Faculty of Languages and Communication
On behalf of all our faculty, staff and students, welcome to the Faculty of Languages and Communication (FoLaC) at American University of Madaba (AUM).
As the Acting Dean of the Faculty, I’m immensely proud of the tradition of providing not only theoretical, but also practical, experience-based education since our founding. Our English Literature & Language as well as Translation majors prepare our students to become leaders, empowered not only with valuable competencies and skills, but also with the moral wisdom and intellectual passion necessary to meet the challenges of a time of critical transition in society and the world at large.
With science and wisdom as pillars of AUM’s vision, mission, philosophy and key working principles, we offer unique opportunities for our students to engage with local, national and international companies and communities. These strengths are evident in our faculty’s graduates, with many going on to graduate schools, while others finding amazing opportunities in entrepreneurial ventures and not-for-profit organizations. Central to the success of our current students and Alumni is our focus on honing their life goals and life skills through student-centered teaching methods that our faculty brings into the classroom.
In sum, the knowledge, commitment, hard work and contributions of FoLaC continue to drive change both at the university and across our society and beyond.
I would like to affectionately invite all of you who are interested in expanding their knowledge and enriching their careers to further explore our faculty, with its two distinguished departments, either online or through a visit to campus.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. Hanan M. Madanat
Acting Dean of Faculty of Languages & Communication
Vision
Through its outstanding graduates, excelling faculty members, and effective community outreach programs, Faculty of Languages and Communication aspires to make a difference in the nation, the region and the world.
Mission
The mission of the Faculty of Languages and Communication is to ensure academic excellence for a diverse student body in language proficiency, literature competency, translation efficiency, and communication ease and fluency. The faculty promotes an exceptional learning environment, characterized by dynamism, collegiality and civility that will enable students to become successful, both personally and professionally, and prepare them to become responsible global citizens.
General Education Program Learning Outcomes
Department of Basic Science & Humanities
The department of Basic Science and Humanities is a multidisciplinary unit that serves freshman students from different faculties. It broadens students’ knowledge, and technical skills, and promotes social awareness through general education and career-focused courses. The department provides strong education and learning environment, which enables the students to enter all areas of their profession upon graduation and to adapt to changes that may occur during professional life. Students will be conversant with a wide range of topics relating to the natural sciences, be able to communicate effectively, and appreciate the scientist's professional and social role. The faculty tries to foster a learning environment enhanced by faculty who encourage leadership, independence, self-respect, promotion of justice, and compassion in students. This is dependent on a sound scientific knowledge base, well-developed expertise, critical thinking capabilities, moral reasoning, and communication skills..
The American University of Madaba graduates will have the following Program learning outcomes (PLO’s):
PLO1: Rational and Practical Skills
Intellectual and communicative skills are needed to succeed in the academic environment and to address globally complex challenges. This includes written and oral communication skills and quantitative and qualitative reasoning for complex and refined arguments.
PLO2: Civic and Global Leadership
Recognize the diversity of different societies, locally and internationally, in terms of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and age, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained to lead, recognize, apply and establish effective and useful interactions in crisis.
PLO3: Knowledge of Human Cultures
Knowledge from humanities, environmental, social sciences, and arts to better understand life ecology.
PLO4: Understanding of the Physical and Natural World (STEM Skills)
Creativity, Knowledge, and skills learned from Natural Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) in order to develop an interdisciplinary, diverse, and applied approach to the natural environment and an understanding of scientific reasoning and integration latest technology.
General Education List of Competencies (LoC’s) which achieve General Education PLOs
Knowledge
A1. Understanding essential facts in related topics.
A2. Comprehend basic concepts in related fields and their applications.
A3. Introducing and relating principles and theories.
A4. Clarifying sciences and humanities terminology in related fields.
Practical Skills
B1. Enhance oral, written and communication skills.
B2. Applying creative and critical skills.
B3. Develop interpersonal skills.
B4. Use of a Learning Management System (LMS) in the learning process to create and deliver content and monitor student participation and assessment.
