Banarhat College

Banarhat Kartik Oraon
Hindi Government College

Affiliated To University Of North Bengal

English

About The Department

The Department of English was formally established in 2015, a year after the College was founded in 2014, with English having been offered as one of the five disciplines since the institution’s inception. From its early years, the department has served students through both honours and programme courses with a clear focus on promoting English as an effective means of communication alongside Hindi. Over the years, the department has fostered language skills, critical thinking and a profound appreciation for literature thereby empowering students as they navigate complex challenges.

Vision

Our vision is to create a dynamic learning environment where students develop strong analytical, writing, and communication skills. Within our department, emphasis is placed on inspiring a passion for literature, promoting cultural understanding, and encouraging creativity. Our department is dedicated towards fostering a community of scholars who engage in interdisciplinary exploration and contribute to societal discourse. We are committed towards empowering our students to become confident, articulate, and culturally aware individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and professions. We strive to prepare students for a wide range of careers and instil in them a lifelong love of learning and inquiry.

Mission

The mission of the English Department is to facilitate the holistic development of the students through a diverse range of curricular and extra-curricular activities centered on language and literature. The department aims to empower individuals, especially women, and create a supportive community where respect, empowerment and engagement are paramount. Grounded in our commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and creativity, we prioritize diversity, collaboration, skill development and lifelong learning. Through our work, we aim to inspire critical thinking, effective communication, and a deeper understanding of the human experience, shaping students into informed, empathetic, and culturally aware global citizens.

Why Study English?

In a Hindi medium college such as this which is located in a far remote area serving economically disadvantaged students, studying English enhances communication skills beyond the regional language context and provides access to wider opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. The department aims to serve as a catalyst for social, cultural, and economic development, empowering students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to overcome barriers, expand their horizons and realise their full potential in an increasingly interconnected world. The department also promotes the study of literatures in English which not only provides insights into diverse cultures, perspectives, and historical contexts but also facilitates cultural exchange thereby promoting tolerance, empathy, and multiculturalism among students. The department provides students with opportunities for self-expression, reflection, creativity, and critical thinking through the engagement with literature and language. Since the study of English intersects with other disciplines being taught, it has veritably enriched students’ understanding of diverse subjects and perspectives while simultaneously serving as a gateway to linguistic, academic, and socio-economic opportunities.

Courses offered

The flagship of the Department is BA Honours and Programme Course in English since its inception, with the college offering a 4-year B.A. Honours and a 3-year/4-year Multidisciplinary course in English as part of the new 4-year undergraduate structure (FYUGP). In addition, the Department offers several Skill Enhancement Courses in Communication and Functional English, Value Added and Generic Papers related to Literature, Culture, Ecology and Women Empowerment.

Scope for students

The B.A. (Honours) English course is structured in a way that offers a comprehensive exploration of literature, language, and culture. The course commences by acquainting the students with key aspects and concepts of Rhetoric and Prosody, Elementary Linguistics and Literary Terms along with setting up a strong foundation in Classical Indian, Latin, and Greek literature. The syllabus covers a wide range of literary periods and genres, spanning from the medieval to contemporary periods ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of the development of English Literature over time. The syllabus also moves beyond the canon by incorporating Women’s Writing, Eco-critical Writing, Popular Literature, American Literature, Postcolonial Literature, Other Literatures in English Translation, Theory and Criticism and the like. From time to time, the department also organises special lectures, presentations, and screenings of film adaptations of literary texts for the students to enrich their educational experience. Overall, the course provides the students with a versatile skill set, a deeper appreciation for literature and language, and a foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.

Programme Outcomes (PO): B.A. English (Major)

Course Outcomes (CO): B.A. English Major

Highlights of the Departments

Curriculum Plan

Faculty Members

Asst. Professor || Dept. of Hindi

Asst. Professor || Dept. of Hindi

Asst. Professor || Dept. of Hindi

Scroll to Top