Master of Arts in English

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A comparative analysis on Jennifer Egan’s a visit from the goon squad and the candy house : through the lens of Postmodernism
(BRAC University, 2025-11) Nusrat, Suhala; Noman, Abu Sayeed Mohammad
This whole paper studies the idea of postmodernism based on Jennifer Egan’s two novels A Visit from the Goon Squad (2010) and The Candy House (2022), which stand as the remarkable exemplars of postmodern fiction in twenty first century. In spite of being published more than a decade apart, these two novels are elaborately linked through their unified characters, narrative formats, as well as through their thematic concerns. Although The Candy House does not serve merely as a sequel; still it is an expansion of the imaginative as well as the structural universe of the novel A Visit from the Goon Squad. While this paper explores the postmodern feature through the idea of postmodern narrative strategies; which includes fragmentation, non linear temporality, intertextuality, shifting narrative perspectives; in order to question the postmodern anxieties which is surrounded by fluid identity, technology, and surveillance.
A critical discourse analysis of Bangladeshi Instagram influencers language
(BRAC University, 2024-01) Noman, Faria; Farhat, Nazah
Nowadays people spontaneously use social media and it influences them in every way of life. Moreover, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms and influencers are on trend in this modern era. The aim of this study is to analyze Bangladeshi Instagram influencers language along with the reason behind the use of such language. This study is conducted by using qualitative research and primary data has been collected from Instagram videos. Also, videos are transcribed and discourse critically analyzed by using Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model. The three Instagram influencers videos have been taken based on a specific criterion and find some specific reason behind using such language while presenting them in front of camera to promote, review or explain something.
A poetic protest for peace: An analysis of Benjamin Zephaniah‘s poetry
(BRAC University, 2021-01) Shihab, Md. Nuruddin Pier; Mowtushi, Mahruba T
Benjamin Zephaniah‘s poetry is deeply conscious of questions of racism, social injustice, and violence. He writes against these and demands solidarity among people of different backgrounds. This study is a qualitative approach to a detailed analysis of Benjamin Zephaniah‘s poetry. His autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah (2018), contextualises our understanding of his poetry with experiences drawn from his life as a British Caribbean poet. With ancestral roots in Jamaica and Barbados, Zephaniah‘s poetic language is unconventional and this is a reflection of his Caribbean heritage. His subject matter of poetry is the rights of marginalised people, of people who face ostracization as a result of their racial and ethnic identity, mainly in Britain. He points out the discrepancies of institutions such as the political parties and the police in Britain that he argues, promote violence. Some of his poems also speak for animal rights. The aim of Zephaniah‘s poetic revolution is to demand peace and unity in people regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
A postmodern analysis: tracing the elements of politics, war and trauma in graphic narratives in Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis and Joe Sacco’s Palestine
(BRAC University, 2019-08) Gomes, Susan Andrea; Noman, Abu Sayeed
The paper aims to show how graphic novels can be included in the mainstream reading culture. Visual narratives not only glorify a culture or a country, but it also instruments to highlight the intricate and gruesome details of incidents such as violence and other forms of discrimination in a society. I intend to analyze two graphic novels namely Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis I and II (2000, 2003) and Joe Sacco’s Palestine. The first half of the paper will be based on the history and importance of graphic novel. The paper also discusses the how graphic novels are gradually becoming a product of postmodern invention. The second half is a discussion on the analysis on the two graphic novels mentioned above. The thesis is theoretically guided by Jean Francois Lyotard’s idea of metanarratives and language games to explain the usage of languages in visual narratives, Sigmund Freud’s ‘Traumatic Theory’ to decipher Sacco’s Palestine. Satrapi’s Persepolis being an autobiography of a female author, thus the paper also intends to look at the feminine persepective as well as the criticism attached to it. A set of theories based on graphic narratives will also guide the paper to its finality.
A postmodern study of Jordan Peele’s psychological horror films Get Out and Us
(BRAC University, 2024-04) Parvin, Mehrin; Noman, Abu Sayeed Mohammad
Jordan Peele’s Get Out (2017) and Us (2019) are two recent unconventional psychological horror films. These two films do not incorporate typical horror tropes like jump scares, ghosts, or mindless killings. These two are about human beings, specifically black people. Both films incorporate historical events, distort reality, and jump back and forth in time. These qualities of Get Out and Us resonate with the characteristics of postmodernism. This thesis aims to show that Get Out and Us are two postmodern horror films that are helping to keep the horror genre fresh and alive. This thesis also uses theories of postmodern critics like Linda Hutcheon, Fredric Jameson, Jean Baudrillard, and Barry Lewis.