Thinking Skills
C1. Enhance computer skills to solve and apply theoretical concepts in real life.
C2. Recognize, analyze, and apply quantitative and qualitative concepts in real-life models.
C3. Understand scientific reasoning for different problems and concepts.
Other Skills
D1. Promote critical thinking in solving and applying problems and concepts.
D2. Intellectual and independent creativity in reasoning learning natural sciences topics.
D3. Recognize and apply effective and useful interaction in complex problems.
General Education Courses
- Students are requested to check their study plans and advisors for the General Education Courses
Science
Math
903381 Numerical Analysis (3 C.H.)
903281 Probability and Statistics (3 C.H.)
903182 Statistics for Business (3 C.H.)
903105 Mathematics and Biostatistics (3 C.H.)
903103 Mathematics for Business (3 C.H.)
903102 Calculus 2 (3 C.H.)
903101 Calculus 1 (3 C.H.)
900106 General Statistics(3 C.H.)
402213 Linear Algebra (3 C.H.)
Physics
900185 Astronomy (3 C.H.)
904108 General Physics 2 Lab (1 C.H.)
904107 General Physics 1 Lab (1 C.H.)
904102 General Physics 2- (3 C.H.)
904101 General Physics 1- (3 C.H.)
Chemistry
902113 Organic Chemistry Lab. for Life Sciences 1 (1 C.H.)
902112 Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences 1 (3 C.H.)
902111 Organic Chemistry for Health Sciences (3 C.H.)
902107 General Chemistry lab (1Cr.Hrs.)
902101 General Chemistry (3 C.H.)
304156 Analytical Chemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
304150 Analytical Chemistry (2 C.H.)
Biology
304253 Microbiology and Immunology (3 C.H.)
301241 Basic Microbiology Lab (1 C.H.)
301240 Basic Microbiology (3 C.H.)
301237 Biochemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
301232 (201341) Biochemistry (3 C.H.)
201101 General Biology 1 (3 C. H.)
201017 General Biology Lab (1 C.H.)
900116 Bio-Ethics (3 C.H.)
Information Technology
900190 Digital Culture (3 C.H.)
900180 Computer Skills (3 C.H.)
401121 Programing Fundamentals (3 C.H.)
Other
900172 Development and Environment (3 C.H.)
900171 Science and Society (3 C.H.)
303111 Fundamentals of Nutrition (3 C.H.)
Humanities
Languages
900201 Technical Writing and Documentation (3 C.H.)
900131 English Communication Skills (2) (3 C.H)
900130 English Communication Skills (1) (3 C.H)
900120 Arabic Communication Skills (3 C.H)
702201 Writing 2 (3 C.H)
702132 English for Business
702107 Paragraph and Essay Writing
702106 Writing 1 (3 C.H)
702105 Reading Comprehension (3 C.H)
702104 Study Skills (3 C.H)
702103 Listening and Speaking (3 C.H)
702006 Italian /European language (3 C.H)
702005 Italian /European language 1 (3 C.H)
Art and Design
900141 Appreciation of Music (3 C.H)
900140 Appreciation of Art (3 C.H)
609210 Design history and theory (3 C.H.)
609136 3D drawing and perspectives (3 C.H.)
