Academic Programs

Introduction Rationale Courses Program Summary

Ph.D. English Literature Program offered at the Department of English and Literary Studies allows prospective students to explore the complex representations of life through different theoretical and generic perspectives. The program aims to enable the students to hone their appreciation of aesthetic and literary fields of study by acquainting themselves with influential classical and contemporary body of work.

1.1 Date of Commencement

Spring 2007

1.2 Program Mission Statement

Our mission is to produce literary critics and academic scholars who can make original contributions to the existing body of knowledge.

1.3 Program Objectives

                    i.            To provide the scholars with rigorous critical and literary training which allows them to do critical thinking independently

                  ii.            To allow the scholars to explore the representation of life and the way they are projected in the works of literature written or translated into the English language

                iii.            To enable the scholars to reflect and maintain academically and professionally effective standards of expression in English language

                iv.            To empower the scholars to make a significant contribution in the field in the form of a doctoral dissertation written on a topic of impact factor

1.4 Rationale of the Program

The scope of PhD English Literature Program remains vast and expansive in terms of its artistic and aesthetic approach to language and language use. In today’s fast emerging economies it is important to highlight the potential impact of literature and its entrepreneurial side, which mostly remains hidden from students’ and educators’ eyes. Realizing a literature graduate’s role in shaping civilizations, changing political systems and in exposing injustices and providing problems to social problems, the Department aims to establish the significant position research in literary studies should hold in Pakistani academia. It has been observed that students interested in literary studies enter into their professional lives as informed citizens with critical minds and a full view of their heritage and history, a knowledge that enables them to assess the failings of the past and envision a successful future. In addition, there are several other areas in which students with a degree in literature can show their worth. The potential graduates in the Department are prepared to demonstrate reflective and analytical thinking and writing skills with an ability to communicate effectively, skills that make them excel in professional life. That is why, today, our graduates can hope to make their mark with their acquired skills in highly sought out professional areas such as teaching in higher education sector, advertising, counselling, technical writing, journalism, human resource management, civil and provincial services and so on.

1.5 Learning Outcomes

After the completion of the degree, the successful candidates will be able to

        i.            Gain theoretical grounding to various research paradigms along with an understanding of methods of practical application in the research process

      ii.            Demonstrate reflective and analytical thinking and writing skills with an ability to communicate effectively

    iii.            Show awareness about how academic practices vary across ethnic, regional, national, linguistic, cultural, and social boundaries and define their own position as scholars

4. Work as independent researchers and make informed choices about how to disseminate their ideas, especially by getting their work published in national and international journals
5. Share their acquired knowledge on different national and international forums and integrate themselves well with the research community across the globe