Overview
About the Department
The Department of History, established in 1883, is among the most venerable academic units of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), with a rich scholarly legacy shaped by distinguished Jesuit educators such as Fr. Angelo Maffei—the author of the Konkani grammar and dictionary—and Fr. Moore SJ, noted historian of the Diocese of Mangalore.
Its tradition of academic excellence continued through the mentorship of eminent faculty including Prof. I. Rebello, Prof. V. R. Hebbar, Fr. Lawrence Castelino SJ, and Prof. Gilbert Sequeira. Guided by a vision to promote nuanced understanding of historical and contemporary societies, the Department cultivates strong research, analytical, and evaluative skills.
The Department presently benefits from expert faculty who actively contribute to scholarly discourse, participate in national and international conferences, and serve on editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals.
Practices
- Students are encouraged to undertake research-based historical writing, with selected articles and reports published annually.
- Interdisciplinary heritage-based experiential learning through curated fieldwork and applied projects.
- Structured internships in museums and heritage institutions for professional exposure.
- Organization of heritage-themed fests and academic events to strengthen leadership and communication skills.
Faculty
Research
| Research project undertaken (Minor /Major / any other) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Name of the Faculty | Category | Details |
| 1 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Minor Research Project | Completed a Minor Research Project on the topic ‘Christian Responses to Colonialism in South Kanara in the Early Decades of 20th Century,’ sanctioned by UGC between 2014 and 2015. |
| 2 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Ph.D. Guideship | Ph.D. Guide, Department of History, Kannada University, Hampi – since 2010. Two students have been awarded a Ph.D. degree under my guidance, and two are pursuing their Ph.D. studies. |
| 3 | Dr Denis Fernandes | M.Phil. Guidance | Five students have completed their M.Phil. degree under my guidance from the Department of History, Kannada University, Hampi. |
| Papers Presented by the Faculty in the Seminars/ Workshops | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Name of the Faculty | Event | Details |
| 1 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Indian History Congress | Presented a paper on ‘Tulu Calurutechisms and the Problems they Raise’ in Indian History Congress, held at Bareilly (UP) from 28 to 30 December 2004. |
| 2 | Dr Denis Fernandes | State Level Seminar | Presented a paper on ‘Tuluva Religious Practices in the Colonial Discourse’ in the State Level Seminar on the History and Culture of Karnataka held at Mysore on 7-9 January 2005, organised by CAM-KAR Samanvaya Research Institute, Mysore. |
| 3 | Dr Denis Fernandes | 68th Indian History Congress | Presented a paper on “Disciplining the Congregation: The Basel Mission Experience in Canara” in the 68th Indian History Congress held at Calicut in January 2007. |
| 4 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Dr. P. Gururaj Bhat Memorial Workshop | Presented a paper on “Society and the Missionaries in Colonial South Kanara” in Dr. P. Gururaj Bhat Memorial Workshop held in December 2007 at Madhava Pai Memorial College, Manipal. |
| 5 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Mangalore University Seminar | Presented a paper on “Koot Rebellion in South Kanara” in the Mangalore University Level Seminar held in October 2007 at Sri Dhavala College, Moodbidri. |
| 6 | Dr Denis Fernandes | 68th Indian History Congress | Presented a paper on “Destruction of Beliefs: The Basel Mission Education in Canara” in the 68th Indian History Congress held at Delhi in December 2007. |
| 7 | Dr Denis Fernandes | National Seminar | Presented a paper on “Binaries in the European Construction of the Tulu World” in the national seminar held at Mangalore University Campus, Konaje in January 2008. |
| 8 | Dr Denis Fernandes | International Seminar | Presented a paper on “The Perception of the Natives in the Writings of the Basel Mission” in the International Seminar held on 9th March 2008 at Kanhangad. |
| 9 | Dr Denis Fernandes | 69th Indian History Congress | Presented a paper on “Towards Building an Indian Independent Church: The Role of Satyavratha, a Protestant Christian Journal in Mangalore” in the 69th Indian History Congress held at Kannur in December 2008. |
| 10 | Dr Denis Fernandes | History Workshop | Delivered a lecture on “Communalism in Modern India” in the History Workshop of Pre-University College lecturers in September 2007 at Milagres Pre-University College, Mangalore. |
| 11 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Cross Land College Seminar | Presented a paper on “Process of Urbanization of Mangalore in the Colonial Context” held in August 2008 at Cross Land College, Brahmavar. |
| 12 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Mangalore University Seminar | Presented a paper on “Historiography of Colonial Kanara” in the state level seminar held in December 2008 at Mangalore University, Konaje. |