609121 Design methods and creative thinking (3 C.H.)
609120 Drawing and Rendering techniques (3 C.H.)
608225 Digital Photography and Imaging (3 C.H.)
608220 Color theory and applications 1 (3 C.H.)
608211 Introduction and History of Visual Communication (3 C.H.)
608130 Free-hand drawing (3 C.H.)
608125 Introduction to computer graphics and illustration (3 C.H.)
606211 History of Architecture and Art(3 C.H.)
606131 Technical Drawing (3 C.H.)
Cultural Studies
900118 Cultural Development (3 C.H)
900113 Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication (3 C.H)
704101 Introduction to Mass communication (3 C.H)
703251 Culture and Globalization (3 C.H)
Social Sciences
900150 Introduction to Economics (3 C.H)
900133 Research Methodology (3 C.H)
900124 Human Rights (3 C.H)
900123 Leadership and social responsibility (1 C.H)
900122 Entrepreneurship and Innovation (1 C.H)
900117 Civic Awareness (3 C.H)
900115 Social Ethics (3 C.H)
900114 Civilization and Thought (3 C.H)
900111 Military Science (3 C.H)
506151 Fundamentals of Human resources Management (3 C.H)
505103 Macroeconomics (3 C.H.)
505102 Microeconomics (3 C.H.)
505101 Principles of Risk Management (3 C.H.)
504101 Principles of Marketing (3 C.H.)
503101 Principles of Finance (3 C.H.)
502101 Principles of Management (3 C.H.)
501101 Principles of Accounting (3 C.H.)
Literature is more than just stories written on pages. It is a cultural, political, and personal tool. Through the English Language and Literature program at AUM, students will explore all the different artistic applications of the English Language, as well as study its scientific, theoretical, and historical background as the universal language of the modern world. Throughout the program, students will be introduced to an extensive list of poems, novels, dramas, and other literature. Although diverse in terms of subject matter and place of origin, these texts are carefully chosen so as to be directly applicable to the sociopolitical context of our students, making for a relatable reading experience. With guidance, students will learn to read critically and analyze texts through various personal, cultural, social, historical, and political contexts, expanding horizons of textual analysis and interpretation. Students will learn to formulate and back up their own theories using textual evidence, and will become masters of synthesizing their findings in the form of strong written material. Studying literature at AUM will open students up to different peoples, narratives, and emotions and will mold them into culturally aware, empathetic, and proactive communicators and analysts. Our graduates go on to pursue careers in media, education, NGO’s and governmental bodies, as well as in journalism, copywriting, creative writing, editing, administration, teaching, etc.
Our English Language and Literature graduates have gone on to pursue a diverse array of careers. Some go into education, where their knowledge of English and communication skills change lives, while others find themselves working in world-class NGOs, becoming agents of tangible change. In addition, many English Language and Literature graduates go on to continue their studies abroad in esteemed universities, the knowledge they have acquired at AUM acting a stepping-stone for their many ambitions and capabilities.
General Education Program Learning Outcomes
Department of Basic Science & Humanities
The department of Basic Science and Humanities is a multidisciplinary unit that serves freshman students from different faculties. It broadens students’ knowledge, and technical skills, and promotes social awareness through general education and career-focused courses. The department provides strong education and learning environment, which enables the students to enter all areas of their profession upon graduation and to adapt to changes that may occur during professional life. Students will be conversant with a wide range of topics relating to the natural sciences, be able to communicate effectively, and appreciate the scientist's professional and social role. The faculty tries to foster a learning environment enhanced by faculty who encourage leadership, independence, self-respect, promotion of justice, and compassion in students. This is dependent on a sound scientific knowledge base, well-developed expertise, critical thinking capabilities, moral reasoning, and communication skills..
The American University of Madaba graduates will have the following Program learning outcomes (PLO’s):
PLO1: Rational and Practical Skills
Intellectual and communicative skills are needed to succeed in the academic environment and to address globally complex challenges. This includes written and oral communication skills and quantitative and qualitative reasoning for complex and refined arguments.
PLO2: Civic and Global Leadership
Recognize the diversity of different societies, locally and internationally, in terms of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and age, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained to lead, recognize, apply and establish effective and useful interactions in crisis.
PLO3: Knowledge of Human Cultures
Knowledge from humanities, environmental, social sciences, and arts to better understand life ecology.
PLO4: Understanding of the Physical and Natural World (STEM Skills)
Creativity, Knowledge, and skills learned from Natural Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) in order to develop an interdisciplinary, diverse, and applied approach to the natural environment and an understanding of scientific reasoning and integration latest technology.
General Education List of Competencies (LoC’s) which achieve General Education PLOs
Knowledge
A1. Understanding essential facts in related topics.
