The Department of History

The Department of History, Mar Thoma College for Women, Perumbavoor was established in 1982. In the beginning, History was a combination in the group III of pre-degree class. In the year 1998, the degree course was sanctioned by University and the Govt. of Kerala. The newly Sanctioned B.A Degree course offer History as subject core and Archaeology & Museology as vocational cores. Indian Numismatics and General economics serve as the complementary subject paper.

Since its inception, the department has excelled in various walks of life and produced good researchers, academicians, teachers and social workers. As all the activities and programme are aimed and fashioned at meeting the Vision and Mission of the Department which goes hand in hand with mission and vision of the College.  The department Visualises to create awareness of our rich cultural heritage, revive, preserve and protect the diversities of the Nation through the study of History & Archaeology. While the department holds the mission to empower students to address the challenges of society and the discipline with confidence, equip them to become good academicians and responsible citizens.

Mar Thoma College for Women is topmost among the colleges of the Mahatma Gandhi University, which offers undergraduate history course with archaeology and museology as its vocational core. The Model II B.A. History (Vocational) is a specialized undergraduate bachelor’s programme which has been designed to cultivate a practical and theoretical understanding of our rich cultural heritage through the use of modern technologies.  Apart from the regular, structured class rooms lectures, regular archaeological field visits, museum internships, and archival training programes are incorporated in the curriculum. Besides to this, on the job training courses in museum methods, preservation and conservation, maintenance and display of historical heritages in collaboration with reputed national research institutions like Indian Institute of Research in Numismatics Studies Nasik (IIRNS) Nashik, Centre for Heritage Studies (CHS), Tripunithura, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala State Archaeology Department Museums etc. are the highlight of this course.  The internship/on the job training programme attach lot of wisdom to the course, remains mandatory for the successful completion of the degree programme. In addition to the study report submitted at the study centre, a copy of the same is retained at department for ready reference, an external examination, and a dissertation is made mandatory to receive the completion certificate.

Facilities available at the Department

• The Department of History has three fully furnished class rooms with provisions for multimedia projection, wifi connectivity and a spacious student friendly staff room with computer access.
• The Archaeological Museum at Marthoma College, Perumbavoor is one of the prime attractions of the department, which not only opened to the students of our college but also welcome the academic researchers and local public. The museum conducts exhibitions every year for the general public and to the students of schools and colleges.
• The Department has a mini computer lab facility with 3 desktops and 2 lap tops with Wifi Connectivity in addition to the one ICT facility with two multimedia projector and an interactive board.

Our student centric initiatives and peculiarities

• Orientation /Induction Programme for freshers
• English Language coaching classes for vernacular students
• Remedial Coaching, Bridge Courses
• On the job training certificate course
• Doubt clearing classes, support for slow learners
• Motivation for Advanced learners, Prizes & Awards
• Seminar/workshop Presentations for students
• Catering to the need of differently- abled students
• Departmental fellowships/ Scholarship scheme
• Individual counseling for students and parents
• Career and progression coaching classes

Teaching learning process of the Department

• Strictly follows academic calendar of the University
• Plan & Progress Register/Teachers diary for precision execution of curriculum
• Apart from regular structured class room Lecture Method, Practical classes/Field study/ industrial visit/Science Exhibition/group discussion/creative writing were given importance
• ICT mode teaching, E-learning, virtual groups
• Co- Curricular activity for holistic development and separate departmental committees for Academics, Arts, Sports and Research
• Dance/music/Art & painting for nurturing creativity
• Continuous assessment and evaluation pattern followed
• Hand notes, study materials & web links
• Student Mentoring
• Project Preparation & Seminar, assignment and field study reports
• Workshop/seminar presentation and participation

Teaching learning methodologies of the Department

• Experimental learning — -Field visits, internships
• Participatory learning— Research paper writing workshops, field trainings, Seminar presentation, quiz competition, project, Guest lectures
• Problem solving methodologies – Mini project, model competitions
• Communicative Classrooms and Discussions
• Tutor Ward System with Mentors for Student Groups
• Movies Screening
• Field Work
• Power Point Presentations
• Paper Presentation

Best Practices of the Department

• Heritage club/Walk
• Archaeological Museum

Program Outcome

Former Faculties

1. Prof P. Vijayalakshmi MA M phill
2. Dr. Philip Cherian M.A. Mphill, PhD
3. Dr. Priya Kurian  M.A., M.Phil.,Ph.D.
4. Ms. Madhavi  K.