The Orientation for an Explanation of the English Department’s New Name

 

By Hsu Hsin I 

The English Department in Shih Hsin University had been planning to rename itself into The Department of English and Applied Communication since last year. People can not live without the Internet. Our heavy dependence on computer programs and smartphone apps proves that it is already something inseparable from our life. We have to spend time studying both language and communication in order to make the most of the Internet resources. By emphasizing both language and communication educations, we plan to enhance our competitive advantage on the job market.

However, biting off more than we can chew is not the way to enhance our competitive advantage. We are living in the Google Age, everyone can go online and find information they need. What make it an academic burden on our shoulders? Maybe focusing on communication is a better idea? Since as English majors, we are aware that language is a tool for communication and a tool to record all human traces in the development of civilization. For such significance of language, students should gain sufficient knowledge of language through intensive programs. Possibly, we need more professional literature courses to gain a good command of language.

The renaming act means certain impact on our future career. If we plan to start advanced studies, it will be very challenging to find matching field of study. If we plan to put ourselves on the job market, employers will expect us to be like a communication information management major, instead of an English major. Whatever the case, it is really up to everyone of us to have a say about whether renaming is a good idea or not.