A2. Comprehend basic concepts in related fields and their applications.
A3. Introducing and relating principles and theories.
A4. Clarifying sciences and humanities terminology in related fields.
Practical Skills
B1. Enhance oral, written and communication skills.
B2. Applying creative and critical skills.
B3. Develop interpersonal skills.
B4. Use of a Learning Management System (LMS) in the learning process to create and deliver content and monitor student participation and assessment.
Thinking Skills
C1. Enhance computer skills to solve and apply theoretical concepts in real life.
C2. Recognize, analyze, and apply quantitative and qualitative concepts in real-life models.
C3. Understand scientific reasoning for different problems and concepts.
Other Skills
D1. Promote critical thinking in solving and applying problems and concepts.
D2. Intellectual and independent creativity in reasoning learning natural sciences topics.
D3. Recognize and apply effective and useful interaction in complex problems.
General Education Courses
- Students are requested to check their study plans and advisors for the General Education Courses
Science
Math
903381 Numerical Analysis (3 C.H.)
903281 Probability and Statistics (3 C.H.)
903182 Statistics for Business (3 C.H.)
903105 Mathematics and Biostatistics (3 C.H.)
903103 Mathematics for Business (3 C.H.)
903102 Calculus 2 (3 C.H.)
903101 Calculus 1 (3 C.H.)
900106 General Statistics(3 C.H.)
402213 Linear Algebra (3 C.H.)
Physics
900185 Astronomy (3 C.H.)
904108 General Physics 2 Lab (1 C.H.)
904107 General Physics 1 Lab (1 C.H.)
904102 General Physics 2- (3 C.H.)
904101 General Physics 1- (3 C.H.)
Chemistry
902113 Organic Chemistry Lab. for Life Sciences 1 (1 C.H.)
902112 Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences 1 (3 C.H.)
902111 Organic Chemistry for Health Sciences (3 C.H.)
902107 General Chemistry lab (1Cr.Hrs.)
902101 General Chemistry (3 C.H.)
304156 Analytical Chemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
304150 Analytical Chemistry (2 C.H.)
Biology
304253 Microbiology and Immunology (3 C.H.)
301241 Basic Microbiology Lab (1 C.H.)
301240 Basic Microbiology (3 C.H.)
301237 Biochemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
301232 (201341) Biochemistry (3 C.H.)
201101 General Biology 1 (3 C. H.)
201017 General Biology Lab (1 C.H.)
900116 Bio-Ethics (3 C.H.)
Information Technology
900190 Digital Culture (3 C.H.)
900180 Computer Skills (3 C.H.)
401121 Programing Fundamentals (3 C.H.)
Other
900172 Development and Environment (3 C.H.)
900171 Science and Society (3 C.H.)
303111 Fundamentals of Nutrition (3 C.H.)
Humanities
Languages
900201 Technical Writing and Documentation (3 C.H.)
900131 English Communication Skills (2) (3 C.H)
900130 English Communication Skills (1) (3 C.H)
900120 Arabic Communication Skills (3 C.H)
702201 Writing 2 (3 C.H)
702132 English for Business
702107 Paragraph and Essay Writing
702106 Writing 1 (3 C.H)
702105 Reading Comprehension (3 C.H)
702104 Study Skills (3 C.H)
702103 Listening and Speaking (3 C.H)
702006 Italian /European language (3 C.H)
702005 Italian /European language 1 (3 C.H)
Art and Design
900141 Appreciation of Music (3 C.H)
900140 Appreciation of Art (3 C.H)
609210 Design history and theory (3 C.H.)
609136 3D drawing and perspectives (3 C.H.)
