Department of English was established in 1964, offering General English courses at the Pre- degree and Undergraduate levels. Later with the commencement of the English Language and Literature (Model I) programme on 24 July 2014, the department was upgraded to a full- fledged one offering core and complementary courses apart from common courses in English. Presently there are four permanent faculty members and two guest lecturers serving in the department. The department's language lab is equipped with 11 computers and a software programme called Tell Me More that develops all the fundamental language skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

History of the Department

The history of the Department of English, St. Thomas College, Ranni is intertwined with the history of the college itself. It dates back to a period of five decades when the college was established in 1964. Over the years, the Department has presented a gallery of academicians and scholars who have rendered their valuable service to the students of the college and the society at large.

Prof. Rev. T. T. Thomas, the first lecturer in the Department of English, joined the college in 1964. As the first head of the Department, he brilliantly captained the Department and its crew, during the early years of the voyage. Prof. A.C Thomas who joined the following year, was indeed a guide to his colleagues. Prof. P.K Skariah joined the Department in 1967 followed by Prof. C. J. Kunjoonjamma and Prof. Mathew Jacob in 1968. The functioning of the Department gained new momentum with the upgradation of the college in 1968 and more teachers joined the Department. Prof. K.P. Kuriakose was appointed in 1969. Prof. M.P Skariah, Prof. Mathews Varkey and Prof. Annie Chacko were also appointed the following year. With the joining of Prof. Thomas Aleykutty and Prof. V.P Mathew in 1971, the Department of English became the biggest one in the college.

Prof. Rev. T.T. Thomas retired from service in 1974. Prof. P.A. Oommen and Prof. K.K Joseph were appointed as junior lecturers in 1982, followed by Prof. N. Vijayan and Prof. Letha K.C in 1983. Prof. A.C Thomas retired in 1985, after serving as the head of the department for eleven years since 1974. Prof. K.K Joseph tendered his resignation in 1987 for gospel work. Prof. Nancy Kuriakose joined the college in 1987. The sudden and untimely demise of Prof. Mathews Varkey in 1990 was a great loss to the department and the college as well.

Prof. P.K Skariah was the head of the department from 1985 until his retirement in 1997. Prof. C.J Kunjoonjamma and Prof. Mathew Jacob retired from service in 1998 and 1999 respectively, after having served as the Heads of the Department, for one year each. The retirement of Prof. Annie Chacko was in the year 2000. Prof. M.P. Skariah was the next HoD and retired in 2001. Prof. Thomas Aleykutty also retired in 2001. Prof. K.P. Kuriakose and Prof. V.P. Mathew retired in 2002. Prof. K.P. Kuriakose was the HoD during 2001-2002. Prof. N. Vijayan retired in 2003. Prof. P.A. Oommen, the HoD since 2003, retired in 2008. Prof. Letha K.C. served as the head of the Department from 2009 till she retired from service in 2016. Prof. Nancy Kuriakose retired from service in 2018 and was the HoD during 2016-18.

Prof. Elena Sajan and Prof. Aneeta Chinnu Joseph joined as faculty members in 2017. Prof. Dr. Lata Marina Varghese joined as a faculty member of the Department of English and the Principal of the college on 30 August, the same year and rendered her service till March 2020. Prof. Divya James joined the department in 2020, followed by Prof. Aleena Elizabeth Abraham and Prof. Ance Vincy in 2023. Presently there are six permanent faculty members in the department.

Department Vision

To develop as a centre of learning in the field of social sciences, literature, and humanities.

Department Mission

To foster the growth of the learners as socially committed and responsible citizens possessing activated sense perception and sharpened intellectual faculties.