Department History and Faculty Members ENG

A Brief Background History of the Department

The English Department was established officially at the Institute of Foreign Languages in May 1984. But  its actual origin goes back to 1967 when it was founded on an ad hoc basis with the primary aim of providing English language instruction to state scholars nominated to pursue English-medium courses abroad in vital to the development of Myanmar. In due course the Department began to offer courses for personnel from various governments for whom a functional knowledge of English was considered essential in the performance of their official duties.

1983 saw the introduction of a one- year Diploma in English course for secondary school teachers, under the aegis of the Ministry of Education. It was run with British assistance, provided teachers with an intensive full time programme in English, aimed at enhancing proficiency levels and a basic training in the principles and practice of English Language Teaching (ELT) until 1995. Since then, the English Department has functioned to continuously expand its programmes to respond to emerging needs of the country.

 

Academic Programmes offered by the English Department

The Department offers the bachelor’s degree in English, the post-graduate English diploma and the master’s degree in EFL. It also provides the students of non-English specialization students with General English Language Proficiency Courses.

 

BA degree programme

Since 2000-2001 academic year, B.A (English) three-year programme had been launched. It has been extended to four year programme since 2011-2012 academic year with the introduction of the new system in undergraduate courses.

 

MA(Qualifying) programme

MA(Qualifying) programme started in 2016-2017 AY for those who are qualified for attending the MA courses.

 

One year full time English Diploma programme

One year Diploma Course was introduced with the aim of promoting the English language proficiency of the secondary school teachers since 1983-1984 AY. The course not only focuses on the development of four language skills of the students but also provides the knowledge of Business English, Language Teaching Methodology and General Linguistics.

 

Master degree programme

M.A (EFL) course has been introduced since 1998-1999 academic year. Apart form Advanced level four language skills development, the students are also provided with the knowledge of teaching language and literature and the subjects related to applied linguistics.

 

Foundation courses

The English Department had offered English Foundation courses to the first year Non-English specialization students since the BA Language programmes were started. It has been extended to second year Non-English specialization students since 2012-2013 in order to meet the language needs of the students.

 

Customized English programmes for scholars and government officials

The Department provides various kinds of English language training to government officials for developing their language proficiency required in their work place. It also offers the special courses tailored to the specific needs of individual organizations.

They are:

Proficiency courses for Officers of Armed Forces (since 1996)

Proficiency courses for Officers from Ministry of Home Affairs (since 2000)

Proficiency courses for State Scholars from various Ministries (since 1967)

Proficiency courses (Advanced) for Officers of Armed Forces (2013)

Proficiency courses for Officers from National Defence College (1996-2006)

Proficiency courses for USDA members (2000-2010)

Preparation courses for Youths of Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP)2011)

Pre-departure training course (JDS) scholars ( since 2002)

TOEFL preparation course for (JICE) scholars (since 2007)

Proficiency courses for Navy officers (2005-2011)

Proficiency courses for Officers from Ministry of Industry (1) &(2) (2008-2009)

Proficiency courses for Jailors (short course) (2011-2012)

Proficiency courses for Staff from Myawady Television (2010)

Proficiency courses for Staff from Ministry of News and Information (2010)

Proficiency courses for officers of Air-Forces (2009, 2012)

Interpreter course for Officers of Armed Forces (2009)

Proficiency courses for Engineers (2011)

Proficiency courses for Newly Appointed Officers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2012-2016)

 

English language proficiency programme under HRD programme

Under the Human Resource Development programme, three-month English language courses have been offered to those who have matriculated. Since its establishment in October 1997, over 30,000 students have completed the course.

 

Student Population

At present there are altogether nearly 1,000 students enrolled at the different levels of academic programmes, including 16 students in Second year MA, 12 students in First year MA Semester I, 10 students in First year MA Semester II, 12 students in MA Qualifying, 85 students in Diploma, 42 students in Fourth year, 76 students in Third year, 57 students in Second year, 158 students in First year, 85 students in Customized programmes and 500 students in HRD evening classes

 

Staff Strength

The English Department has a staff of 21 people, including 1 professor, 9 lecturers, 6 assistant lecturers and 5 tutors. All of its staff members hold tertiary qualifications, including 1 PhD, 2 PhD thesis candidates and 18 Masters degrees.

 

Research Progammes

The research programmes comprise Departmental research  (yearly) by faculty members, Research Seminar/ Paper readings (weekly) by faculty members, Post-graduate research works by MA Thesis students and Under-graduate research projects by Third year English Specialization students. The research studies conducted cover a wide spectrum, which includes such areas as developing teaching language skills, translation studies, cultural and literary studies, and Applied Linguistics field.

 

Workshops initiated by the English Department

The English Department has played a key role in the organization of the events like Simulation Activity, presentation of papers and participation in workshops.

Language Teaching Methodology (2006)

Language Testing (2006)

Simulation (March-2010)

Lesson Planning (July-2010)

Literature Workshop (January 2013)

 

Services

The English Department provides the services necessary to meet the increasing demands of the Governmental Organizations and service personnel contributing towards the development of the country. The services it provides include:

• Translation
• Interpretation
• Consultancy Related to Language Programmes
• English Language Proficiency Test for State Scholars
• English Language Proficiency Test for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
• English Language Proficiency Test for Tour Guide License

Future Programmes

It is usual for the Department to give priority to teaching with the aim of producing quality graduates who are well equipped with knowledge and skills and to take a leading role in making a contribution to the university. It will continue to be the leading department expanding its programs to respond to the rising demands of the community. It is also hoped to be more committed in research for the development of the academic subjects.