Question

The first institution to teach English Literature in the world is ________

• A. The University of Oxford, Oxford
• B. Royal Polytechnic Institution, London
• C. The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
• D. Fort William College, Calcutta

Hint:

English Literature as an academic discipline was first taught in colonial India, not England.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Historical Background.
Fort William College was established in 1800 in Calcutta by Lord Wellesley for training British civil servants of the East India Company.
Step 2: Introduction of English Literature.
English Literature was introduced as a formal academic subject at Fort William College before it was institutionalized in British universities.
Step 3: Evaluation of Other Options.
Although Oxford and other Western institutions later formalized English Literature, they were not the first to teach it as a distinct subject.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (D).