, and skit enactments—are integral to the department’s continuous assessment process. Examinations are designed to comprehensively cover all course components, ensuring a balanced and in-depth understanding of the subject matter.

9. Future Plans
The department aims to:

• Strengthen research collaborations with reputed institutions to enhance academic partnerships and research output.
• Organize national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars to foster intellectual exchange and professional development.
• Enhance ICT-enabled learning and increase accessibility to digital resources to support interactive and modern education.