Bachelor of Arts in English

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21st century skills for primary & secondary level students in Bangladeshi English classrooms
(BRAC University, 2020-09) Zaman, Syeda Summya; Ahmed, Sabreena
A 360 degree exposure to print media at campaign Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2009-12) Chowdhury, Faiza; Huda, Roohi Andalib
A Caged World: A critical analysis of Queer oppression in Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Statovci’s Crossing and Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room
(BRAC University, 2022-09) Kabir, Silvia; Mohammad Noman, Dr. Abu Sayeed
Whether it was acknowledged or not, homosexuality and same-sex interactions existed in every society. In the past, homosexual individuals faced discrimination due to their gender identification in Christian-based societies. In writing about homosexuality, early LGBT writers like Oscar Wilde and James Baldwin experienced great suffering. Laws have been developed to secure society against LGBT individuals. They are perceived as a hazard that has the potential to undermine traditional society's moral standards. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde made a groundbreaking statement since it depicted gay characteristics in Victorian culture, where homosexuals were referred to be demons. Wilde always tried to challenge the established social structure and the bourgeois throughout his works. He became a victim for pursuing his personal choices which were considered a sin in Victorian society. However, his sufferings made him a pioneer figure in Gay liberation later on. Subsequently, the novel Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin was published during the mid of 19th century when homosexuality was considered a mental illness in American society. Statovci’s Crossing comes at a time when many of us have become sceptical of binary classifications, such as gay, heterosexual, woman, and man, and have started to see how insufficient they are to capture the reality of human lives. This paper aims to analyze Queer oppression in Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Statovci’s Crossing and Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room by exploring Queer theory which challenges the established norms. Also, the paper aims to analyze the domination of class differences towards queer people by exploring Marxist theory. Lastly, the paper aims to acknowledge the battle of queer people to understand their true selves by exploring the psychoanalytical approach.
A case study of tertiary level online english learning and assessment in Bangladesh during COVID-19
(BRAC University, 2021-09) Sultan, Farsin Binte; Ahmed, Sabreena
The education system all over the world shifted to online mode due to COVID 19 pandemic circumstances. Though online education is convenient and flexible, both teachers and students are facing challenges in online classes and assessments. Thus, this study aims to determine the perceptions of students and teachers regarding online English classes and assessments in the department of English and Humanities (ENH), Brac University, a private university in an ESOL context such as Bangladesh. Alongside, this study explored the possible solutions to the challenges shared by the teachers and students. The study adopted a qualitative single case study approach and the researcher used the purposive sampling technique to collect data from ten tertiary-level English major students and four teachers of the department. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through the online Zoom platform and interviews were recorded and after transcribing, the interviews are analysed thematically. The results revealed that preparing video materials for flipped classrooms and providing feedback on time was difficult and stressful for the teachers. On the other hand, students shared that in online classes watching video lectures were convenient, yet live discussions and interaction with the teachers and peers made online learning more effective. They also informed that more timely feedback could have helped them in improving their performance in assessments. This study will help English teachers of an ESOL context such as Bangladesh to modify their way of teaching and assessing online.
A comparative analysis of Chakma and English Vowels
(BRAC University, 2013-12) Tanchangya, Shanta Rakshit; Hasan, S. M. Mohibul
This study examines that a comparative analysis of English and Chakma vowel phonemes with which different features of these two languages comes out. In this study the similarities and dissimilarities of Chakma vowels with English is the main concern. Chakma vowels are compared to English vowels by description of vowels, diphthongs, phonemic contrast of vowels, vowel length, nasalization, and vowel stressed. The vowels are described articulatory movements of the vowels, position of the vowels within the words etc. Additionally, phonemic contrast of vowels is described through initial, medial and final contrast of vowels. In the last part of the paper, acoustic analysis is given to draw the position of the vowels while articulation in Chakma.
