Department of English
The Department of English, JH Govt PG College Betul, established in 1956, has a rich legacy of academic excellence. It was nurtured by a by a galaxy of distinguished heads of department including Prof MG Patwardhan, Prof IY Khan, Prof BL Geete, Prof KK Choubey, Dr SB Hasan and Dr Ashish Gupta.
The department offers a comprehensive range of programmesfrom undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to doctoral studies. The syllabus of Postgraduate Programmefeatures a diverse array of optional papers including Indian Writing in English, Shakespearean Drama, New Literatures in English, Post-Colonial Fiction, American Literature, Women’s Writing, Travel Writing, English Language Teaching, Literature and Translation, World Classics, Environmental Literature and Research Methodology.
The department is well-equipped with Wi-Fi, four computers, an overhead projector, a printer, a scanner, speakers and an electronic podium. The use of technology is integrated with the teaching process, facilitating the display of video lectures from esteemed professors from renowned universities, both from India and abroad. The department upholds ICT-enabled, experiential, student-centric and participative teaching methodologies. Techniques such as PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, peer teaching and role-play are all commonly utilized in the teaching-learning process. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in various co-curricular activities offered by the college.
The department is proud of its own rich departmental librarywitha collection of 1442 textbooks and reference books. It subscribes to four scholarly journals and provides a serene reading room facility. Research theses,storedin cupboards, are available for reference by postgraduate students and research scholars.
As a recognized research centre of Raja Shankar Shah University, Chhindwara, the department promotes academic research onissues such as Indian Writing, Postcolonial Literature, Film Studies and Gender Studies. Thirty scholars have completed their PhDs from the department, five have submitted their theses and seven are currently engaged in research. Fourfaculty members, allthe alumni of the college, recently obtained their PhDs under the supervisors of the department. These faculty members are determined to continue the tradition of academic excellence.They also introduce innovative teaching methodologies and make significant contributions to the research field. Furthermore, their research papers have been published in reputed national and international peer-reviewed journals.
The department is proud of its students, many of whom have cleared the UGC NET and SET exams and are now employed in institutions across the country.
The department regularly organizes national conferences and webinars. It hosted its first national seminar on “Crisis of Identity and Indian English Litterateurs” in October, 2012and another on “Post-Independence Indian English Drama: Innovations and Explorations” in February, 2015. Additionally, a webinar on “Ensuring Gender Equity through Women Empowerment” was held in March, 2022.
Furthering its collaborations, the department established a Memorandum of Understanding with SmtRadhabai Sarda Arts, Commerce and Science College, AnjangaonSurji, District- Amravati (Maharashtra). This collaboration has led to various joint initiatives, including a national e-Conference on ‘Research Methodology’ in March 2022, a Certificate Course on “Advanced Grammar and Communicative Skills” in August 2022, an online training programme on “The Use of Digital Platform” and a Study Tour to the SRS Collegein January 2023.
Several distinguished scholars have graced the department’s virtual academic activities. These include Dr Abhay Singh, Director at the Ministry of Defense, Govt of India, New Delhi; Dr PK Singh from Central University of South Bihar, Gaya; Dr Bashisth Choubey, Principal, SRS College, AnjangaonSurji;Dr Sunil Kumar Naveen fromNabiraMahavidyalaya, Katol, Nagpur; Dr Paresh B Joshi from VNSG University, Surat, Gujarat; and Dr Sandeep Joshi of Sant Gadge Baba University, Amravati.
The present head of the department, Dr Meenakshi Choubey, holds the distinction of being elected to the Executive Committee of The Association for English Studies of India. She has been invited as chairperson and resource person for several national and international webinars and conferences. She has presented research papers in more than hundred national and international seminars and conferences. Under her supervision, eleven students have obtained their PhD degrees and three more are currently pursuing their research work. She previously served on the Board of Studies in English at Sant Gadge Baba University, Amravati, and currently holds a position as a member of the Research and Recognition Committee of the same university. Additionally, she is a member on the Board of Studies in English at Raja Shankar Shah University, Chhindwara. The state governmentnominated her to several state-level committees. She has worked actively as the Ambassador Professor of English, the State Level Master Trainer for personality development, the Facilitator Professor for the formation of the Functional English syllabus, a member on the E-content Validation Board, the Master Facilitator for NAAC Assessment and a member on the state level Internal Monitoring Committee for NAAC. She has served as a subject expert for the appointment and promotion of assistant professors, associate professors and professors. She has also been the examiner to evaluate the PhD theses of various universities. In honour of her significant contributions to the field, especially towards female empowerment, she was awarded the ManikarnikaAward.
In essence, the Department of English is a dynamic, progressive and highly respected department that fosters a holistic academic experience, empowering students to excel in their linguistic and literary pursuits.
- B.A. I (Major I and II)
- BA-I-English Literature-Minor (2T)
- BA-I-Foundation Course English
- BA-I-Communicative English-Open Elective
- BA-II-English Literature-Major
- BA-II-English Literature-Minor
- BA-II-English-Genric Elective-1
- BA-II-English-Genric Elective-2
- BA-II-Foundation Course-English
- BA-III-English Literature-Major
- BA-III-English Literature-Minor
- BA-III-English-Genric Elective-1
- BA-III-English-Genric Elective-2
- BA-III-Foundation Course
- M.A. English First Semester
- M.A. English Second Semester
- MA-III & IV Sem