The Center for Languages

Exploration of Desert Narratives in Contemporary Times

The Center for Languages (CFL) conducted a webinar on "Exploration of Desert Narratives in Contemporary Times" on February 12, 2025, which proved to be a resounding success. The event brought together a diverse audience of faculty and scholars. Dr. Celina Osuna’s captivating discussion of her latest book, Storied Deserts: Reimagining Global Arid Lands, offered deep insights into the cultural, environmental, and historical significance of deserts. The session illuminated the emerging field of Desert Humanities, sparking enriching conversations and providing fresh perspectives on how deserts are represented in contemporary literature and interdisciplinary studies. The webinar, moderated by Ms. Shama Iqbal Hussain, was a truly insightful and thought-provoking experience for all who attended.

On January 22, 2025, the UMT School of Liberal Arts, Center for Languages (Research Committee), in collaboration with IELTA Pakistan, hosted an engaging webinar titled "Testing Times for Teens: Sustainable Assessment and Evaluation Without Tears." Organized and hosted by Ms. Zara Saleem, the session featured renowned guest speaker Alastair Grant, Academic Director, English Teacher, and Teacher Trainer based in Mexico.

This insightful session focused on innovative and sustainable approaches to assessment and evaluation, highlighting strategies to alleviate the stress associated with testing, particularly for teenagers. Educators and researchers from around the globe attended, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas. International participants hailed from diverse countries and esteemed institutions, including India, Argentina, Indonesia, and Mexico.

The webinar, streamed live on IELTA Pakistan's Facebook page, was held from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. It served as a valuable platform for fostering global collaboration and exploring progressive solutions in the field of education.

The Elements of the Absurd in Post-9/11 Rajiv Joseph's Plays

The Literary Society at the Centre for Languages (CFL) successfully hosted a stimulating Literary Talk on December 11, 2024, at Saleem Asghar Hall. Organized by Ms. Sadia Noreen, the event featured Dr. Qurrat-ul-Aen Liaqat, Associate Professor at Forman Christian College, Lahore, as the keynote speaker. A follow-up tea session was attended by Dr. Nadia Anwar, Dean, Dr. Bushra Siddiqui, CoD of DELS, and Dr. Aminah Khalid, CoD of DLC, where potent collaborations were discussed, marking a step forward in fostering academic partnerships.

Mr. Shahzad Nabi from the Center for Languages (CFL) organized a workshop titled "Cracking the Code: Mastering Strategies for Success in Pakistan's Competitive Exams" on Thursday, December 5, 2024, for CSS aspirants enrolled in the Essay, Precis, and Composition Writing Batch-01.

The session featured three outstanding Civil Servants of Pakistan (CSPs) from PMS Batch-13—Ms. Zobia Javed, Mr. Saad Maqsood, and Mr. Uzair Jathol—who shared their valuable experiences and expert strategies for excelling in Pakistan's competitive exams.

During the workshop, the speakers addressed the students' queries, offering practical guidance on tackling challenges, setting goals, and staying motivated throughout their preparation journey. The interactive format allowed students to gain insights into effective study techniques, time management, and the mindset required to achieve success.

The session received enthusiastic feedback from the participants, who appreciated the opportunity to learn directly from accomplished professionals. The workshop not only equipped students with actionable strategies but also inspired them to approach their exams with renewed focus and confidence.

This event exemplified CFL's commitment to empowering students through experiential learning and meaningful engagement with field experts.

Ms. Sadia Noreen from Center for Languages (CFL) organized a session on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Students from the Business Communication course, taught by Ms. Sadia Noreen, took the spotlight, presenting their innovative business ideas to a panel of distinguished faculty members who cosplayed as investors. The panel featured renowned academics from the Dr. Hassan Murad School of Management (HSM) and the School of Liberal Arts (SLA), including Dr. M. Irfan Aamer, Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, Dr. M. Ali Haider Chouhan, Dr. Safia Nosheen, Dr. Priya Avais, Ms. Amna Moghees, and Ms. Shama Iqbal Hussain.

The event received immense praise from the external panel, who commended the students for their confidence, creativity, and professional demeanor. The participants displayed exceptional preparation and communication skills, bringing energy and innovation to the event. The engaging setup, coupled with insightful feedback from the evaluators, created an enriching learning experience that bridged academic theory with practical application. The enthusiasm of the students and the positive reception from the panel made the event a memorable success, highlighting the value of experiential learning in fostering real-world competencies.

On November 20, 2024, the Center for Languages (CFL) conducted a workshop titled "Research and Funding Collaborative Opportunities in Higher Education." It was designed to help SLA faculty learn practical ways to secure research funding and build strong collaborations that align with the FISCA 2024 plan. Dr. Shahid Imran and Dr. M. Mujtaba Abbas led the session with engaging talks, sharing valuable tips on finding funding and creating partnerships. The workshop emphasized how teamwork and innovation can push academic research forward.