609121 Design methods and creative thinking (3 C.H.)
609120 Drawing and Rendering techniques (3 C.H.)
608225 Digital Photography and Imaging (3 C.H.)
608220 Color theory and applications 1 (3 C.H.)
608211 Introduction and History of Visual Communication (3 C.H.)
608130 Free-hand drawing (3 C.H.)
608125 Introduction to computer graphics and illustration (3 C.H.)
606211 History of Architecture and Art(3 C.H.)
606131 Technical Drawing (3 C.H.)
Cultural Studies
900118 Cultural Development (3 C.H)
900113 Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication (3 C.H)
704101 Introduction to Mass communication (3 C.H)
703251 Culture and Globalization (3 C.H)
Social Sciences
900150 Introduction to Economics (3 C.H)
900133 Research Methodology (3 C.H)
900124 Human Rights (3 C.H)
900123 Leadership and social responsibility (1 C.H)
900122 Entrepreneurship and Innovation (1 C.H)
900117 Civic Awareness (3 C.H)
900115 Social Ethics (3 C.H)
900114 Civilization and Thought (3 C.H)
900111 Military Science (3 C.H)
506151 Fundamentals of Human resources Management (3 C.H)
505103 Macroeconomics (3 C.H.)
505102 Microeconomics (3 C.H.)
505101 Principles of Risk Management (3 C.H.)
504101 Principles of Marketing (3 C.H.)
503101 Principles of Finance (3 C.H.)
502101 Principles of Management (3 C.H.)
501101 Principles of Accounting (3 C.H.)
Although translators are often working behind the scenes, they act as of one the most effective bridges between different peoples and cultures. The Translation program at AUM is designed to instill outstanding translation skills and competency in our students that will allow them to become productive translators in the two main languages of the region: Arabic and English. Through the program, students will learn to recognize different types of discourse, and develop reading habits that will allow them to build a strong vocabulary, one that will act as a crucial foundation for their professional careers. Through a number of theory-based courses and two practical labs, students will acquire grammatical, sociolinguistic, and writing-based skills, allowing them to seamlessly incorporate these intersecting disciplines in their work and create distinct and meaningful translations. Translators from AUM not only acquire the skills to become proficient translators, but also touch on matters of Language Acquisition. This allows them to later pursue careers in education as ESL or Arabic teachers, jobs which are in high-demand locally and regionally. A Translation degree from AUM does not limit graduates to one discipline of translation, but equips them with the knowledge to act as a key communicative asset in a wide range of professional sectors.
Our Translation graduates go on to pursue careers in a number of fields. One of our graduates was able to secure a job the day directly after her graduation as a marketing office in the Berlitz Language Center in Amman, an organization in which our graduate was able to implement her thorough understanding of language of a communicative and cultural tool, an understanding she developed through her time in the Translation program at AUM.
Publications (2014 – 2016)
Literature Department
Dr. Wafa’a Al Khadra
“NoamiShihab Nye’s Neo- and Post-Romanticism: The Mystique of Separate and Hybrid Landscapes.” Dirasat, Human and Social Sciences, Volume 41, Supplement. 2, 2014.
“Anne Bradstreet’s Romantic Precedence”. Journal of Modern Languages and Literature at Yarmouk University.
"Al-Ghitani’sZayniBarakat: History as Narrative". The European Scientific Journal, ESJ. October edition vol.11, No.28, No.29 and No.30.
Euro-Med Ministerial Conclusions on Strengthening the Role of Women in Society: Impact in Jordan. European Union Publication/ http://www.efi-ife.org/publications
Translation Department
Dr. Taroub Khayat
Political Communication in the Age of Dissemination: Media Constructions of Hezbollah (2016) London: Peter Lang
Activities (2014 – 2016)
Dr. Wafaa Al Khadra
Euro-Med Women’s Rights Conference on MINISTERIAL CONCLUSIONS TO GENDER EQUALITY POLICY MAKING IN THE EURO-MED REGION 28-29 November 2016 Beirut, Lebanon.
Expert group meeting on "Beyond Parliamentary Representation: Women Participation" held in the UN House on 15 - 16 December.
Conference and retreat on Gender Equality in the Arab World Post the Arab Uprisings, scheduled March 3 and 4, 2017 at AUB.
