Department of Languages and Literature
- Details
- Category: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Values
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Philosophy
One of the essential endowments that the Creator has provided the human race is language. The study of language, among other things, is an appreciation of this endowment. There are two important aspects in the study of language. One is the learning of communication skills through writing, reading, grammar, and studying the roots and structure of the language and its use in various contexts. The other is appreciating God’s creative genius reflected in man’s creative and imaginative use of language through studying a variety of literary works. The three languages: English, Kiswahili and French can be used as instruments of communication, developing human dimensions and literary thought. They can also be used as instruments for integrating faith and learning.
Mission
To enhance verbal and written communication skills, to facilitate the understanding of language, to promote the appreciation and critical study of literature in all its forms and to instil in the students the habit of using language proficiently and appropriately in the service to God and Mankind.
Vision
To be the choice department for those wishing to pursue a degree in Languages, Linguistics or Literature.
OBJECTIVES
1. English Programme:
The English programme is designed to achieve the following general objectives:
a. To identify the use of language as an efficient instrument of thought and communication.
b. To enable students to critically analyze what they hear and read and what they are exposed to through the media.
c. To empower students to demonstrate in writing and in speaking, a mastery of language skills, as they handle different tasks in life.
d. To equip students with research skills in their various academic areas of concentration.
e. To provide practical analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works.
f. To prepare students to teach English Language and Literature in English in secondary schools and teacher training colleges.
g. To prepare students for postgraduate studies and advanced research.
2. Kiswahili Programme
The Kiswahili programme is designed to achieve the following general objectives:
a. To enable students to acquire fluency in language use, linguistic skills and appreciation of literature in Kiswahili.
b. To equip students with reading and writing skills that will enable them to perform various duties in social as well as civic spheres.
c. To expose students to various theories of literature and linguistics that will help them carry out research and literary analysis of Kiswahili texts.
d. To provide students with professional skills in Kiswahili in preparation for teaching in secondary schools and teacher training colleges.
e. To prepare students for careers in different professions, such as journalism, media technology, public service, public relations, translation and interpretation, and preaching, etc.
f. To prepare students for postgraduate studies and advanced research.
3. French Programme
The French programme is designed to achieve the following general objectives:
a. To give students insight into the life, culture, civilization and literature of the French-speaking world.
b. To enable students to work and live with ease in French-speaking and international environments.
c. To train students to attain necessary skills to enable them to develop the knowledge, essential for teaching and for graduate study.
d. To enable students to meet French language requirements leading to advanced degrees in other fields.
e. To equip students with the knowledge of the French language that will enable them to operate in French at professional and managerial levels; these include journalism, translation, preaching and teaching among others.
f. To train students in critical thinking, thereby preparing them for both academic and functional research.
Study Details
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In addition to meeting University entry requirements, a grade of C+ in English, Kiswahili, or/and French respectively on the KCSE or its equivalent is required.
Graduation
a. A minimum of 133 Credits.
b. French majors must do a minor in another area with at least 25 credit hours
c. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
d. A minimum overall GPA of 2.25 is required for a major in English, French and Kiswahili.
e. A minimum GPA of 2.00 for a minor (where one has been taken)
f. Those majoring in English language, Linguistics, Kiswahili, or French must take a minor in an area of their choice.
Programs
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The following options are available for language students:
i. An English Language or Linguistics major can take a minor in Literature.
ii. A Literature major can take a minor in Language or Linguistics.
iii. A student can take a Literature major without a minor.
iv. A Literature, Language or Linguistics major can minor in any other field of choice.
v. A French major may take a minor in the languages or any other area of their choice.
Degree Options
- English
- French
- Kiswahili
Careers
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Graduates will be able to pursue careers in the following fields: teaching (English, French, Kiswahili, literature, linguistics...) translating, interpreting, writing, editing (copy-editing, design editing, typesetting, proofreading, revising....), communication (TV presenter, TV reporter, radio reporter, radio announcer, TV announcer, news reader, anchor, freelance journalist, freelance correspondent...), law, publishing (book-publishing, newspaper-publishing, magazine-publishing, electronic- publishing, desktop publishing...), film industry, acting, play-writing, language consultancy, linguistics, academics, lexicography, research, public relations, secretariat (administrative secretary, diplomatic secretary, bilingual secretary, private assistant...), marketing, advertising, international relations, diplomacy, hotel industry, tourism, research etc.
Degrees
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1. Bachelor of Arts in English Language
2. Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics
3. Bachelor of Arts in French
4. Bachelor of Arts in Kiswahili
5. Bachelor of Arts in Literature
6. Minor in English Language
7. Minor in French
8. Minor in Kiswahili
9. Minor in Literature
10. Minor in Linguistics
