ULAB's English department: Nurturing empathy, skills, and global perspectives

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) ensures premium education in the private sector of Bangladesh with its Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at its core. The Department is a hub for intellectual exploration, where students are encouraged to practise language skills, critical thinking, analytical skills, research skills, and cross-cultural understanding. DEH offers unique and innovative prospects to prepare its students for success in a competitive world. 

The Department's faculty members are its heart and soul. Comprising accomplished scholars, researchers and practitioners, the faculty members bring vast knowledge and varied experiences to the table. With student-centric teaching, they foster a conducive learning environment where students interact freely, debate ideas, and delve into literary and linguistic works. The curriculum guides students to be dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of the global world. It covers a wide range of subjects, including literature, linguistics, teaching methodologies, creative writing, cultural studies, translation studies, and digital humanities, offering students a comprehensive understanding of not only English studies but all affiliated fields such as print and visual media, teaching, diplomacy, and global politics.

DEH emphasises language proficiency, acknowledging that English has emerged as a global language. Students are trained to become confident communicators, skilled in both written and spoken English. Rigorous language practice through participation in conferences, the English Zone, and language enhancement workshops offered by the Language Club help students hone their language and presentation skills continually.

The Department takes immense pride in nurturing creative expression and writing excellence among its students. Creative writing workshops, poetry slams, and literary events provide platforms for students to showcase their talent and develop a unique voice. These opportunities encourage students to explore their creativity while building their self-confidence as writers. Through exploring different mediums, in fact, students develop a sense of empathy for their fellow human beings as well.

The Department teaches how to explore different layers of culture through experience and expression. Through the study of world literature and multicultural perspectives, students can relate literary imagination with the dynamics and creative energy of cultural traditions. Thus, it prepares them to think creatively in diverse scenarios. Innovative programs like the Curriculum Integration Program offers students the opportunity to connect real world issues with the topics in their classrooms.

DEH promotes scholarly inquiry. Faculty members are engaged in research across various disciplines, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity. Students can work as Teaching or Research Assistants, or be a part of the Scholars Program through which they can explore research opportunities. The department's peer-reviewed journal and conferences encourage them to contribute to the field of English studies.

Beyond academics, DEH offers a range of extracurricular activities and student competitions. The Language Club, Literary Society, Debate Society, and Theater Club, for example, allow students to nurture their interests and develop essential soft skills such as leadership, organisation, teamwork, and public speaking. These activities also develop a sense of community and camaraderie among the students that will help them in the workplace or during their studies abroad. 

ULAB's English Department boasts an impressive lineup of alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, including academia, journalism, development and diplomatic sectors, aviation, and the corporate world. Alumni are regularly invited to share their skills and stories with the students as their accomplishments help to inspire and motivate. English graduates leave ULAB with more than just a degree qualification due to the university's excellent performance in various international quality frameworks.