A qualitative study on the challenges faced by Bangladeshi STEM graduates in speaking in English
(BRAC University, 2024-09) Rafa, Rubyat Tahrim; Sultana, Syeda Farzana
English is considered as a global language all over the world. In Bangladesh, generally people face challenges speaking in English due to the fact that the Grammar Translation Method (GTM) is heavily used across the country in teaching English. Since GTM does not emphasize skills like speaking and listening, students rarely get the chance to practice those skills. STEM graduates also experience difficulties in speaking in English. So, this study aims at exploring various difficulties Bangla medium background STEM graduates face while learning to speak in English and using English in oral communication, the reasons behind it and the ways students can overcome the challenges. Data for this study came from semi-structured interviews. The results of this study reveal that most of the STEM graduates have moderate to limited English-speaking skill which was not enough for getting high paid jobs or to study abroad. There are various reasons behind this limited speaking skill as the participants face different types of challenges and lack practice in speaking in English. The participants lack confidence and suffer nervousness while speaking in English. Not having an appropriate environment to practice English speaking skill, and negative responses from peers are some other difficulties which they faced in their academic life. However, STEM graduates try to overcome the challenges by using various effective strategies, for instance- watching English contents of the STEM subjects, reading English notes and lectures of STEM subjects to understand the terms and concepts better, engaging in English communication with fellow mates.
Ai in English education: insights from social science students at the tertiary level in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2025-03) Islam, Md. Ataharul; Rubaiat, Shakika
This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in enhancing English language learning among social science students at the tertiary level in Bangladesh. It addresses the challenges of limited access to personalized and interactive learning in traditional classrooms and explores whether AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can complement or replace conventional teaching methods. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten students from diverse universities to capture their experiences and perceptions. Findings reveal that AI tools provide personalized lessons, instant feedback, and flexibility, significantly aiding vocabulary acquisition, grammar practice, and pronunciation improvement. However, participants noted limitations such as a lack of cultural relevance, emotional engagement, and real-life conversational support. The study concludes that AI tools are most effective as supplementary aids rather than replacements for human instructors. Recommendations include developing culturally adaptive AI systems and integrating offline functionalities to enhance accessibility for Bangladeshi learners.
Alternative assessment to reduce negative backwash effect: exploring the aspects hindering the successful implementation of alternative assessments
(BRAC University, 2024-05) Tahsin, Anika; Sultana, Asifa
Alternative Assessment (AA) is highly regarded worldwide because of its significance in developing the necessary skills of the learners along with making teaching and learning more authentic. Recently, in Bangladesh, AA has been inaugurated as the new assessment method at the secondary level of education which has developed different points of views among teachers and guardians. This study explored the status of AA as a newly implemented assessment system for secondary-level education. The study aimed to look at AA’s role in reducing the negative backwash effect of examinations. Furthermore, it investigated issues that are acting as obstacles to the successful implementation of AA. This study adopted a qualitative method of data collection and analysis. For the study, I used semi-structured interviews where the participants were secondary-level school teachers. I also used a focus group discussion with the parents of the students. The data was analyzed using the thematic data analysis method. The result of the study showed that the majority of the teachers have a positive attitude towards AA and they appreciate it. They agreed on the fact that AA can reduce backwash effects and make learning active and interesting. Many teachers are not ready due to the poor pay scale, lack of feedback on training, lack of resources, lack of adaptive mindset, and so on. The teachers suggested working on these issues for the successful implementation of AA. On the other hand, the majority of the parents did not have a positive attitude towards it. They believe that AA is a great initiative but it's more appropriate for higher levels of education and due to the implementation of AA, secondary-level students are not taking their studies seriously. The current study is significant in developing teaching strategy and filling the gaps of knowledge regarding the implementation of AA at the secondary level of education.
Alternative assessments in rural Bangladeshi schools in post-pandemic times: an evaluation
(BRAC University, 2023-05) Robin, Moinul Hoque; Ahmed, Sabreena
Alternative Assessments in Bangladesh were practised a lot during the COVID-19 period. As all the educational institutions are nationwide shut down and face-to-face learning sessions was not possible. This study explores the challenges of rural S.S.C students while facing ‘Alternative Assessments’ during the pandemic. In addition, this paper also investigates their challenges after reopening schools, and their overcoming process. For this study, the researcher chose five participants of S.S.C levels from different schools in different rural areas, using the qualitative method. The researcher finds that school authority was unsupportive, and students faced an information gap at the beginning of their online learning. Besides, they faced internet and electricity problems a lot. Some teachers were not sincere in traditional assessments. Most of the students struggled with both short and long syllabi considering the situations. Further research is needed to identify other factors that could strengthen the effectiveness of this kind of study.
