Academic Programs

Introduction Rationale Roadmaps Program Summary

Ph.D. English Literature Program offered at the Department of English and Literary Studies allows prospective students to explore the complex representations of life through different theoretical and generic perspectives. The program aims to enable the students to hone their appreciation of aesthetic and literary fields of study by acquainting themselves with influential classical and contemporary body of work.

1.1 Date of Commencement

Spring 2007

1.2 Program Mission Statement (aligned with OBE/ SDGs)

Our mission is to cultivate highly skilled literary scholars, academic leaders and educationists who drive creativity and advance the boundaries of knowledge within the field of English Literature. We are committed to producing graduates who excel in impactful research, demonstrate critical thinking abilities, uphold ethical and professional standards, contribute significantly to the academic and literary communities, and embody principles of equity, inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and global citizenship.

1.3 Program Objectives

1.  To provide the scholars with rigorous critical and literary training which allows them to do critical thinking independently.
2. To allow the scholars to explore the representation of life and the way they are projected in the works of literature written or translated into the English language.
3. To enable the scholars to reflect and maintain academically and professionally effective standards of expression in English language.
4. To empower the scholars to make a significant contribution in the field in the form of a doctoral dissertation written on a topic of impact factor.

Alignment with the OBE Model

• Clear Learning Outcomes: Our mission emphasizes cultivating highly skilled literary scholars, academic leaders, and educationists, aligning with OBE’s focus on defining clear learning outcomes.
• Research and Critical Thinking: We aim to produce graduates excelling in impactful research and critical thinking, mirroring OBE’s emphasis on specific learning outcomes.
• Ethical and Professional Standards: Our commitment to upholding ethical and professional standards aligns with OBE’s goal of producing ethically and professionally competent graduates.
• Contribution to Academic and Literary Communities: This aspect aligns with OBE’s objective of preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Alignment with Specific SDGs

• Quality Education (SDG 4): Our mission contributes directly to SDG 4 by cultivating skilled scholars and academic leaders, ensuring the provision of a high-quality education.
• Innovation and Industry Growth (SDG 9): By preparing graduates who excel in research and drive creativity, we align with SDG 9, fostering innovation and contributing to the growth of industry and academia.
• Reducing Educational Inequalities (SDG 10): We actively address SDG 10 by offering equal opportunities for education and skill development, thereby contributing to the reduction of educational inequalities.
• Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDG 17): Our commitment to collaboration with academic and literary communities exemplifies our dedication to SDG 17, emphasizing partnerships for sustainable development goals.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) for PhD EL Program (per OBE Model)

PEO 1. Advanced Literary Analysis and Interpretation: Graduates will demonstrate advanced abilities to critically analyze and interpret literary works across diverse genres, periods, and cultural contexts, applying advanced literary theories, analytical frameworks, technology-enhanced tools, and AI-driven analysis. They will contribute to the field’s evolving discourse, fostering cultural understanding and knowledge dissemination.

PEO 2. Impactful Research and Scholarship: Graduates will excel in conducting original, impactful scholarly research, employing technology and interdisciplinary approaches to produce high-quality dissertations that contribute significantly to the field of English Literature. They will demonstrate their capacity to formulate precise research questions, critically analyze primary and secondary sources, and effectively communicate their findings to diverse audience.

PEO 3. Leadership in Academia: Graduates will emerge as academic leaders who champion a culture of lifelong learning, critical thinking, and innovation within their academic and professional communities. They will actively engage in ongoing professional development and adapt to the evolving trends in literature and language studies.

PEO 4. Effective Communication and Publication: Graduates will excel in effectively communicating their research findings through both written and oral forms. They will produce scholarly publications, engage actively in academic discourse, and contribute to the expansion of their field’s knowledge base.

PEOs Alignment with SDGs Model

PEOs Alignment with SDGs Model

PLOs for PhD EL Program (per OBE)

PLO 1. Advanced Research Proficiency:

Graduates will demonstrate advanced research skills, applying qualitative research methods to investigate literary topics with depth and precision. They will formulate innovative research inquiries and critically analyze literature from diverse cultural and historical contexts (ENG-804 – Advanced Qualitative Research Methods, ENG-709 – Critical Discourse Analysis).

PLO 2. Advanced Literary Theory and Technology Integration:

Graduates will master diverse literary theories and practices. They will critically immerse themselves in various theoretical frameworks, effectively applying them in their research and analyses, and seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into their literary exploration (ENG-806 – Writing Theory and Practice, LIT-822 – Creative Nonfiction: Theory and Practice).

PLO 3. Multifaceted Literary Expertise:

Graduates will showcase expertise in a wide array of literary domains by engaging in elective courses. They will adeptly navigate and critically evaluate various literary perspectives offered in these courses (ENG-723 – Multiculturalism, ENG-830 – Adaptation Studies, and ENG-709 – Critical Discourse Analysis).

PLO 4. Advanced Theoretical Application:

Graduates will apply advanced critical theories to their research and literary analyses. They will employ theoretical frameworks to enrich their understanding and contribute to the evolution of literary discourse (LIT-826 – Advanced Critical Theory, and LIT-828 – 18th Century and Romantic Studies).

PLO 5. Interdisciplinary Excellence:

Graduates will master interdisciplinary approaches, integrating knowledge from various academic disciplines into their literary research. They will employ innovative technologies to enhance their contributions to English Literature (ENG-723 – Multiculturalism, ENG-830 – Adaptation Studies, LIT-812 Postcolonial and Diaspora Studies).

PLOs for PhD EL Program (Alignment with SDGs)

PLOs for PhD EL Program (Alignment with SDGs)

1.4 Rationale of the Program

The scope of PhD English Literature Program remains vast and expansive in terms of its artistic and aesthetic approach to language and language use. In today’s fast emerging economies it is important to highlight the potential impact of literature and its entrepreneurial side, which mostly remains hidden from students’ and educators’ eyes. Realizing a literature graduate’s role in shaping civilizations, changing political systems and in exposing injustices and providing problems to social problems, the Department aims to establish the significant position research in literary studies should hold in Pakistani academia. It has been observed that students interested in literary studies enter into their professional lives as informed citizens with critical minds and a full view of their heritage and history, a knowledge that enables them to assess the failings of the past and envision a successful future. In addition, there are several other areas in which students with a degree in literature can show their worth. The potential graduates in the Department are prepared to demonstrate reflective and analytical thinking and writing skills with an ability to communicate effectively, skills that make them excel in professional life. That is why, today, our graduates can hope to make their mark with their acquired skills in highly sought out professional areas such as teaching in higher education sector, advertising, counselling, technical writing, journalism, human resource management, civil and provincial services and so on.

1.5 Learning Outcomes

After the completion of the degree, the successful candidates will be able to

1. Gain theoretical grounding to various research paradigms along with an understanding of methods of practical application in the research process
2. Demonstrate reflective and analytical thinking and writing skills with an ability to communicate effectively
3. Show awareness about how academic practices vary across ethnic, regional, national, linguistic, cultural, and social boundaries and define their own position as scholars
4. Work as independent researchers and make informed choices about how to disseminate their ideas, especially by getting their work published in national and international journals
5. Share their acquired knowledge on different national and international forums and integrate themselves well with the research community across the globe