English

“Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer.”

― E.M. Forster, Howards End

The English Department at Sammilanmi Mahavidyalaya thrives on the notion that we are all travellers, driven by an insatiable curiosity to explore new worlds. Despite many challenges, our commitment to discovering new realms remains unwavering. These explorations often introduce us to unsettling territories, provoke novel thoughts, or offer fresh perspectives on age-old ideas. Literature serves as the perfect vehicle for these journeys, enabling us to traverse beyond the familiar through the written word. Whether it’s immersing ourselves in the works of unfamiliar authors or delving into complex ideas, literature encourages our minds to expand, evolve, and embark on imaginative travels beyond our comfort zones.

In our pursuit of literary inquiries, we navigate through diverse cultures, languages, and genres, encompassing novels, poetry, drama, film, and theory. Literatures in translation play a crucial role in dismantling the artificial barriers between texts, as all literature is, in essence, an act of translation. Many of our students are first-generation learners who are often overwhelmed by the vastness of world literature, suffer from low confidence due to poor communication skills, and experience a sociocultural gap between canonical texts and their lived experiences. Our mission is to ‘translate’ and act as bridges to shorten this gap, ensuring that these students find their footing in the expansive landscape of literature.

At Sammilanmi Mahavidyalaya, we believe in fostering an egalitarian academic environment. Our faculty ensures that there is no hierarchy between students and teachers. A text comes alive through continuous networks of interactions, not from a high desk. This approach encourages a more dynamic and inclusive engagement with literature, where every voice contributes to the richness of the discussion.

Consequently, our courses are not confined by historical periods, genres, or language; instead, they are shaped by the rich dialogues and questions that arise between texts. We strive to create a learning environment where students can feel at home both on the stage of Shakespeare’s Globe and in the bustling streets depicted by Satyajit Ray. We encourage them to recognize the echoes between Virginia Woolf and Ismat Chughtai, and to trace the ancient connections linking Ovid’s Metamorphoses, A Thousand and One Nights, and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

By juxtaposing seemingly disparate texts, we open up a fertile ground for dialogue, not only within literary studies but also across disciplines such as history, sociology, politics, psychology, economics, and the sciences. This dialogic engagement with differences fosters the development of critical thinking, making it both possible and powerful.

The Department of English at Sammilanmi Mahavidyalaya offers an intellectually stimulating and adventurous space for study, undergraduate research, and pedagogical exploration. Our goal is to cultivate global literacy while remaining mindful of our roots in India. The wide range of courses within our English programs prepares graduates for diverse careers in higher education, law, advertising, and any field that values agile minds capable of navigating across borders.

Brief History of the Department

The Department of English started its journey in 1997. In the last three decades, the department has grown from strength to strength. Presently, the department has 120 students enrolled in Honours/Major courses across three years cumulatively in both CBCS and CCF rules and regulations. The number of students enrolled for General/ Minor courses are around 250. The total faculty strength stands at six presently. In addition to Honours/Major and General/Minor courses, the department used to undertake classes for the Commerce and Science department separately whenever necessitated.

Vision Statement

The vision of the English Department at Sammilanmi Mahavidyalaya is to foster a vibrant academic community where literature transcends boundaries, ignites curiosity, and inspires critical thinking. We aim to create an inclusive space that nurtures intellectual growth, cultural understanding, and global literacy. By engaging with diverse texts and ideas, we envision our students becoming empathetic, informed, and innovative thinkers who can navigate and contribute meaningfully to an interconnected world. Our commitment to bridging cultural and socio-economic gaps ensures that all students, regardless of background, can access and excel in the expansive landscape of world literature.

Mission

Our mission is to empower students from rural and semi-urban areas by providing them with a supportive and enriching academic environment. We recognize the unique challenges these students face, including low confidence and limited communication skills. Through dedicated mentorship, accessible resources, and an inclusive curriculum, we aim to bridge the socio-cultural gap between canonical texts and their lived experiences. By fostering a sense of belonging and intellectual curiosity, we strive to equip our students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their academic and professional endeavours, ensuring they can navigate and contribute to a globalized world.