English Department

Madonna University was not arts-oriented at its inception in 1999. The prevalent courses were the social sciences, engineering, medicine and computer science. The only English course taught was general English. But when Professor Ezeugu came here in 2003 for his sabbatical, he saw this as an omission. He, therefore, advocated for the setting up of the Department of English. The Department was started in the 2003/2004 academic session, with the pioneer students numbering ten. In its second year, 2004/2005 session, nine students registered in the Department. The awareness that English is also studied at Madonna is gradually being created and we hope that the awareness will continue to grow. In the 2009/2010 session, we had 150 students.

The philosophy of the Department reflects the motto of the University which is Decency in Education and Morals [Dignitas Scientaet Moralis]. The motto is not meant to be a mere paper proclamation of good intention but a guiding philosophy of the entire University life. Its practical implications are built into the University academic, moral, spiritual, socio-economic and political life. It is the duty and responsibility of everyone in the University, both students and staff to embrace and promote it. All functionaries of the University have the duty to see that its practical implications are translated into actions in the daily life of the University.

In addition, the Department is being channeled to be a center of excellence for the development of man and his culture through language and literature. In view of this, the students are trained not only to master the English language for national and international communication and co-operation but to study literature as a key to understanding culture-culture being the basis and pattern of political, social, economic and religious relations.

Objectives and Scope

The English Department offers a general programme leading to a single-subject Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in English that embraces four areas: Literature, Language, Drama and Oral Literature.

It adequately prepares students for post-graduate studies in English Language, Drama and Theatre, as well as in Oral Literature or folklore qualifications necessary for teaching competently in Nigerian secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Above all, the programme would produce graduates who possess informed literary sensibilities and necessary tools to respond appropriately to any literary stimulus as well as be skilful and inspiring users of impeccable English, men and women who understand their society and contribute effectively to its uplifting. 

Admission Requirements

Candidates admitted on a four-year programme by UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) must have passed English Language, Literature in English and three other relevant subjects with at least credit level in not more than two sittings in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination or its equivalent.

Direct entry candidates for the three year programme, in addition to the above, must have obtained a grade of at least a credit pass in Literature in English and one other Arts subject in the GCE or its equivalent.

Transfer students may be admitted for a four- three- or two-year programme for the B.A. Degree based on their academic qualification. This must be thoroughly verified by the Department and approved by the senate. 

(a) Grading System 

A student’s grades of performance in any course will be based on the following system:

A. Excellent 70 – 100%

B. Very Good 60 – 69%

C. Good 50 – 59%

D. Pass 45 – 49%

E. Weak Pass 40 – 44%

F. Fail 0 – 39%

(b) Numerical Grade Equivalents

The numerical equivalents to the above letter grades are:

A = 5 grades points D = 2 grades points

B = 4 grades points E = 1 grade point

C = 3 grades points F = 0 grade point

(c) The Grade Point Average (CGPA)

The overall performance of a student is determined by means of a grade point average obtained by awarding credit points in respect of each course on the basis of the semester value of the course, multiplied by the numerical value of the grade obtained.

By implication, the grade point average is the total number of credit point divided by the number of semester-hours. For example: a grade A (5 grade points) in a two (2) semester-hour (credit unit) course = (5×2) 10 credits. A grade C (3 grades points) in a three (3) semester-hour (credit unit) = (3×3) 9 credits. So, the student’s grade point average (CGPA) for the two courses would be: (10+9) divided by (5+3) = 19/8 = 2.38.

(d) The Course Status (Core, Required and University)

i Core courses: These are the minimum compulsory professional courses offered by all students in the Department. They include all language and literature courses since the Department has no optional or elective courses.

ii Required Courses: Required courses are those courses that must be taken and passed before graduation. They include all General Studies 9 (GST) courses.

iii University Courses: Madonna University Nigeria, as a Catholic university, offers some compulsory courses some of which may not be found in many conventional universities. However, these courses are also coded as GST courses. They help to instill sanity in the students and in this way, differentiating them from other students who are not fortunate enough to have the religious background which this University offers. These University courses are: Fundamental Philosophy, Fundamental Theology, Fundamental Ethics and Bioethics.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES 

On graduation, job opportunities abound in the public services especially in teaching, administration, broadcasting, mass media, Foreign Service, cultural centres, arts councils, public relation establishments, film industries, book-publishing houses and many others. The enriched programme available to the students is especially designed to equip them with an all-round humanistic education as well as practical competence in communication in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering, Technology and International Relations.

STRESS AREAS

Introductory courses 0

Language courses 1

Literature courses 2

Research method 8

Project 9