- FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Department of History
Established in 1962, the Department of History fosters critical inquiry and holistic learning, equipping students with strong research foundations and preparing them for diverse academic and professional pathways.
Overview
The Department of History, one of the oldest departments of the college, was established in 1962 and has since been committed to academic excellence and holistic education. The B.A. Programme in History is designed to enable students to critically analyse historical sources, and develop a strong spirit of inquiry and historical research. The programme fosters a comprehensive and critical understanding of the past, encouraging students to relate historical knowledge to contemporary social, political and cultural realities.
The department equips students with a strong academic foundation to pursue higher education and careers as teachers, historians, archaeologists, academicians and researchers, while also preparing them for allied professions such as journalism, heritage and tourism management, archival work, museum studies and law. Beyond academic training, the department is committed to nurturing responsible citizenship, ethical values and intellectual curiosity, while promoting respect for cultural diversity and encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to society.
Vision
The Department of History envisions to develop critical, informed and responsible learners with a strong understanding of the past and its relevance to the present. It seeks to foster multidisciplinary thinking, research skills and professional competence in the discipline of history and allied fields, while upholding ethical values, cultural diversity and constitutional principles for responsible citizenship.
Mission
The Department of History is committed to imparting comprehensive knowledge of chronology, periodisation, historical narratives, events and personalities, and to developing students’ understanding of historical processes and their relevance to contemporary society. Through systematic and multidisciplinary teaching–learning practices, the department aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical ability, and effective communication and writing skills by examining political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of history. It seeks to achieve this by training students in historiography, research methodology, and the analysis of historical sources. The department is also dedicated to instilling ethical values, respect for cultural diversity and constitutional principles, promoting responsible citizenship, and fostering awareness in the conservation and preservation of heritage.
Programmes Offered
The BA History Programme offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of the past, with a strong regional, national, and global focus. The curriculum integrates core courses on Goan, Indian, and world history with multidisciplinary, vocational, value-added, and skill enhancement courses. Students explore themes such as culture, heritage, archaeology, historiography, constitutional studies, freedom movements, and contemporary global developments. Practical exposure through museology, archives, heritage tourism, teaching, travel and tourism, and project work equips learners with research, analytical, and professional skills, preparing them for careers in academics, heritage management, tourism, education, and public service.
Department Faculty
Activities Organised
The History Department actively organizes a wide range of academic and co-curricular activities to enrich student learning beyond the classroom. These include guest lectures by eminent historians and experts and workshops on historical themes. Educational field trips to heritage sites and museums, provide hands-on exposure to historical sources and conservation practices. Cultural activities such as commemorative events, and history-related competitions encourage student participation and creativity. Together, these activities promote experiential learning, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of history and heritage.
Teaching & Learning method
The History Department adopts diverse teaching–learning methods to enhance conceptual understanding and critical engagement with the past. The teaching–learning methods include insightful lectures that provide conceptual clarity, classroom discussions that encourage active participation and critical reflection, and debates that help students articulate ideas and develop analytical and communication skills. The use of documentaries and audio-visual resources further enhances engagement by bringing historical events and contexts to life, thereby deepening understanding and interest in the subject.
Students also engage in presentations and assignment/project work, to develop research and communication skills. Field-based learning, heritage visits, and experiential activities further strengthen understanding, ensuring an inclusive, participatory, and effective learning environment.
Best Practices
Alumni of the Department: Name of the Alumni; Batch Year (Year when they become alumni); Employer Name/Entrepreneur; Designation.
Sr.No | Name | Graduation year | Current employer / status / achievements | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sakshi Ahluwalia | 2019 | Junior Research Scientist Aging Biology, BeyondAge | ||
2 | Fauzia Shaikh | 2019 | Senior CDC (R&D, Clinical Data Management), Sanofi | ||
3 | Amanda Vas | 2021 | Femina Miss India Goa 2022 | ||
4 | Simran Coutinho | 2021 | Clinical SAS programmer & analyst, Zifo | ||
5 | Rutuja Shirodkar | 2021 | Associate Clinical Data Analyst, Fortrea | ||
6 | Kate Cabral | 2021 | Discharge Coordinator, South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust | ||
7 | Stanford Fernandes | 2022 | Associate Process Scientist, Regeneron, Ireland |
