The Honors Degree Program in English, conducted by the Department of Languages, seeks to produce Scholars, Innovators, Leaders and Global Citizens in the following manner:

Scholars - The Department has, for over two decades, striven to provide the country with graduates who are with higher English-related academic achievements, in their turn display their intellectual/scholarly capacity in varying spheres. As the English language enables them to be beneficiaries of and participants in key intellectual discourses, the students’ future life as graduates is essentially invested with a scholarly orientation. 

Innovators - As English is the global language of research, the Department strongly encourages its undergraduates of English to develop their research-related skills through the undergraduate dissertation/project report. Research methods and print/electronic referencing skills are introduced early in the students’ career at the Department under teaching-learning and assessment. The outcome of these measures amounts not only to conventional output but also innovation since the undergraduates are constantly encouraged to address new global trends of language use through research and suggest alternative avenues of meeting language-related stakeholder needs. Furthermore, they are provided with opportunities to publish research on such innovation in English at academic conferences/research sessions. 

Leaders - The instilling of academic, hands-on and people skills within undergraduates is an integral feature of English studies. This aim, while addressing the immediate employment-related concerns, extends to the producing of knowledgeable, competent, sensitive and receptive leaders who confidently guide the destinies of those they come in contact with in the society locally and in given international contexts. Empowered by the English language with its global outreach, they, as leaders, seek in turn to empower others through continued and committed effort.

Global Citizens - Students of English at the Department are trained from the entry-level (First Year) to function with skills in all teaching-learning activities. The academic input provided by the teachers dwells on the need to be well-grounded in subject-knowledge and hands-on experience in benefiting from English language and literature studies. Consequently, our undergraduates of English look towards a future that would see them a cut above the rest in securing highend jobs in diverse English related fields, local and international. This essentially paves the way for them to become global citizens, capable and confident in connecting with the rest of the world through the English language, interacting with world communities for the betterment of many spheres. 

Graduate Capabilities

There are six clusters of generic capabilities which the Department seeks to foster in all of its graduates through teaching and learning in the respective Honors Degree Programs of study. These, as relevant to the Honors Degree Program in English, are:

1. Disciplinary Knowledge & Practice 

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Graduates are expected to possess clear awareness of the global significance of English as a discipline and be thorough with the theoretical and practical aspects of its role in the several related spheres.

This theme includes the ability to

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the core aspects of the area of study.
• critically analyze data, make judgments and propose solution to problems.
• construct and sustain arguments use these arguments ,ideas and techniques in problem solving.
• use practical skills and enquiry efficiently within the area of study.
• do research in the field of study.
• assess the capacity of English Studies to cater to global as well as local language-related needs.
• understand the manner in which the university input on the subject can be linked with the wider developmental needs of the diverse stakeholders.
• apply the theoretical, analytical and practical grounding received at the University to the world of work successfully.

2. Critical Thinking 

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Graduates are expected to possess the reflective capability to assess situations and needs in the wider society as relevant to the discipline of English and critically implement and evaluate the relevant solutions. 

This theme includes the ability to

• think imaginatively and innovatively.
• decide on and implement solutions that are capable of effectively addressing stakeholder needs through multiple approaches. 

3. Solution Seeking 

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Graduates are expected to possess the capacity to provide clear, logical solutions to the English language-related problems and needs. They are expected to think holistically and imaginatively in such contexts. 

This theme includes the ability to

• construct and sustain arguments and use these arguments, ideas and techniques in problem solving for a given situation.
• understand and see language-related problems in perspective.
• assess problems from multicultural point of view; analyze, seek and select solutions in that perspective; plan and devise strategies to achieve them. widen the ways of looking at problems.

4. Communication & Engagement  

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Graduates are expected to possess excellent communication skills in the English language with receptivity to all stakeholders. They are expected to engage in effective inter-personal, group and other forms of communication in addressing wider societal needs.

This theme includes the ability to

• communicate/present information ,ideas, issues and solution efficiently and effectively.
• demonstrate awareness of the current developments in the area of study.
• participate actively in teams and professional networks.
• employ print, electronic, virtual and other forms of communication in addressing personal and larger-than-personal needs/requirements of stakeholders.
• make available time and accessibility in effectively engaging with stakeholder problems.

5. Independence & Integrity

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Graduates are expected to be confident, independent individuals and leaders with a high degree of integrity and commitment in serving the wider society through their thoroughness with the discipline of English. 

This theme includes the ability to

• maintain an unwavering character in the face of multiple challenges that arise in the world of work and the personal spheres.
• be leaders equipped with strength of character and knowledge in safeguarding stakeholder interests.
• be proactive in reaching out to address the needs of stakeholders effectively and on time. 

6. Social & Environmental Responsibilities

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Graduates are expected to be committed towards upholding and protecting the interests of a pluralistic society at all times. They are expected to be sensitive adherents of the democratic language-related values promoted by the English language which links individuals and groups locally and globally.

This theme includes the ability to

• actively participate in programs and activities that bring people together through the English language.
• intervene on behalf of stakeholders with genuine understanding of their problems in providing them with timely and effective solutions.
• be receptive towards the unique cultural, socio-economic diversity of all peoples in addressing societal needs.