• PROFILE OF THE DEPARTMENT
• Curriculum structure
  • M.A. ENGLISH
  • B.A. ENGLISH
• Staff Profile
• Student Achievements
• Brochures
• Result analysis
• Rank Holders
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• Photo Gallery

 DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

 History

Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College For Women, located in Chennai,Tamilnadu is a premier educational institution dedicated to women's empowerment through quality education. Established in 1955, the college was originally known as the Southern India Education Trust (SIET) Women's College, founded by Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed, a visionary and advocate for women's education, to provide a platform for holistic learning and skill development. The college is affiliated to the University of Madras and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including arts, science, commerce and management. Known for its academic excellence, modern facilities and holistic development opportunities, JBAS College is recognized as a College with Potential for Excellence. It is accredited by NAAC and is ISO- Certified. Its mission to foster intellectual growth, ethical values and social responsibility makes it a distinguished center for higher education in Chennai.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Department since its inception has been offering Foundation Course in English and in 1969 it introduced an undergraduate programme designed to familiarise the students with English Literature and cultivate critical thinking skills. In 1976, a postgraduate programme was introduced to advance women's higher education. The department attained research status in 2021, further strengthening its academic offerings. To meet the growing demand for women's education, an afternoon session was established in 1995 with a dedicated focus on this mission. The Department of English is committed to the rigorous study of language, literature and critical analysis, fostering an appreciation for diverse literary traditions, while enhancing students' communication abilities. With a curriculum spanning from classical literature to contemporary media, the department prepares students to think critically, interpret complex texts, and engage thoughtfully with varied forms of written expression. Students develop analytical and creative skills, equipping them for careers in education, journalism, law and communication. The Department regularly organises events, seminars, and workshops to promote research, dialogue, and a comprehensive understanding of cultural and linguistic expressions. Through these initiatives, the department fosters an environment that encourages scholarly growth and exploration of interdisciplinary perspectives.

The Department also compiles and publishes textbooks for the Foundation Course in English for I B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. and II B.A./B.Sc. Additionally, it houses a well-established Language Lab, funded by the UGC CPE Grant and the Management Grants. The Lab is equipped with 25 computers and Hi-class Software, offering an array of exercises designed to enhance communication skills. Supplementary resources, including books with accompanying CDs, are integrated into the software for effective broadcasting.

Classes are conducted for students of Foundation Course Forenoon Session to develop their LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) skills and empower them with proficiency in English, enabling them to thrive in a global environment.

 Vision

To empower women students from all strata of society with the requisite skills in the English language to facilitate learning and strive towards an intellectual endeavour that focuses on critical thinking with the aim of social transformation.

 Mission

To maintain a holistic programme that will develop women of substance with academic, social, linguistic, professional competencies, coupled with critical thinking to face a globalized world, sensitive to the issues of gender, marginalization, and environmental abuse committed to serving the society and the nation.

 Highlights

The Department of English has established the Creative Writing Hub and E-Quiz Literati to hone students' communication skills and nurture their budding talents.

J Theatre

 The J Theatre serves as a vibrant hub for theatre lovers and enthusiasts, fostering collaboration on artistic ensembles and a broad appreciation for the theatre arts - including theory, performance and production. Each year, a multitude of talented individuals work together to advance the initiatives of the J Theatre which focuses on stage plays, scriptwriting, directing and performing. This platform enables students to critically and aesthetically analyse dramatic literature and performing arts. The J Theatre made its public debut in 2006 with the play On Account of Being a Woman, directed by Mr. Krishna Kumar and staged at the Rani Seethai Hall. A notable production, The Wedding Album, directed by Mr. Dushyanth was performed in 2017 as part of the College's Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

Every year J Theatre organises interclass dramatic competitions as part of the English club activities. Additionally the team hosts an intercollegiate theatre and literary festival providing a platform for participants to showcase their talents. The festival also includes workshops led by established theatre professionals to mentor emerging talent. The events organised for the J Theatre Literary Festival 2025 include: Adzap, Book Review, Channel Surfing, Collage, Cosplay, Creative writing (Poetry and Short stories), Debate, Design a mask, Drama competition, Dramatic monologue, Face Painting, Fashion Walk, Just a Minute, Meme Creation, Mime, Literary Quiz, Photography, Puppetry, Shipwreck, Story Telling, Street Play, Tribal Dance/ Folk Dance, T-shirt Painting and Voice over. These events aim to inspire participants to explore their potential, develop their skills, and excel in their areas of interest.

 MoU’s

The Department of English has also reinforced its industry connections by signing MoUs to benefit students through academic development, internships, workshops, and training programs.In 2019, an MoU was signed with the Centre for Creative Learning to enhance students' communication skills and corporate etiquette. Activities conducted under this initiative included sessions on Copy Editing, Proofreading, and Content Writing.In 2021, the Department signed an MoU with Alef Complimentary Educational Service Limited, a Hong Kong-based institution, which regularly organizes webinars to provide valuable insights into emerging trends.In 2024,MoU’S were signed at the National and International level namely NKT National College of Education and London Organisation for Skill Development to explore collaborations for increasing the academic output and strengthening the institutions for mutual benefits by organising Workshops/ Seminars / Symposia and Outreach Programmes.

 Networking with Libraries

The Department of English has fostered strong ties with prominent libraries in Chennai. Students are encouraged to enroll in esteemed libraries such as The American Library, British Council, Anna Centenary Library and Connemara Library to cultivate extensive reading habits and enhance their research capabilities.

Ms. Kathleen Hosie, Information officer, US Consul General, Chennai

Students winning prizes at the British Council

The American Library offers Orientation programmes to the students of Forenoon and also organises film screenings of the text books prescribed in the syllabi. The students have also participated in the events organised by the libraries and have won prizes.

 Distinguished Alumnae of the Department

Achievements of the Alumnae:

Alumna Publication:

Professor, Melbourne Law School, an Alumna of B.A. English has published a book titled Religious Freedom Under the Personal Law System in the year 2017

.

Alumna Publication:

Ms. Nikila Kesavan, Actor, Director and Theatre Artist in Chennai.

Nikhila Kesavan’s stage adaptations:

Adaptation and Direction of Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller, Five Point Someone was produced by The Madras Players in 2007 Stage adaptations of Shandana Minhas’ Tunnel Vision and Jhumpa Lahiri’s A Temporary Matter.

Adaptations of Manu Joseph’s Serious Men and Laila and Jamal

Distinguished Alumnae Awardees

Ms. S. Noorjahan Begum, (2005-2008) was awarded the Nation Builder Award in 2017.

Ms. Shaza Akthar

Ms. Shaza Akhtar, (2009 -2012). Currently employed as English language teacher for GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi. Recipient of Amazing Teacher Award- 2018 by Big Idea Awards, UAE and has also delivered a Ted Talk on Facing Turmoil

Links:

https//youtu.be/2aabX2N_sqk
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=shaza+ak
thar+ted+talk#id=1&vid=cd70c9aca22d07bc4bb5d9f2c0457407&action=click

 Alumnae Support

Alumni of the Department of English contribute in sharing their knowledge and guiding the undergraduate and postgraduate students by conducting webinars,workshops and orientation programmmes. The alumni richly contributed by sharing their expertise to enhance the academic skills and theatrical skills of the students.Workshops on Phonetics,Voice Over , and sessions on preparing for NET/ SET examinations were conducted.