A comparative study of linguistic landscape between Dhanmondi & Hazaribagh
(BRAC University, 2023-05) Halder, Joyanty; Farhat, Nazah
The primary aim of this study was to investigate how different modes of language are used in the form of nameplates, banners, and bill-boards etc. of commercial buildings, government offices and schools to make a successful discourse between agent and audience and why these linguistic modes are practiced distinctively in Dhanmondi and Hazaribagh. The qualitative research method was used to collect and analyze the data. To conduct the research, eight different images of signboards, nameplates, banners of food stalls, schools, clothing stores and other sectors from Dhanmondi and Hazaribagh area were taken by mobile phone. This was an observational study to draw a line between two different linguistic landscapes. The main reason why I was interested in this particular area was that people can come to know how our income affects our linguistic behavior. People can make a relationship between economy and language. A further point why I chose this subject to investigate was that people can understand how global politics influence language usages. In addition to that, people can draw a line between upper and lower class in a society and this is how they can understand the relationship between language and social hierarchy in a society.
A comparative study of teaching grammar in Bangla and English medium schools
(BRAC University, 2015-08) Rahman, Fahmina; Ahmed, Sabreena
This paper is concerned with grammar teaching technique of Bangla and English medium schools in Bangladesh. It also tries to compare the teaching styles of these two different types of mediums. Grammar can be taught in different ways as like using grammar translation method, direct method, communicative language teaching, task based language teaching and eclectic approach. The aim of the research is to compare the two different institutions grammar teaching techniques with these following methods. Questionnaires were distributed among students and teachers to find their opinions on style of teaching grammar. This paper also talks about the four observation classes which were taken by the grammar teachers. In whole it was found that there are some differences between the teaching technique of Bangla and English medium schools and his paper is a reflection of this.
A comparative study on challenges of English writing among the students of Bhutan and Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2024-09) Gajmer, Anjali; Ahmed, Sabreena
The study mainly focuses on exploring the difficulties faced in English writing by undergraduate students of Bhutan and Bangladesh. It basically includes the opinions of the students on English writing based on their experiences. It is a qualitative, Phenomenology study, where the researcher selected six undergraduate students who are in their second year and interviewed them for the data collection. Additionally, different English writing challenges like grammar errors, English as a second language, Writing anxiety, and lack of English reading were incorporated to make a framework. So the study shows that most of the students had English writing challenges because of Grammar errors, spelling, and organization, English as a second language, and writing anxiety. Further, these findings will not only help the teachers and students of Bangladesh and Bhutan it can also be helpful to see and address the English writing challenges.
A comparative study on learning styles of Bengali and English medium schools of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2016-04) Shahadat, Fariya; Ahmed, Sabreena
Every student has his/her a distinguished and unique learning style. Also the capacity of learning is different from each other. The core objective of this paper is to find out the differences between the learning style of students from English and Bengali medium schools. This research aims at exploring learning styles, effects and the practice of learning styles among the students. Around 73 students and 5 teachers participated in the survey. Data was collected through the observation of some classes. The result analyses the role of the teacher and learner, their interpersonal issue, classroom environment, classroom participation and teachers’ attitude towards the student. Along with the study also includes teachers’ opinion about the learning style by giving interview. The observation also aligns the classroom environment, communication system between the students and the teachers and their teaching techniques to understand the perspectives of learners.
A comparative study on teaching methods and approaches in ESL classrooms of Bangla and English version secondary schools in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2015-12) Md. Harun-Or-Rashid; Ahmed, Sabreena
This paper compares the teaching methods and approaches in ESL classroom of Bangla and English version secondary levels. The researcher conducted the study on randomly selected 20 students and 20 teachers from ESL classrooms of 10 Bangla and English version schools at the secondary level. Adapted Likert scale has been employed to collect data from the respondents. In addition 2 Bangla and 2 English version ESL classes were observed to get actual scenario of the teaching. For analyzing collected data, the researcher applied mixed method. The findings of analyzed data show that Bangla version school teachers are using communicative method under grammar-based pedagogy. In contrast English version teachers are using communicative method in comprehensive way. However, both Bangla and English version schools teach their students deductive grammar lessons. This paper can help policy makers to improve teaching methods and approaches in ESL classrooms of Bangla and English version schools.
