Introduction
The Department offered BS degree program in English with a unique and diverse blend of courses based on English literature and linguistics initially in Autumn 2019 after meeting the criterion determined by AIOU and HEC. The program was based on HEC’s policy guidelines delineated in curriculum of BS English proposed in 2017. However, right after five years of its offering, it is being revised to streamline and bring it at par with the HEC’s ‘Undergraduate Education Policy (2023)’. The primary objective of this policy is to promote the student success which is envisioned as the ability to comprehend and apply conceptual knowledge, acquire professional skills and competencies and act as an individual having strong civic and ethical values of tolerance and inclusiveness.
Furthermore, HEC’s policy of phasing out MA/MSc programs has created a serious need to offer BS English (AD/BSc Based) program for BA/BSc degree holders as well as associate degree holders in any discipline other than English. In accordance with the HEC policy, the students with BA/ BSc degrees or equivalent qualification are allowed transition to BS English program in the fourth semester which serves as bridging semester. The program, primarily, focuses on the needs of young learners of English language with little or no prior knowledge and exposure to the fields of English literature and linguistics. Therefore, the program is aimed at offering specialized courses from both fields to develop and strengthen critical skills of the learners fundamentally required to pursue their future higher education goals. The program provides an enabling and congenial learning environment to the learners to be engaged in highly critical academic debates in the fields of English language, linguistics and literature. The program, also, focuses on establishing and strengthening the foundations for the Department’s higher education programs including MPhil (Literature/Linguistics) and PhD in English (Linguistics) as well as other higher education institutions of the country.
The main objectives of the program are to
- provide basic education and training to young learners of English literature and linguistics
- equip the learners with mandatory critical skills required to accomplish higher education goals
- meet national needs of young and skillful researchers who can address the issues related to Pakistani ELT situation establish, strengthen and promote research culture in the country
- develop critical thinking and analytical skills of the learners
- provide prospective and aspiring candidates for post graduate studies in Pakistan’s higher education degree awarding institutions
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant having BA/BSc degree or equivalent in second division (at least 45% marks) with any subject(s) is eligible for admission. They will be enrolled in the 4th semester (bridging semester). Similarly, candidates having associate degree in any other discipline except English will also be enrolled in the 4th semester.
Selection Process
Open Merit
Duration
Medium of Instruction
Teaching Methodology
Open Distance Learning
Total Credits Hours Required
1
2
3
4
5
6
Semesters
Assessment Weightage
| Assignments (Weightage) | Workshop (Attendance & Quizzes) (Weightage) | Final Exam (Weightage) | Passing Marks |
| 20% | 30% Quiz | 50% | 50% (in aggregate). However, 40% marks in final exams is mandatory. |
Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).