Mother of Telecommunications

By Kim, Jihae (Student Reporter)

"Become a Global Citizen with the Division of English Language and Literature!" This slogan comprises everything the Department of English Language and Literature thrives for. In modern society, English is becoming more important due to its position as an international auxiliary language. Thus, to function effectively in a globalized environment, it is inevitable for people to learn English. As a Department which professionally deals with English, the Department of English Language and Literature guides the students of becoming a global leader.

What We Study in the Department of English Language and Literature

The Department of English Language and Literature focuses on the teaching and research of the English language arts. Although both areas share English as a common factor, they both have different features. The 'English Language' part studies English from a linguistics point of view. Specifically speaking, it deals with all language features such as phonology, syntax, morphology, phonetics, etc. 'English Literature' deals with American and British literature. 'English Literature' studies poetry, fiction, essay and other literature forms from ancient times to modern era.

Department of English Language and Literature in HYU

The Department of English Language and Literature in HYU is prominent in the linguistics area. It is not an exaggeration to comment as the best known department in the linguistics area in Korea. Furthermore, there are 4 foreign professors in the Department of English Language and Literature who teach Practical English Conversations and English writing classes. The Department of English Language and Literature is also famous for the phonetics and psycholinguistics area. This is because a Phonetics & Psycholinguistics Laboratory is situated in HYU. The Phonetics & Psycholinguistics Laboratory is not only famous for its rare experimental equipment, but also famous because it is the only laboratory that deals phonetics and psycholinguistics in Korea.

The Department's Goal and the Future of its Students

One of the biggest goals of the Department of English Language and Literature is to facilitate a good command of English among students and to provide abundant knowledge of American and British literature. Moreover, it also aims to produce candidates who would play a pivotal role in the global society.

Then what is the Department of English Language and Literature currently doing for its students? First, it provides international exchange programs to students. Through this program, students could improve their English skills, learn more about their major, and get foreign experience. Second, to meet the demands of the students, the Department has various educational language equipments and an excellent foreign faculty. Students are provided with language practice rooms to effectively learn English, and they could also enhance their language skills by speaking in English with the foreign faculty in class. And third, it disciplines students who wish to find job in the fields of English literature, English language, and other fields of employment.

So, what jobs can students of Department of English Language and Literature get after graduation? As mentioned above, English is one of the most important international auxiliary languages. That is why in the global scene, it is impossible for people to communicate without it. Since students of Department of English Language and Literature have good command in English, they possess the ability to get almost any job in this society.

 

dragonrage@hanyang.ac.kr

 

Main Research Faculty Curriculum In-Depth Interview More 준비중입니다

A Conversation with the Professor:
Professor Kim, Seongje

by Lee, Joowon (Student Reporter)

To find out more about the Department of English Langauge and Literature, we met with Professor Kim, Seongje who is currently serving as head of the Department.

Q. Please define for our readers what English Language and Literature is.

English Literature is an art that is expressed through language. On the inside, the contents contain humanities, history, and philosophy. In other words, English Literature is a combination of art and the humanities. On the other hand, English Language refers to English Linguistics, which is a scientific study of the English language itself. In the Department of English Language and Literature, students can receive a thorough education of the language itself and works using the language by studying both literature and linguistics.

To give a brief history of English education in Korea, it began as a cultural learning of the United States and England during the last stage of Chosun Dynasty. People were not interested in learning the literature at that time. However, in order to acquire the language of English, they needed some kind of text. As the most reliable source was literary work, mere learning of cultural background progressed to an intense study of English novels. With the increase of Korean professors who receive master's degree in the United States or England and native professors teaching in Korean universities, the subject is advancing day by day.

Q. What makes HYU's Department of English Language and Literature special?

A. As Hanyang University takes great importance on the practicality of education, our division aims to focus on practical English. In order to gain competency in the global market, honing professional English communication skills is the most fundamental yet difficult task ahead of us. Therefore, along with English Literature and Linguistic studies, our division provides English communication courses where students can polish their speaking skills. Moreover, I can proudly say that Hanyang University's Linguistics department is the best in the country. Under Professor Cho Tae Hong, the Phonetics and Psycholinguistics Laboratory has been conducting numerous studies and produced outstanding results.

Q. What are your plans for the further development of the Department?

A. For learners of English language and literature, it is vital for them to get a chance to actually visit English speaking countries. Therefore, we are currently putting various efforts in upgrading student exchange programs. What we are promoting right at this time is a dual degree program with Oregon University. The project is almost completed. Soon students will be able to study at both universities for some year and receive degrees from each.

Q. What do you think is the potential of English Literature and Language majors in the global society?

A. Korea needs talents that can speak and write "educated English". From my point of view, "educated English" is a very advanced level of English that is used by well educated natives. English skills in this level have nothing to do with TOEIC or TOEFL scores. This is due to the fact that Korean commerce with other countries is done at a high level. Whereas in the past trading products were simple such as wigs, the issues involving trade in the modern society is intricate and complex. Sometimes it involves an intangible subject such as gas emission tickets or information. By studying English literature, linguistics, and professional English, English majors can provide such "educated English" that the society demands.

lslhaha711@hanyang.ac.kr


English Editor Team:
Im Hyeja (Graduate Student Editor in Chief): jmarshall@hanyang.ac.kr
Lee Eunkyoung (Graduate Student Editor): mint11010@hanyang.ac.kr
Lee Gileun (Graduate Student Editor): leegiraf@hanyang.ac.kr