Overview :
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures was established in 1969/1970
under the name of English Department, as the first department established in the
faculty of Arts and Humanities where it used to award at that time BA in English
only. In 1982/1983, a French Language Programme was launched and subsequently
the name of the department was changed from English Department to the Department
of European Languages and Literatures. The department had since then awarded a
BA Degree in both languages English and French for both (regular and external
students). As time passes, the department had acquired a large experience which
enabled it to launch an MA Programme in both Linguistics and Literature
(English) based on thesis in 1988. This programme was developed by adding
another MA type based on courses and research project in 2005. Through this
period of time of dealing with graduate studies, which exceeded 30 years, the
department was able to create a solid academic foundation based on a group of
specialist professors in the sciences specific to the European Languages who are
of different academic ranks and have experience in orgnising graduate programmes
on both academic as well as supervisory levels.
Recently, In 2019, all the department’s plans were updated to run in line with
the Kingdom’s 2030 vision. Also, a BA Programme in Chinese was launched to run
in line with Kingdom’s inclinations to enhance relations between China and Saudi
Arabia as the Chinese language is considered one of the most important languages
in the world. Furthermore, based on the recommendations made by the Department
Council, Faculty Council and University Council, the name of the Department of
European Languages and Literature has been modified to be the Department of
Modern Languages and Literature and the modified name has been approved by the
Council of the Universities’ Affairs. In addition, a new interdisciplinary track
titled: (Linguistics and Translation), which is part of the BA Programme in
English has been recently launched. Also, the Programme in French has been
changed to be the Programme in French and Translation.
Vision :
To be a leading department in teaching foreign languages, literature and
translation that contributes to advancing the university's ranking and achieving
of the Kingdom's vision.
Mission :
To qualify academically, scientifically, and professionally distinguished
graduates through high quality programs to enable them to serve the community
and engage in the labor market
Values :
Pioneer - Excellence - Responsibility– Ambition- Proficiency and Quality -
Cooperation & Participation - Effective Communication
Objectives
:
1. Improving and developing all academic programs to be appealing and
sustainable in line with both the university and of the Ministry of education
visions.
2. Providing a university experience that focuses on developing the abilities
and skills required for the labor market.
3. Boosting the research productivity of the department members in group and
individually as well as improving the research quality and developing the
researchers.
4. Building bridges of scientific and cultural communication with the community
and the private sector.
5. Developing administrative and academic work according to the highest
standards of quality, efficiency, transparency and professionalism.
Connecting to the faculty,
the university and the Ministry of education objectives and mission :
The department is related to the faculty objectives and mission through academic
and research programmes, in addition to qualifying different competent students
to contribute to the development of society.
Alignment of the vision
and mission
Job
opportunities for department graduates :
1. Teaching: To teach in the university (e.g., teaching
assistant or Lecturers after pursuing graduate studies) or to teach English as a
foreign language in government and private schools.
2. Translation, Interpreting, or Subtitling: To work in translation using
English/French/ Chinese and Arabic.
3. Media: To work in broadcasting, journalism, or television.
4. Creative Writing: To work in the field of content creation.
5. Information Technology: To contribute to the development of computer learning
programs.
6. Tourism and Culture: To work in the field of tourism.
7. Administration: To work in different government sectors.
8. Miscellaneous: To work in other domains that require proficiency in the
English language (e.g., Media, Language instruction, Sales, Customer Service).
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