An analysis of Heinlein’s Starship Troopers and the discourse on defining fascism
(BRAC University, 2025-10) Khan, Mosabbir Alam; Noman, Abu Sayeed Mohammad
Heinlein’s Starship Troopers is greatly influential in the military science fiction genre but faced controversy due to accusations of promoting fascism that still linger on in online debates even today. This is questionable as there is a lack of academic materials that carry out an in-depth analysis of the novel and its ideas while addressing the fascist question. This paper aims to address this gap by thorough analysis. For this, the paper defines fascism using a number of existing academic works and sources to compare to the ideas explored and promoted in the novel. The analysis reveals that core ideas promoted by the novel like individualism are at odds with fascist beliefs but it does not stop others from deriving their own meaning that often contradicts the novel’s established elements. The findings indicate that the novel is not fascist as it is deliberately reinterpreted to align with Western political narratives.
An analytical study of problematic marital life and its psychological effect in Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient
(BRAC University, 2026-01) Taiyeba, Kazi; Noman, Abu Sayeed Mohammad
It is common sense that a husband and wife would provide emotional support for each other. Obviously, too much emotional dependency could cause loss of self, fear of abandonment, and lack of boundaries. On the other hand, interdependency provides mutual support and secure attachment. In the two novels, The Silent Patient and Gone Girl, we see the importance of interdependence. Theo Faber, one of the major characters of the novel The Silent Patient, is a victim of excessive emotional dependency. He always believes that his wife is his lifesaver. Eventually, he could not let go of his wife, Kathy, after finding out about her infidelity. Moreover, Amy Dunne, the protagonist of the novel Gone Girl, is similarly obsessed with her husband. No matter what, Amy never wanted to leave her husband, even though he was cheating on her. Both the novelists, Alex Michaelides and Gillian Flynn, portray through their unique narratives how emotional dependence leads a spouse to mental devastation. However, “interdependence is the solution.” Is this a good answer? In my dissertation, through my research question, I will present whether interdependence is crucial for a healthy married life and how emotional dependence causes incurable psychological effects.
An examination of the English language teaching and learning practices at two schools for underprivileged children in Dhaka
(BRAC University, 2023-06) Mimi; Sultana, Syeda Farzana
This study aims to explore the English language teaching and learning practices at two schools for underprivileged children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study was conducted in two NGO schools in Dhaka following a qualitative approach. The data was gathered through semi- structured interviews of teachers. The study tries to answer the research questions about how English language is taught in underprivileged children's schools, the challenges they face and also looks into the benefits of learning English for underprivileged children. The result shows that, limited application of technology, limited listening equipment, fear, lack of creativity, lack of motivation, overly depending on teacher, memorization, economic barriers are some of the problems and challenges the underprivileged children faces in terms of learning English as a foreign language. Therefore, the students are benefiting by studying at these schools because it works for the children who are extremely poor and needy with a minimum tuition fee. These schools provide all necessary equipment related to the study of underprivileged children.
An exploration of EFL learners’ anxiety in an online learning environmental class
(BRAC University, 2018-12) Lamia, Jannatul Ferdous; Haque, Mohammad Mahmudul
This research is based on a small scale of study that shed lights on ‘An Exploration of EFL Learners’ Anxiety in Online Language Learning’. Five private universities of Dhaka, Bangladesh have been selected. From there, 97 students and 28 teachers have participated in the survey. In order to conduct the survey, 21 close-ended questions have been developed to collect data. There are also four open-ended questions so that the researcher can observe both students’ and teachers’ psychology along with students’ anxiety level in online learning environment. This study also finds some mistakes in the English language learning procedure which needs to be corrected. The research will be beneficial for the EFL students to overcome their English language learning anxiety level with the help of online learning environment. It will also help teachers in their teaching process as well as selecting a feedback method to assist their students and help them to reduce their anxiety level in learning target language (English).
An exploration of the functions of english in urban Bangladesh: investigation of people’s attitude
(BRAC University, 2019-04) Rahman, S. M. Sanzana; Al Amin, Md.
In present world, use of English language is prominent in every part of people’s lives, even in countries where English is not the native tongue. In a developing country like Bangladesh, people are using English in different social spheres, which in turn is increasing its role in formation of people’s identity. In this paper, the researcher has adopted a qualitative approach to collect data primarily from 10 Dhaka city dwellers to create a sociolinguistic profile to portray different usages of English language, understand people’s attitude towards the language, and examine it role on identity creation. The research has suggested that English has different functional needs in urban Bangladeshi context, and people give higher status to this language. Meanwhile, there is still a lot time needed in order to form a distinct Bangladeshi English variety in Bangladesh. The findings of this research will be beneficial to people interested to study the spread of English language in Bangladesh from the lenses of World Englishes. Finally, it can be useful for policymakers who are in charge of making language planning decisions.
