English Language and Literature Department

 

 

The English Language and Literature Department aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of English literature, language, culture, and critical thinking. The program encompasses both the historical and structural features of the English language and the study of literary works written in English through various theoretical approaches. The department seeks to enable students to achieve advanced proficiency in English, to analyze English literature within its historical and cultural contexts, to develop skills in critical reading, writing, and interpretation, and to establish a foundation for conducting academic research in the fields of language, literature, and culture. The medium of instruction is English, and the English preparatory program is compulsory. Students who successfully pass the Marmara University English Proficiency Exam may be exempted from the preparatory year and begin their studies directly in the first year of the undergraduate program.

 

The curriculum of the English Language and Literature Department covers the major periods and movements of British literature from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century. Through courses on the novel, short story, poetry, and drama, students engage in the reading and analysis of literary texts from a wide range of genres. The curriculum also includes selected works from American literature. One of the department’s primary objectives is to cultivate students’ ability not only to comprehend and interpret texts, but also to approach them with a critical perspective. Therefore, through courses in literary theory—particularly those offered in the seventh and eighth semesters—students are encouraged to critique and analyze texts from philosophical, sociological, psychological, and historical standpoints. Within the framework of contemporary literary theories, students gain competencies in cross-cultural comparison and in the ideological analysis of colonial and postcolonial literature. These skills foster broad-minded, tolerant, and intellectually versatile graduates who are able to view life and the world from a wide perspective.

 

The department’s curriculum also includes comprehensive courses in linguistics and translation, such as Syntax, Phonology, Semantics, Discourse Analysis, Literary Translation, and Translation Technologies. These courses ensure that graduates acquire not only literary knowledge but also a solid grounding in linguistic theory, which enhances their success in both translation and language teaching.

 

Expected learning outcomes of the English Language and Literature Department

 

Graduates of the department are expected to achieve:

•⁠ ⁠Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English communication;
•⁠ ⁠The ability to analyze literary works within their historical, cultural, and thematic contexts;
•⁠ ⁠Competence in academic research and critical thinking;
•⁠ ⁠Awareness of global cultures and systems of thought;
•⁠ ⁠Specialization in the fields of language, culture, and communication through mastery of advanced English;
•⁠ ⁠Enhanced intercultural communication and interaction skills through participation in national and international certification programs;
•⁠ ⁠The ability to apply acquired knowledge, skills, and experience effectively in everyday life, professional contexts, and social interactions.

 

Students of the English Language and Literature Department may also pursue graduate studies in a wide range of disciplines, including archaeology, philosophy, French language and literature, art history, sociology, history, economics, business administration, political science and public administration, international trade and finance, gastronomy and culinary arts, tourism management, and tourism guidance.

 

To graduate from the bachelor’s program in English Language and Literature, students must complete 137 local theoretical credits and 240 ECTS credits over eight semesters.

 

The academic staff of the English Language and Literature Department at Marmara University consists of a young and dynamic team with both national and international experience. Faculty members actively participate in international collaborations and exchange programs and are well-versed in contemporary literary approaches. Those with professional translation experience also provide guidance to students interested in translation studies. The department offers opportunities for double-major and minor programs, enabling students to graduate with a multidimensional academic background.