The BA Programme in English Language and Literature (ELL) is a very successful programme which combines the language, linguistic, and literary elements which aid students in learning English effectively and develop the necessary critical, analytical, communication and cultural skills.
The BA Programme in English Language and Literature (ELL) is a Full-time Programme that is offered by the Faculty of language Studies (FLS). As part of AOU, FLS is affiliated with the Open-University-UK. OU-UK is the awarding body.
Based on the strategic partnership with OU-UK that started in 2002, FLS graduates receive dual certificates: one from OU and the second from AOU.
The ELL Programme has been designed and developed to provide a high-quality education to students. The design and development of this programme have taken into consideration AOU mission, objectives and strategies, QAA Benchmarking BA Level Programmes.
ELL Programme Method of Delivery
FLS-Bahrain follows the blended-learning system, with 50% face-to-face tutorials and 50% independent learning.
FLS tutors use pedagogical strategies and instructional techniques that are student-centered, participatory in nature and dedicated to the promotion of students' engagement in the classroom. They adopt interactive, multi-genre, interdisciplinary pedagogies to help achieve the courses intended learning outcomes.
At FLS, tutors use various delivery methods to ensure students' participation by using classroom activities related to the subject. Skills-based courses are taught in language laboratories to ensure that the students acquire skills required.
At FLS, the educational materials support students learning and increase their success. The educational materials come in many forms like self-study packages, DVDs, E-books, … etc. Through the central LMS pages, students can access their course calendar, lecture materials, practical exercises, and power point presentations. The LMS is an integral part of teaching and learning at AOU. It is the main channel of communication between tutors and their students. Students receive their assignments, their tutors' responses, and feedback through the LMS. Students are also able to use other resources such as the library and e-Library.
Educational Aims and Objectives of the ELL Programme
The ELL Programme will:
- Provide students with high quality instruction and training in English Language and Literature.
- Develop creative and critical thinking in students as well as appropriate communication skills in writing and speaking.
- Prepare students for further and more advanced study.
- Prepare and qualify students for employment.
- Develop in the students a range of specific and transferable skills including literacy and communication skills.
- Relate and integrate both language and literature material they study across the range of genres, time, and place.
- Provide a critical evaluation of both language and literature texts.
On successful completion of the Programme, students will be able to:
- Communicate in English with ease and confidence on everyday matters, as well as on matters relating to their university education.
- Read, understand, discuss, and evaluate literary works comprising essays, poems, novels, and plays.
- Express themselves orally and in writing on issues pertaining to different modes of language use and literary analysis.
- Read extended language and literature material, distinguish facts from opinions, and both analyze and evaluate different genres of literary works.
- Show a sound understanding of the structure of language, language variation, and language use.
- Show a solid knowledge of and familiarity with English prose, poetry, fiction, and drama and some knowledge of prominent non-western texts in literature and the arts.
To be admitted in any Bachelor's Programme, the student should fulfil the following conditions:
1. Obtain a general secondary school certificate or equivalent, which must be approved by the Ministry of Education in Bahrain.
2. Students should be fluent in the English Language and should show evidence by providing the results of internationally accredited tests of English Language, if available. The minimum required scores are as follows:
a) TOFEL: Paper based 477
b) Computer based 153
c) Internet based 53
d) IELTS: 4.5
Note that the scores for these tests are expired in 2 years. Expired scores cannot be accepted.
If the student does not show evidence of any of the above mentioned test scores, he/she will have to take the English placement test provided by AOU and must get a good score to be admitted in the chosen faculty. Otherwise, the student will have to take the English Orientation course (EL099) to improve their language before joining any faculty.
The files of all admitted students must be approved by the Higher Education Council; and upon the approval, each student will be provided with an ID number once the files are approved
Students shall be awarded with bachelor's degree in completion of 132 credit hours successfully in the following manner:
Students shall score a GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00.
Students can complete graduation requirements in 4 years in case of passing 32 credit hours in each academic year.
ELL Potential Careers:
The Faculty of Language Studies (FLS) qualifies its graduates to join the workforce in different fields including: Teaching, Journalism, Media and Performance, Business, Translation, Training, Creative Writing and other fields. Moreover, FLS enables its graduates to pursue post-graduate studies in related fields.
Studying at FLS provides students with labour market skills in addition to communication skills, linguistic, critical, analytical, intellectual, aesthetic, and cultural skills, which empower the graduates in both the workplace and society at large.