
The Department of English at Gangadharpur Mahavidyamandir, Howrah has been a vibrant centre for literary and linguistic exploration since the college’s inception in 1981, initially offering the General Course. Expanding its academic horizons, the department launched the Honours Course in 2008, providing students with opportunities for deeper engagement with literature, language, and critical thinking. Recognizing the unique needs of its primarily rural English as a Second Language (ESL) student body, the department is dedicated to cultivating their linguistic proficiency and analytical skills, thereby empowering them for future academic and professional success.
The department boasts a faculty with diverse expertise. Subhabrataa Shome Dutta, a member since 2002, contributes significantly to pedagogy and research with specializations in English Language Teaching (ELT), Gender Studies, and Linguistics. Sujay Thakur, joining in 2017, enriches the curriculum with interdisciplinary perspectives in Postcolonial Studies, Dalit Studies, South Asian Cultural Studies, and Religion Studies. The department acknowledges the past contributions of Dr. Ratan Bhattacharya and Deepa Ghosh.
Committed to an inclusive and student-centric approach, the department aims to establish a robust foundation in English studies while addressing the specific challenges faced by rural learners. Through innovative teaching methodologies and a dynamic curriculum, the department actively nurtures a passion for language, literature, and critical inquiry.
Integral to the college since its establishment in 1981, the English Department initially focused on building a strong base in general English. The introduction of the Honours Course in 2008 cemented its reputation for academic excellence, attracting students eager to delve into the intricacies of language and literature. Notably, English is a compulsory subject for all students across disciplines, fostering widespread interaction between faculty and students from various academic streams and creating a distinctive learning environment where diverse viewpoints enrich classroom discussions.
The department takes pride in its intellectually curious and enthusiastic student community. Beyond traditional lectures, film screenings and student-led seminars are integral to the learning process. These activities contextualize prescribed texts and equip students with broader perspectives, enabling them to analyse material through varied lenses and cultivate critical thinking abilities. Students are also encouraged to participate in cultural activities.
To enhance classroom learning, the department organizes educational tours that provide immersive experiences. These excursions not only broaden students’ perspectives on the world but also foster teamwork and collaboration as they explore and share insights together.
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12_Students’ Progression 2020-2021
Education Study Tour 2018-2019
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