The BA in English Studies is a single-major undergraduate degree programme designed to provide students with thorough knowledge in global English literature, a flavour of emerging literature in English by Bhutanese writers, and a solid grounding in communication skills using English as the medium. The literature section of the programme is supplemented by modules addressing the English language, creative writing, journalism, and a selection of General Education modules covering core competencies and electives from across programmes.
Literature modules form the most substantial portion of the programme, and the programme seeks to encourage students’ appreciation of it on multiple levels and thoughtful engagement with important issues and questions raised. The programme aims to train students to listen and read carefully, to think critically and independently, and to express their ideas and thoughts clearly in speech and writing. Students will also be nurtured to be conscientious and responsible individuals who develop an awareness of the wealth of their culture and community, and thereby seek to preserve and contribute to it.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this programme are expected to acquire not only a grounding within the field of English Literature and Language proficiency (subject-specific skills) but will also gain competency in the following skill areas: critical thinking skills, application skills and transferable skills. Specific learning outcomes based on these four different skill sets are the foundation of this programme, along with appropriately aligned teaching, learning and assessment approaches.

Subject-Specific Skills (SS):

KU1. Discuss literature sensitively and in-depth from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
KU2. Trace and explain the major literary periods and movements.
KU3. Distinguish the features of various literary genres and literary forms.
KU4. Connect the function of rhetoric in effective communication.
KU5. Discuss the different styles of journalistic writing and their uses.
KU6. Explain the mechanics of original written composition.

Critical Thinking Skills (CS):

CS1. Critique various literary and ideological viewpoints.
CS2. Discuss current events and controversial topics sensitively and in-depth from a variety of perspectives.
CS3. Critically analyse news content, identifying potentially dubious reporting.
CS4. Adopt various theoretical positions with a view to writing nuanced analyses of texts.
CS5. Interpret the prescribed literary theories and make connections with other relevant theories.
CS6. Critically analyse modern communication theories and practice.

Application Skills (AS):

AS1. Apply their knowledge of literature, its background and contexts, and related debates, to issues of civic life and government.
AS2. Follow a writing process that involves organizing thoughts, brainstorming, pre-writing, writing, and revising.
AS3. Propose, design, and conduct relevant research for individual projects, and work towards the completion of the project in a timely and organised manner.
AS4. Synthesise information from a variety of literary, critical, and theoretical sources.
AS5. Write independently and at length, taking and arguing a position on complex and sensitive issues.
AS6. Articulate their ideas eloquently, coherently, and confidently in public speaking forums.
AS7. Employ professional etiquette in their writings.
AS8. Compose original creative writings such as poems, short stories, and non-fiction pieces.

Transferable Skills (TS):

TS1. Become reflective, independent and life-long learners.
TS2. Demonstrate effective time-management and personal goal setting.
TS3. Work collaboratively and effectively within a team, as well as independently without supervision.
TS4. Identify their own areas of strength and present themselves effectively for employment.
TS5. Apply ICT tools thoughtfully and effectively in the workplace.
TS6. Adapt to, assimilate, and use new information and tools as part of a continuous learning process.
TS7. Empathise with and appreciate the beliefs and experiences of other people.
TS8. Research sources independently using both print and electronic materials.
TS9. Self-critique and edit their written work for errors relating to meaning and grammar.

Programme Handbook - see complete programme details here

Career-related Opportunities

The combination of modules gives students the opportunity to develop content and skills, with a view to entry-level employment in creative areas (e.g., writing & publishing), traditional and digital media settings (e.g., journalism and freelancing), education, business (e.g., entrepreneurship, advertising and marketing, and content writing), government, and non-government organisations. Moreover, the programme will also provide a sound foundation for those students wishing to pursue higher studies in the fields of literature, English language, media, and cultural studies.

Programme Structure

All modules shown are 12-credit modules, cumulating to 480 credits achieved over four years of full-time study. Each semester requires approximately 15-16 weeks of teaching-learning incorporating 40 hrs of student effort per week, and approximately 2 weeks of examinations.

The programme structure is designed in a progressive manner with five modules offered in each semester. This includes university-wide modules like Dzongkha Communication. The first-year modules provide foundations in academic learning and technology. From the second year onward, the modules offered are more focused on specialised English topics. In the fourth year of the programme, the scope of learning is expanded to include research-based independent learning, and open electives for the students to choose.