A comparative study on the use of authentic and non-authentic material for language classroom at tertiary level
(BRAC University, 2015-08) Islam, Tanjiana; Akhter, Mahmuda
A comparison on the present scenario of CLT in both Bangla medium school and english medium school
(BRAC University, 2017-04) Sultana, Sabiha; Haque, Mohammad Mahmudul
The topic of my dissertation is “A comparison on the present scenario o f CLT in Both Bangla Medium School and English Medium School. It tries to inspect about the implementation of CLT in both mediums. In addition, it tries to compare between the two mediums focusing on the features of CLT, teaching materials as well as the use of classroom activities. The data for this study was collected through a questionnaire both the students and the teachers and a observation from the researcher. It contains the result observation of one class from every school. The entire findings of the survey presents that there are some differences on the present scenario of CLT in both mediums. The study will also compare between the perception of CLT and the actual scenario of CLT in the classroom.
A comparison on the present scenario of CLT in both Bangla Medium School and English Medium School
(BRAC University, 2017-04) Sultana, Sabiha; Haque, Mohammad Mahmudul
The topic of my dissertation is “A comparison on the present scenario o f CLT in Both Bangla Medium School and English Medium School. It tries to inspect about the implementation of CLT in both mediums. In addition, it tries to compare between the two mediums focusing on the features of CLT, teaching materials as well as the use of classroom activities. The data for this study was collected through a questionnaire both the students and the teachers and a observation from the researcher. It contains the result observation of one class from every school. The entire findings of the survey presents that there are some differences on the present scenario of CLT in both mediums. The study will also compare between the perception of CLT and the actual scenario of CLT in the classroom
A creative journey and internship at Daily Sun
(BRAC University, 2018-08) Sabatina, Tasmima; Ahmed, Nawshaba
Internship is prerequisite for a partial completion of degree at English and Humanities Department of BRAC University. I have done my internship at Daily Sun, an English Newspaper as a feature writer. In this paper, I try to explain my three months experience in this newspaper and elaborate the academic knowledge through practical works. In the starting chapter, I try to elaborate the objectives of an internship and give reasons of being a media student. Next, I try to pull out the background of the newspaper portal and introduce the history of the institution with its official address. I also talk about the mission and objective of the channel. In the second chapter, I attempt to explain the endeavor of my internship at Daily Sun and the environment of working there as an intern. It also includes the magazine sector where I appointed as a feature writer. The third chapter is the most significant from other chapters. It is about my overall internship experience and my related works that I assigned to do. It gives a highlight on my works how I have done the jobs and what struggles I have been faced while doing them. I try to explain all the things broadly, as this chapter is one of the cores of this paper. After all these chapters, I go for the fourth chapter where I have described how the ENH courses have helped me in doing my assigned tasks. I aim to relate my media courses with the practical knowledge. . I have learnt different theories and courses of Media and it has helped me for applying those theories into practical sense. At last, I conclude my paper with a conclusion. I sum up all my experiences and explain how this internship program has helped me to be a better writer in future.
A critical analysis of Heart of darkness and Things fall apart: successful or unsuccessful counter-discourse of Conrad’s novella?
(BRAC University, 2022-08) Tasnia, Nabila; Amin, Seema Nusrat
This paper aims to conduct a critical analysis of Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe’s novel Things Fall Apart and English author Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness to study whether Achebe’s postcolonial novel works as a successful counter-discourse of Conrad’s controversial book. This paper also aims to analyze whether Conrad was actually critical against colonialism or did he inherit racist traits more despite being a writer of the modernist period. We can witness the portrayal of Africans, and their condition of life in these two novels. Joseph Conrad has written his novel from the perspective of a European spectator. Chinua Achebe has written the novel from the perspective of an African native. Certainly, their ways of seeing Africa are not alike. In the essay named “An Image of Africa”, Achebe states Conrad as a racist person and discusses how he misrepresents Africa. Conrad depicts Africa as wild, uncivilized, and dark. Achebe has pointed out Conrad’s image of Africa as distorted and one-sided. Achebe in his novel shows African history, education, religion, society, and many other aspects which are unknown to the west. This paper followed the textual analysis of qualitative data reflected in these novels. The research is important because it will help us understand the orientalist approach of the West—the unequal power relation of the Oriental and the Occidental, and hegemony created by the West through their literary works. These issues have been analyzed with the help of prominent post-colonial theories and books like Edward W. Said’s Orientalism and Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth.