| 13 | Dr Denis Fernandes | International Consultation | Presented a paper on “Challenges to Become Indigenous: The Basel Mission Church in India” in the International Consultation to mark the 175th anniversary of the Basel Mission in India in February 2009 at K.T.C., Mangalore. |
| 14 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Besant College Seminar | Presented a paper on “Missionaries and the National Movement in India” in the Seminar held at Besant College, Mangalore in January 2009. |
| 15 | Dr Denis Fernandes | St Aloysius College Conference | Presented a paper on “Conversion and Continuity: A Historical Perspective” in the Conference held at St Aloysius College, Mangalore in February 2009. |
| 16 | Dr Denis Fernandes | Tulu Sahitya Sammelan | Presented a research paper titled “Tulunadu and Its Contact with the Outside World in the Pre-Modern Period” at Karkal for the State Level Tulu Sahitya Sammelan held in October 2009. |
| 17 | Dr Denis Fernandes | National Seminar | Presented a reply paper on “The Writings and Missionary Work of Kittel” in the national seminar held at KATHRI, Mangalore in March 2009. |
Academic Excellence
The academic excellence of the History Department is evident through its commitment to quality education, research, and experiential learning. Key aspects include:
· Outstanding Student Performance: The department consistently achieves a 100% student pass rate, reflecting the effectiveness of its academic programs, dedicated faculty, and student-centric learning approach.
· Research-Driven Education: Emphasising practical learning, students engage in fieldwork-based projects, which allow them to explore historical themes through direct research, data collection, and analysis of primary sources. These projects help develop critical thinking, research skills, and a deeper understanding of historical processes.
· Strong Alumni Network: The department takes pride in its influential alumni, who have excelled in diverse fields, including academia, public service, and cultural preservation. Their contributions continue to inspire current students and strengthen the department’s legacy.
· Experiential Learning through Field Trips: To provide hands-on exposure to historical sites, museums, and heritage centers, the department organizes regular field trips. These excursions enable students to engage with history beyond textbooks, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and historical narratives.
Alumni
The Department of History takes pride in its exemplary alumni, who have served as catalysts for change. A few notable names include:
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Student Corner
Four students participated in a Two-Day International Conference held at St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore, on 25th and 26th October 2024, under the guidance of Dr. Mona Mendonca, Head of the Department of History. Final-year students Ms. Reya Cicilia Forte and Ms. Niranjana R. presented a research paper titled "Educational Exclusion Among College Students in Mangaluru: A Report." Meanwhile, Ms. Vinisha Lenita Sequeira and Ms. Anita Sara Aniyan presented a paper on "Voices from the Coast: Exploring Transgender Lives Through the Lens of Aishwarya Parivaara."
Certificate Courses
The Department of History offers an online Certificate Course on The History of Tourism, which is open to all. This comprehensive course comprises 30 hours of lectures and provides a broad understanding of the evolution of the tourism industry on a global scale. It explores the historical development of travel, the factors that have influenced tourism over time, and its impact on societies and economies. The course aims to equip participants with insights into how tourism has shaped cultures, economies, and international relations throughout history.
B.A. History
The B.A. degree offers a broad-based education in the humanities, social sciences, and languages, with options to specialize in fields like history, political science, or psychology. The program fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, making it ideal for careers in education, social work, media, and public services.
B.A. History - Eligibility
Completion of 12th standard/PUC in any stream with a minimum of 45% marks
B.A. History - Career Opportunities
- Teaching & Academia – School teacher, college lecturer, university professor, or academic researcher.
- Archaeology & Heritage Management – Archaeologist, museum curator, conservationist, archival assistant.
- Civil Services & Government Jobs – UPSC, State PSC, archival departments, cultural ministries.
- Museums, Libraries & Archives – Archivist, librarian, exhibition coordinator, heritage interpreter.
- Media, Journalism & Publishing – Content writer, editor, documentary researcher, historical consultant.
- Tourism Cultural Sector – Heritage tour guide, travel consultant,cultural event coordinator, heritage sites manager.
B.A. History - Program Combinations
- History, Economics, Political Science
- History, Economics, English Major
- History, Social Work, Psychology
- History, Political Science, Kannada Major
- History, Social Work, Kannada Major
- History, Psychology, English Major
