Tap into your creative side
LANGUAGE has always been an important element in connecting people. It has evolved from hieroglyphs in ancient Egypt to the Roman alphabet used in the modern English language.
The primary function of language is to convey messages and transmit information from one person to another. It also represents the identity and culture of a country.
One language that unites people from all over the world is English. Widely adopted in many sectors due to globalisation, English is highly important due to its use as the lingua franca of the world.
In its quest to provide an avenue for students who have a keen interest in mastering English and deepening the appreciation of its application, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) is introducing the new Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English with Drama programme for its May intake.
This new programme not only enables students to further their studies in English, but also provides an opportunity for them to learn the ins and outs of performing arts through drama performance and production.
Just as language is part and parcel of everyday life, so is art. The presence of art is ubiquitous as it is an expression of culture.
As such, art is important not only in preserving culture, but also in promoting creative thinking through artistic expression.
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English with Drama programme is designed to nurture creative thinking through stage performance to complement mastery of the English language.
It aims to develop wellrounded graduates who are bold, articulate, expressive and creative in demonstrating their talents.
As the first institution in Malaysia to offer a programme combining English and drama, the syllabus covers a vast range of topics and skills. Students will learn core courses such as Structure and Grammar of English, Introduction to Linguistics and Malaysian Literature.
They will also minor in courses such as Studies in Drama, Fundamentals of Acting and Characterisation, Stage Management, Playwriting and Theatre Practices.
The programme’s key outcome entails deeper understanding of the fundamentals of the English language, plus skills in drama and theatre performance and production.
This unique combination will equip graduates with the competitive advantage of excellent command of the English language, as well as creative thinking.
Graduates can expand their horizons and explore career options in writing, editing, teaching, acting, play directing, scriptwriting and stage production, to name a few.
The pairing of English with drama stemmed from the staging of two plays by TAR UC students – Holka Polka in 2016 and William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2017.
Based on students’ learning outcomes and feedback, the results were promising.
Through this experience, students were able to learn the ropes of staging a play and foster greater understanding of the English language and its application.
The new Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English with Drama also has the added advantage of a Dual Award arrangement with Coventry University, UK. Students will have the chance to obtain two Bachelor’s degrees – one from TAR UC and a BA (Hons) English from Coventry University – after completing a semester abroad at Coventry University.
The Dual Award will increase graduates’ employability not only in Malaysia but abroad. They will also benefit from exposure to global trends and cultural diversity gained from the Dual Award programme.
Scholarships are also available at TAR UC on the basis of academic merit and sibling discount for qualified students.
■ For details, visit TAR UC’s booth at major education fairs nationwide or log on to www.tarc.edu.my