A critical analysis of the English language questions of BCS examination
(BRAC University, 2021) Ayonti, Nishat Salsabill; Farhat, Nazah
Job examinations are a valuable part of a person’s career. It shows his/her knowledge and skill and helps the examiners to select the best candidates. As a result, numerous researches have been done to improve the quality of this crucial examination all over the world. Bangladesh is a developing country with lots of possibilities and manpower. It is obvious that the job examination of our country will be highly competitive and tricky. As English is our second language, we see inclusion of this sector in the question paper. Examiners included English in the question to judge candidates’ knowledge and skill over this language. But the question does not seem to fulfill the goals it is supposed to. Most of the questions are memory and grammar based which only shows us the memorizing power of a candidate. Clearly the English language part of the question is not fulfilling its aim properly. In this paper, I will review one of the most demanding job examination English questions of Bangladesh which is known as BCS examination and analyze them on the basis of characteristics of the test. I will review the English language part of the question paper only. I will also conduct research on a few participants and who will be sharing their thoughts on the quality of our job examination and how it can be improved.
A critical discourse analysis of Bangladeshi food vlogging language
(BRAC University, 2022-05) Monira, Sanzana; Farhat, Nazah
This study aims to explore the features of the Bangladeshi food vloggers’ language and how they are using language to communicate with their audiences. This research was conducted by using a qualitative method and the primary data was collected from YouTube food vlog. Four of the Bangladshi food vloggers and a particular food item Kacchi biryani were selected for this research. Afterward, the data was analyzed on CDA by Norman Fairclough’s model. The result of this analysis shows that the food vloggers most of the time use different adjectives to enhance the language, hedges, transglossic practices, non-standard language to communicate with their audinences. Another feature is food vloggers do not have so much authorative power but they provide factual information most of the time. Therefore, the target audiences are youngsters, urban people and a particular social class. Also, food vloggers are helping the viewers by giving detail information of a restaurant and food.
A critical discourse analysis of Bangladeshi political Language
(BRAC University, 2023-01) Choiti, Shadia Sultana; Farhat, Nazah
The main goal of political discourse analysis is to figure out what the text is really trying to see. The study wants to analyse the political speech of Bangladesh from a critical point of view. The study also wants to find similarities in linguistic patterns of discourse analysis. The critical analysis of political speeches in the study is based on a method called “Critical discourse analysis.” The study also plans to compare the way men and women talk about politics. Critical discourse analysis method will be applied to know about beyond meaning of text . Speech Act theory also will be used to identify all speech acts which are available in selected data. The study also want to find different types of pragmatic tools such as diectic expression , reference , paralanguage in the selected data . The study also plans to find the main purpose of the selected political speeches. Qualitative research methodology has been used to do the research. Participants are the politician of Bangladesh. Four You tube videos are selected to conduct the research. However, this paper will be useful who wants to know about the critical discourse analysis of political speech.
A critical study of graphic novels: spiegelman’s maus and satrapi’s persepolis
(BRAC University, 2016-08) Fatema, Rumnaz; Mahbub, Rifat
This thesis exhibits how the intense contents and themes of graphic novels can be credible in venturing its way into the academic world of English literature, particularly in Bangladesh. To accomplish this purpose I intend to analyse two graphic novels, namely Art Spiegelman’s The Complete Maus (2003) and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis I & II (2000,2003) through the theoretical lens of postmodern and cultural studies. The first part will scrutinise the narrative technique of both graphic novels. Both have several postmodern narrative techniques which, eventually, give an alternative meta-history of the Holocaust in the Second World War and the Islamic Revolution of 1979 in Iran. This part will be followed by the representation of politics in both texts, arguing that by manipulating a popular genre like graphic novels, these texts deal with complex political turmoil within which the texts are situated. My textual analysis will be followed by a discussion where I deal with the possibility of academic inclusion of the graphic novels in the advance level studies of English literature in Bangladesh. This thesis will make use of the theoretical frameworks formulated by Linda Hutchinson, Fredric Jameson and Stuart Hall.
A feature writing experience at NEW AGE
(BRAC University, 2009-04) Zaman, Tamara