Participation in an international delegation to the sixty-first session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW61). UNCSW61 held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 13 to 24 March 2017.
http://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/wafa-alkhadra/jordan-can-lead-change
http://jordantimes.com/reforming-curricula-a-must-yet-again
http://jordantimes.com/activists-discuss-gender--stereotypes-in-school-textbooks
http://jordantimes.com/the-need-for-a-paradigm-shift-in-gender-perception
http://alrai.com/article/787709.html
Dr. Akram Al Deek
Feb. 2017 – present: Judge and Master of Ceremony for Readers’ Writing Competition for Youths in Amman.
Oct. 2015 – present: Co-curator of Writers in Amman, a group of writers who meet on monthly basis.
September, 2014 –Feb, 2015: Life is Elsewhere (a series of workshops on the politics of home and identity, combined with film screenings and discussions) at Darat Al Funun; Amman, Jordan.
Editor-in-Chief of the AUM Magazine, Oct. 2015 – present.
Working on a book that studies the impact of graffiti and street art in Amman: March, 2017 : ongoing.
Looking for a publication for my semi-autobiographical memoir, The Eucalyptus Tree: episodes of displersals (2016).
http://jordantimes.com/news/local/book-says-displacement-opportunity-creativity-growth%E2%80%99
http://aum.edu.jo/main/aum-announcements/447-book-publication-dr-akram-al-deek
http://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9781137580917
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/06/travel/arab-ink-project/index.html
Dr. Celine Kamheye
My review of Alan Jacobs’ book, The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction, was published in The Reading Matrix, Vol. 15 / 1, April 2015, pp. 293-295, http://www.readingmatrix.com/files/12-393a6o0a.pdf
I peer reviewed an article which was later published in Arab World English Journal Vol. 6/1, pp. 378-396. The article is titled: The Effect of Vocabulary learning Strategies on Academic Achievements of Pre-University Libyan EFL Learners, by Salma HM Khalifa.
The University is aware of the significance of facilitating the way knowledge is developed, acquired and delivered. Therefore, the Department of English has responded positively to the AUM initiative by launching and integrating the e-learningfacilties in its premises and classes.
Extensive use of data shows and computer resources is implemented in class learning. The students have easy access to a rich library replete with the latest publications in the various fields of humanities as well as literary works from all periods.
Conference, Multi-Purpose rooms and the auditorium allow students the space and opportunity to have debates, discussions, open days, plays, presentations and other English activities. The variety of learning resources enables all students of different levels and learning needs, be it audio-visual or tactile, to gain knowledge, analyze and investigate throughout their University studies.
In order to attain the highest academic standards, the University is always working on improving learning resources. Where the English Department is concerned, there are the following teaching facilities:
- Laboratories:
The faculty maintains two equipped labs, i.e. the audio-visual lab and the multimedia internet-based lab to help students master English as well as prepare them to understand, comprehend and use the language for their specialized needs. The audio – visual lab is provided with headsets, microphones, DVD, VCD, TV set, a cassette recorder together with the materials that accompany assigned textbooks as well as material recorded for the purposes of translation classes. For the multimedia internet- based lab, the conception that e-Learning allows information to be delivered in a more user-centric, user-friendly format than traditional training and education, is applied. Two technicians are responsible for keeping the labs ready to receive students at all times.
- Classrooms, Multi –purpose Rooms and Lecture Support Facilities:
The faculty provides its students with many resources for learning and interaction with the environments around them. The Department has a number of classrooms, each with a capacity of 40 students.
It maintains some classrooms with movable seats and a multi-purpose room that provide the flexible types of study required for today’s world. The multimedia equipment like data show sets, overhead projectors, large white boards and lap-tops aid teachers in presenting their material in the best way possible and provide a good ground for hosting seminars and workshops on a variety of topics.
