History

ABOUT DEPARTMENT:

The Dept. of History came into existence in 1985 catering to the academic needs of the U.G. students of this region in particular and of Odisha in general. Our department provides only UG program. The Department is endowed with outstanding faculty members, committed to innovative pedagogic practices and with cutting-edge research interests in History. The students are taught to locate contemporary issues within specific historical contexts to grasp the nature of the present and to envision a future informed by the past. Courses in History at UG level are taught according to the model syllabus prescribed by the Higher Education Department. Now the department has 32 Honours seats at undergraduate level.

VISION:

The education vision of the Department of History is to help write and teach the History of India and the world in a way that is both cosmopolitan and rooted in our national experience. We believe through studying History our students will develop a deep understanding of the events of past and able to analyse and interpret trends throughout History. The Dept. of History provides the fundamental knowledge in the discipline of history and in the study of the History of India, Odisha and the World. The programs are interdisciplinary keeping in mind that specialization in History is the key to access cognate skills from other disciplines.

MISSION:

The Department of History focuses on teaching in archaeology, ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary history with particular emphasis on study of economic, social and cultural changes, national movements, regional history (Odisha History) etc. The mission of the Department of History is based on the belief that an understanding of History is essential not only to complete education but also to a life of wider awareness, fulfillment and responsible citizen. We seek to instill in students passion for learning about the past to enable them gain a better understanding of the contemporary world and make connections to the Future. The department aims to be an open and welcoming site for a robust exchange of ideas and encouragement of scholarly excellence. We are committed to developing in students vital skills such as critical thinking, analysis, verbal expression and effective writing.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES (PO):

1. Our History Department aims to instruct students on how to read and process information on people, societies, cultures, events and places which are removed from our time and space. Knowledge of this past is critical in understanding the ways in which the present world is connected and responds to its history in sometimes overt and at other times more complex ways that is missed by most people.

2. The program aims to develop a historical thinking that goes beyond the linear narrative of past and set it anchored to right historical thinking by developing critical analysis of the sources and their interpretation of the past.

3. The Program provides information about different aspects of the past to students, to teach them how to use, analyze and interpret evidence, instruct them on how historians research, frame an argument and debate details which have bearing on the present.

4. The program aims to develop local history by encouraging students to construct history of the locality by encouraging students to explore different dimensions of the past by collecting evidence from land officials, temples, archaeological sites, etc.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES (PO):

1. After the completion of the four year program, students are expected to have acquired the skills of critical thinking, rational enquiry, effective communication, and exploring the relationship between past, present and historiography.

2. The students will be able to know that history is a knowledge discipline and not rote memorization of dates and events. It will enhance student’s ability to carefully read a complex historical narrative by a historian in his historical writing, evaluate the use of evidence by the historians and possible selective use of evidence. In short, they are expected to construct historical narrative and formulate arguments based on a historiographical engagement.

3. Develop skill and knowledge of deciphering the primary sources, such as recognition of script, potteries, land records through their internship.

4. The program enhances the Capability of students to assume leadership roles and apply the above mentioned analytical abilities in various other non-familiar contexts.

5. Students will have the cognate skills such as reasoning, analysis and critical thinking.

6. Students will develop skill of picking up disparate sets of information from local sources and internet and weave a coherent argument with a view to reveal identifiable patterns of continuity and changes.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

History career scope is rapidly increasing with the increased focus on the preservation of arts and culture. Students who choose to pursue a career in History can look forward to a fascinating, fulfilling, and stable career with ample opportunities and scope for growth.

A student can pursue a career as a Professor, Archivist, Journalist, Historian, Museum Curator, Government Officer, etc. after completing a degree in History courses. Some of the top recruiters in the History industry are the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), UNESCO, Heritage Walk, etc. Students can pursue further studies like B.Ed, MBA, Masters, and PhD after History courses. They can also start working in the Academia, Media, and Government Service fields. Many History graduates choose to work for government organizations. They can get recruited into government positions through competitive exams such as UPSC CSE, SBI PO, SSC CGL, etc.

Here's a breakdown of potential career paths available to history students.

Directly Related to History:

1. Museum
2. Archives
3. Archaeology
4. Tourism
5. Genealogist
6. Cultural Institutions

Indirectly Related, Leveraging History Skills:

1. Journalist
2. Librarian
3. Researcher
4. Writer/Editor
5. Legal Professional
6. Educator

TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS:

To enhance learning, the department incorporates various teaching methods such as model-based learning, group discussions, workshops, seminars, and field visits. Special focus is given to slow learners through remedial classes. Student-centric methods are applied such as experiential learning, participative learning, and problem solving to enhance the learning experience. Teachers supplement lectures with data charts, ICT enabled presentations, and group discussions to engage students interactively. Seminars and project presentations further encourage participative learning. Students and teachers maintain communication through email and WhatsApp, where study materials and e-resources are shared. The History Department also organizes group discussions, quiz competitions, role-plays, study tours and seminars. The mentor-mentee relationship fosters a positive campus environment, ensuring regular attendance, improved academic performance, and strong teacher-student bonds. These methods collectively contribute to students' holistic development.

SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/EXTRAMURAL LECTURES:

The Department of History organized a seminar titled “Kalingan Temple Architecture” on 09.12.2024 in respective department where Dr. Sangeeta Mishra, HOD & Asst. Professor in PG Department of History, S.C.S (Autonomous) College, Puri was the Chief Speaker.