The origins of the Department of English date back to 1868, when Ateneo Municipal de Manila had in its roster its first English language teacher, Carmelo Polino. From being an option for the “Estudios de Aplicacion” of Secondary Instruction students, the study of English turned into an urgent need during the Philippine-American War.

In school year 1921–1922, English became one of the course options that a student could take in order to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree from what was then known as Ateneo de Manila. 

Several events in history can be viewed as important in the evolution of the Department of English. In 1960, the book Higher Education in Philippine Culture, a report presented to the Rector of Ateneo de Manila on the occasion of its centenary, stressed the need for a redirection toward supporting the development of Philippine culture. On the other hand, the manifesto “Down from the Hill,” published in The Guidon in 1968, stated:

The change makers who either used to teach at or studied under the Department of English include Rev Miguel A Bernad SJ; National Artist Salvador F Bernal; Gilda Cordero-Fernando; Doreen G Fernandez; Rev Joseph A Galdon SJ; National Artist Bienvenido L Lumbera; Edna Zapanta Manlapaz; Emy M Pascasio; National Artist Rolando S Tinio; Soledad S Reyes; and Emmanuel S Torres, among others. 

The Department of English continues to innovate pedagogical practices to meet students’ needs in today’s age. It is composed of dedicated faculty and devoted staff who are committed to helping realize the goals of the School of Humanities and of Ateneo de Manila University.