An exploratory study of English teaching and learning in three Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2019-08) Haque, Sazzadul; Al Amin, Md.
Over time, global, economic, social and political diagram has transformed significantly. All those components had contributed an extension and alteration in the traditional culture, which, in bi-product had resulted into a mixed cultural environment. Consequently, English, as language has become an inseparable part of any society, which intends to globalize and share culture or ideas with other group, people or country. In Bangladesh, the condition of learning skills or knowledge, be it for academic or hobbies has developed to a greater extent due to expansion of modern initiatives and digitalization. English, as a language is given high significance in case of learning and attaining proficiency both for academic and optional reasons. But the scenario is different in the Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh. Modern methods, initiatives and expansion of scope in learning and expertizing in English language is ignored, which resulted crisis in the advancement of the students of Alia Madrasah. Moreover, though the Government of Bangladesh has formulated various general rules and regulations to improve this condition. However, due to religious, financial issues or the traditional mainstreams prevailing in the Alia Madrasahs, English language proficiency has been limited to a slower growth. Causes such as lack of understanding about the importance of learning English and its main objective i.e. communication is also responsible for this adverse situation. This study explores the contemporary picture of English language learning and teaching in the Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh. The complications that have been observed are shortage of the administrative and technical factors which affect progressive English learning. The students’ motivation towards learning English language, failure of attaining proficiency which delays proper English learning, shortcomings of digitalization implemented for the learning process of English language in the Alia Madrasahs of Bangladesh, along with others.
An investigation of nationalism through the writing of W. B Yeats and Rabindranath Tagore
(BRAC University, 2017-12) Nadia, Ishrat Rahman; Mahbub, Dr. Rifat
Nationalism is a complex term, torsade with the forces of colonial and postcolonial witness. It is a quite difficult idea to be explained, as today every nation bears the sense of nationalism but not everyone is getting the same right and space. Time to time the idea emerge with many new additions and develop the base of the concept. This paper aims to study nationalism through the history of culture and literature. Rabindranath is the emblem of Bengali nation but still regarded as an anti-nationalist. Who always stands for his own people but there is no abrogation for people belong to any other country, religion and nation. Again, Yeats is representing both Ireland and England. In the late nineties there was a radical change all over the world. The powerful countries became one another’s rival. Colonial rulers were threatened by the rise of the revolutionary nationalist. The whole world came to a tumultuous situation. Both Rabindranath and Yeats concentrated on that part of the human history. Their nationalist perception turned into a new direction. It is because of the aggressive nationalistic view of that time. So, when the nationalism became an activity, and took a homicidal and gusting frame both Rabindranath and Yeats move aside. But their conception of nationalism is not nailed upon on nationalism and antinationalism rather it goes furthermore. Which is the main concern of this paper. In the process of making the world “my own” “our” we are making our life critical. This constant argumentative statement will also have examined by the ideas given by Rabindranath and Yeats.