- Newsletter:
The interactive role of the teachers as moderators and catalysts has encouraged students to be more positive elements in the process of learning and to be prepared for practical life. The outcomes of this strategy were specialized bulletins, a newsletter and fantastic drawings for prominent figures or places hanging all over the Department which created a fertile atmosphere for learning. The editorial board of the newsletter consists of the chairperson and six other students who work with other students to make the newsletter something that is both worth reading, informative and entertaining. It covers up-to-date news, tackles subjects of public interest like fighting smoking and keeping the environment friendly to all and also publishes creative writings of students from inside and outside the Department.
The development of the main learning resources (computing laboratories, libraries, and others) is the responsibility of the heads of departments accompanied by the designated committees with the consent of the Dean. Learning resources made available by the University are in general adequate to acquire the basic skills outlined in both degree programs. The Faculties, in association with library personnel, updates the list of books, journals, magazines and other written resources to meet the main requirements of both degree programs.
Meanwhile, all Faculties maintain a well-planned organization structure that assists it in running all daily operations at ease and ensures high level of communication between the various sectors of its community. Moreover, the Faculties, through its departments, in addition to the various support committees, provide effective and efficient administrative support to both the Faculty members and the students.
Staff
Each University student is provided with a secured login, given access to network printers, allocated e-mail account with sufficient storage capacity, and connected to the Internet.
- Staff-student ratio is excellent in specialist courses (1: 30), reasonable in English 1, 2 and Remedial (1:40).
- Students enjoy open access to staff.
- Staff members interact with students in guidance in academic work as well as registration.
- Members of staff promulgate procedures for assessing student achievements and addressing their academic concerns.
- The faculty system is being carefully reviewed to accommodate students’ grievances, especially with respect to student representation in the Department Council.
Program
- Program offers a comprehensive coverage of the two main branches of literature, linguistics, formal and variationist; it deals with a wide range of literary issues, old and modern; translation program includes instruction in theory and hand-on training.
- Students focusing on literature find such topics as sociolinguistics and discourse analysis within their quest. Translation majors are motivated to think of literature as one possible translation domain.
- The program includes most up-to-date syntactic theory (minimalism); feminist issues; different types of translation, in addition to applied linguistics for students planning to take up teaching.
- Two labs help train students in various areas.
- Staff meetings are held to ensure the planning and continued development of courses to be taught, reviewing all relevant rules and policies of the department, assigning academic supervisors, and distributing workloads in consistence with the Department’s rules.
- Students are informed about the details of the courses through what is called the tutor’s syllabus, handed to them at the beginning of each semester. The syllabus contains course description, objectives, intended learning outcomes, textbooks, references and the main topics to be covered, assessment requirements and methods. Goals of the courses are framed in terms of expected learning outcomes i.e. what students should be able to know, do or transfer.
- The focus of academic work is on the generic or transferable skills like critical thinking, written and oral expression, research skills and team-working skills.
- The department provides adequate resources for the development, delivery and completion of all offered courses. Textbooks and up to date references are supplied to the students in collaboration with the library. The internet connection is made available till late in the afternoon to avoid difficulties relating to the limited number of seats in the computer lab.
- Students have weekly access (three hours/week) to relevant teaching staff to seek advice on individual courses. Courses containing diagnostic tools to enable early identification of students who are in need of additional support or assistance are given in a preparatory semester.
- Tutorials, presentations, group work and projects are given to create interactive learning environment. New technologies are used (like Data Show) to ensure more engagement for the students. Best practice in education will not be achieved unless the students share in the construction of educational activities energetically and wholeheartedly.
- Training, as work-experience learning, is part of the study in the department. The students are given (30) days training opportunities at different locales relevant to their studies.
- Seminars are held to enhance the skills of staff members.
- Assessments of the quality of student services are conducted on a regular basis.
- The faculty supplies the staff with information regarding continuous improvement in the programs offered, services provided and activities undertaken.
- The Program ensures that all staff and representative student associations are informed of and encouraged to participate in quality management processes.
- The faculty reviews its courses to ascertain how sufficiently flexible they are to accommodate the needs of students.
- The faculty is developing a more competitive and streamlined course and subject profile.