Unraveling the Rich Tapestry of Literature ,Journalism and Communication Origin and Early History of English Literature
English literature traces its roots back to the early Middle Ages, with the Anglo-Saxon period (450-1066) marking its inception. The earliest known works, such as Beowulf, highlight the oral tradition of storytelling. The transition from oral to written literature began with the advent of Christianity, which introduced Latin texts and manuscripts. Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet, author, and civil servant best known for The Canterbury Tales and has been called the "Father of English literature".
The Renaissance (1500-1660) brought a cultural rebirth, with William Shakespeare, often hailed as the "Father of English Literature," revolutionizing drama and poetry. Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet, author, and civil servant best known for The Canterbury Tales and has been called the "father of English literature".
The Enlightenment and Romanticism
The Enlightenment (1660-1789) promoted reason and intellectual interchange, with figures like John Milton and Jonathan Swift. The Romantic period (1789-1837) reacted against the Enlightenment's rationalism, focusing on emotion and nature. Poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge emphasized individualism and the sublime.
Victorian to Modern Literature
The Victorian era (1837-1901) addressed societal issues through realism, with Charles Dickens leading the charge. The 20th century introduced modernism and postmodernism, with authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce experimenting with narrative forms and stream-of-consciousness techniques.
Journalism: The Fourth Estate
The Genesis of Journalism:
Journalism's roots can be traced back to ancient Rome, where Julius Caesar’s Acta Diurna served as a daily public record. However, the true evolution of journalism began in the 17th century with the publication of the first newspapers in Europe.
The Father of Modern Journalism
Joseph Pulitzer is often regarded as the "Father of Modern Journalism."His innovative approaches to news reporting and his emphasis on investigative journalism laid the foundation for the journalistic standards we recognize today.
Evolution through the Centuries
The 19th century witnessed the rise of the penny press, making news accessible to the masses. The 20th century saw journalism transform with the advent of radio and television, bringing news into people’s homes. The digital age has further revolutionized journalism with the internet enabling instant access to information and the rise of citizen journalism.
Media: From Print to Digital Early Beginnings
Media's journey began with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, which democratized access to information. The subsequent centuries saw the development of various media forms, including newspapers, magazines, and books.
The Father of Media Studies
Marshall McLuhan, often dubbed the "Father of Media Studies," profoundly influenced our understanding of media’s impact on society. His famous words, “The medium is the message," underscores the significance of the medium in shaping societal perceptions.
Technological Advancements and New Media
The 20th century introduced radio and television, transforming media consumption habits.Thelate20th and early21st centuries heralded the digital age, with the internet and social media reshaping the landscape of communication and information dissemination.
Scope and Objective
Our department aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the origins, history, and evolution of English literature, journalism, and media. Through our curriculum, we seek to:
Deepen Literary Knowledge: Explore the rich heritage and diverse genres of English literature, from its medieval beginnings to contemporary works.
Enhance Journalistic Skills: Develop critical and analytical skills necessary for modern journalism, emphasizing ethics, investigative techniques, and multimedia storytelling.
Embrace Media Evolution: Study the impact of technological advancements on media, understanding both historical contexts and future trends.
The Department of English delves into the intricate tapestry of English literature, journalism, and media, tracing their origins and evolution. We honor the pioneers— Shakespeare, Pulitzer, and McLuhan—whose contributions have shaped these fields. Our objective is to equip students with a profound appreciation of literature, adept journalistic capabilities and a keen understanding of media's role in society. Through a blend of historical insight and modern application, we prepare our students to navigate and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of language, literature, and media.
The Department of English has been dedicated to training the entire student community in English language skills and soft skills since its inception in 2021. Over time, it has become one of the best departments in terms of programs offered, student enrollment, and faculty members. Initially, the department began by offering the B.A. English Triple Main program, focusing on English Literature, Journalism, and Communication.
We offer a wide range of programs and courses to cater to diverse interests and career goals:
Under Graduate Programmes:
BA in English (3 years)
BA in English with Specialization in Media Studies (3 years)
BA in English with Specialization in Film Studies (3 years)
BA Honours in English (4 years)
BA Honours in English with Research (4 years)
Certificate Courses:
Content Writing
Digital Marketing
Interpersonal Skills
IELTS Foundation
Multimedia Reporting
Academic Research Writing
English for Public Domain
Proof Reading
Media Reporting & Editing
In addition to the Mahatma Gandhi University curriculum, our department conducts various co-curricular programs for the holistic development of students. These include intellectually stimulating lecture series, literary and creative writing workshops, and career-oriented sessions focusing on UGC-NET and entrance examinations for institutes of national importance.
Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities
Faculty
Our department is proud of its seven faculty members, who have published numerous research papers in leading international journals and authored several acclaimed books. Their areas of expertise range from creative writing and comparative literature to modern literary and cultural trends and media studies. Their varied interests and talents also enhance our interdepartmental co-curricular activities, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and multifaceted education.
Our Curriculum
Under the MGU UGP Programme, we offer a diverse curriculum with:
These courses cover subjects such as literary studies, cinema, media studies, cultural studies, and research methodologies. Additionally, our curriculum includes:
These courses are meticulously designed to refine students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Programmes and Other Activities
1.FFK – Film Festival of KMEA
2. Food Kit Distribution- Just a Drop
3. Book Distribution of Women Authors
4. English Language Day
5. Hiroshima Day
6. Quit India Day
7. Seminar on First Aid
8. Forest Visit – Bhoothathan Kettu
Join us in the Department of English and embark on a journey of academic excellence and personal growth.
To develop students as Academically bright, moulded in Goodness of Character, with knowledge, Positive attitude and skills, necessary for succeeding in life.
To impart holistic Excellent Education, where every student will develop their skills, Positive attitudes and Academic qualifications, leading to Academic Excellence and Personality Development.