Analysing the Arab-Israeli identity crisis in the author Sayed Kashua’s Dancing Arabs and Let It Be Morning
(BRAC University, 2018-08) Rowshan, Faria; Saba, Anika
"Israeli Arab”, how humiliating is this name no matter how many will try to soften it. And frankly, it makes no difference if we call ourselves instead "Palestinian citizens of Israel" or even "the Palestinian minority”…Whatever specific name is used, the underlining message remains the same: "Israeli Arab" - an oxymoron. - Sayed Kashua, (So Humiliating Is This Name) As an Arab-Israeli, author Sayed Kashua asks the important questions: whether the indigenous Arabs of Israel are permitted to consider Israel as their home. The author shades light into the subaltern lives of the Arab/Palestinian-Israeli citizens in the ethnocratic Israel, where one’s national and ethnic identity collide. The contemporary Hebrew writer narrates the sociopolitical situation of the community along with its social segregation and hierarchy, the duality of identity, and the politics of language and narratives. Kashua comments as well as criticises the state of Israel, Arab world and Arab mentality and annihilates the established stereotypes in a profoundly personal but anecdote manner. This thesis investigates Kashua’s book Dancing Arab and Let It Be Morning from the lenses of historical past, to study and analyse the unfamiliar stories of the Arab minority in Israel affected by the endless Palestinian-Israel conflict in the light of literary and critical theory. Rowshan 6 Epigraph No need to hear your voice when I can talk about you better than you can speak about yourself. No need to hear your voice. Only tell me about your pain. I want to know your story. And then I will tell it back to you in a new way. Tell it back to you in such a way that it has become mine, my own. Re-writing you I write myself anew. I am still author, authority. I am still colonizer the speaking subject and you are now at the center of my talk. (bell hooks, ‘Marginality as a site of resistance’, 1990: 241–3)
Analysing transgenerational trauma through the lenses of contemporary texts by Anne Frank, Markus Zusak and Khaled Hosseini
(BRAC University, 2023-09) Aniqua, Tasneem Habib; Noman, Abu Sayeed Mohammad
Transgenerational trauma can be compared to chemical bombs that seep poison and rot a human being from the inside out. While bombs are initiated on targeted individuals, groups or places, the triggers of transgenerational trauma can never be seen as isolated events. The right kind of betrayal, a moment of weakness, and the opportunity to attack or take advantage all trigger the poison of distrust, suspicion, and deliberation to scar a human being for life. The environment, actions and influence that create transgenerational trauma play an integral role in how a person experiences and deals with their traumatic past or history. Living with the guilt of experiencing one’s powerless situation can severely affect how an individual generates self-hatred within oneself. Violence, conflict and war of all kinds create innumerable sensitive psychological triggers that leave lingering poison of trauma, pain and vulnerability in the lives it touches. This research paper argues on specific violent and death-related narrations that prove how trauma is passed from generation to generation through both community and family, resulting in wounds invisible to the eyes. It looks at four contemporary texts, namely, Diary of Anne Frank, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini that shed light on the two different events of chaos, namely the Afghan Wars and the Holocaust. It focuses on how certain actions instigate transgenerational trauma and how the characters navigate through them. It discusses the process of trauma lodging itself within the people of the community and how, in return, it silently follows the younger generations as shackles, bounding them to anguish and misery.
Analysis ESL teachers' motivational strategies in virtual classrooms: a study in Bangladeshi EFL context
(BRAC University, 2021-06) Rahman, Shawdipta; Haque, Mohammad Mahmudul
Motivation is one of the most critical factors that determine success in foreign language/second language learning. Because of its importance, L2 motivation is considered a great area of interest for researchers and practitioners. The use of motivational strategies in English language classroom can certainly improve learners' performance. In a distance education context, a teacher must know effective motivational teaching strategies. This study investigated the key motivational strategies that primary ESL teachers use to motivate their learners in virtual classrooms. The study adopted a mixed-method to collect data from 36 ESL teachers. The participants were divided into two groups realising the risk that the participants who rated some strategies as 'important'; might be hesitant to acknowledge to which extent they utilised these strategies in their classrooms. (First group=14; second group=22). Quantitative surveys measured the 'importance' and 'frequency' of using motivational strategies in the virtual classroom, which was later followed by a focus group interview with the selected teachers. This research highlights important motivational strategies perceived by the teachers, most utilised and underutilised motivational strategies, and teachers' overall perceptions regarding the use of motivational strategies in virtual classrooms.
Ancient tragedy as modern margins: rewriting of a classic as resistance in Kamila Shamsie’s Home Fire
(BRAC University, 2026) Sinha, Noor Jahan; Huq, Sabiha
This thesis examines, how Kamila Shamsie’s novel Home Fire functions as an act of political and cultural resistance by rewriting Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy Antigone in the context of contemporary British Muslim experience. After September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, British Muslims have faced investigation, restricted citizenship, and marginalization through counter-terrorism policies. Shamsie responds to this crisis by adapting one of Western literature’s most celebrated texts. Using adaptation theory, postcolonial theory, intersectional feminism, and political philosophy, this research provides the first comprehensive analysis of Home Fire as an adaptation of a classic text. This thesis argues that Shamsie’s rewriting works as resistance on multiple levels. It exposes Creon’s ancient tyranny, and humanizes characters in media representation. Through detailed comparative analysis, the thesis examines three dimensions of the adaptation. First, it analyzes how both texts use the unburied body to explore citizenship, statelessness, and sovereign power. Second, it investigates how gender shapes resistance, focusing on the sisters who fight for their brothers and the politics of public mourning. Third, it explores how Shamsie transforms tragic from itself from a Greek play to a contemporary novel. This research connects classical reception studies, postcolonial literature, and British Muslim writing – fields that rarely engage with each other. By showing how Home Fire works both as literary achievement and political intervention, this thesis illuminates the power of classical rewriting as a tool for resistance against contemporary injustice.