Introduction to the Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature (BAELL) Program

The Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature (BAELL) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in English language and literature, as well as professional teaching skills. The program focuses on three main strands: TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Linguistics, and Literature.

Program Structure

The BAELL program requires the completion of 40 courses, including a mandatory Practicum, totaling 121 credits. Full-time students can complete the program in 8 semesters, while part-time students may take between 5 to 8 years to complete their degree, depending on the number of courses taken each semester.

Strengths of the BAELL Program

The program offers:

• A choice of three different areas of study in English Language and Anglophone Literature:
  • Linguistics (areas of concentration include discourse analysis and sociolinguistics)
  • Literature (areas of concentration include international literature, film studies, cultural theory, and creative writing)
  • TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; methodologies and pedagogy)
• A wide selection of electives, such as Semiotics and Film, Language and Gender, The Short Story, Masterpieces of 20th Century Theater, Introduction to Psychology, and Introduction to Translation Studies.
• Exposure to faculty actively involved in research and with broad professional experience in their fields of expertise.
• Faculty mentoring and personal support for academic and professional development.
• The opportunity to earn internationally recognized professional certifications, such as the TESOL Diploma.
• Ability to earn a minor in areas such as Sustainability, Psychology, Theater, Translation, or a double major in any of the University's other degree programs.
• A flexible class schedule, with afternoon, evening, and e-learning courses to accommodate students' work schedules.
• Opportunities to present student work in larger public forums, such as the annual Student Research Conference.
• Career counseling and networking opportunities through the Career Development Office during and after studies.

BAELL Career Paths

The program provides a well-rounded education, enabling students to acquire professional teaching skills and develop character, intellectual breadth, social skills, and self-confidence. Graduates can build careers in teaching, linguistics, and research in areas of cultural studies, translation, and literature. They will also be prepared to continue their studies at the graduate level in one of the Master's or Ph.D. programs offered by the university.

Degree Recognition

Students who successfully complete the degree program with the TESOL concentration and obtain recognition of professional equivalence for their degree from the Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports can apply for a teaching license, allowing them to teach in foreign-language schools. Additionally, as per Law 4653/2020, graduates are eligible to seek employment as teachers in primary and secondary schools.

BAELL Research & Hands-On Learning

The BAELL degree offers opportunities to participate in faculty-student research projects and, for TESOL candidates, in-class teaching and curriculum development planning. Students complete a senior-year Practicum in an area related to one of the three strands in the BAELL program, such as data-mining projects (linguistics), literary analysis (literature), and teacher-training projects (TESOL). Students can also choose to complete two Practicums, giving them expertise in more than one of the three BAELL concentrations.

What You'll Learn

Upon completing the English Language and Literature degree, students will be able to:

• Communicate in English at a near-native level of proficiency.
• Appreciate the importance of cross-cultural understanding in language usage.
• Employ a variety of library and online sources when doing research in English language and literature.
• Demonstrate awareness of the principles of language teaching, with a focus on communication and linguistic competence and pedagogical practices (TESOL).
• Engage in linguistic analysis that takes into account the structural and contextual factors that shape meaning and culture.
• Have the knowledge and skills to continue graduate studies in the field of English language and literature and related fields.

BAELL Recommended Minors

Recommended minors include:

• Minor in Sustainability
• Minor in Translation Studies
• Minor in Theatre
• Minor in Psychology

Please consult the catalog for information on minors in other degree programs.

Advanced Diploma in TESOL – Level 5

Students who complete the following four courses and pass the ETECT-LEVEL 5 (English Teaching Competency Test) are awarded the Advanced Diploma in TESOL – Level 5:

• Modern English Grammar/Language Awareness
• Introduction to Methodology
• Advanced Methodology
• Practicum 1: TESOL
• Educational Psychology

The Advanced Diploma in TESOL Level 5 can be taken full-time or part-time. Students can take 3 or 2 courses in the fall or spring semester to complete the program in one academic year. Students may take fewer courses per semester and complete the program in two academic years (or more). Courses are sequential, and students may consult the academic calendar and their mentor to create a study plan. Students who fail the ETECT examination can retake the exam during the next two administrations. If they fail again, they are not allowed to retake the exam and are not awarded the Advanced Diploma in TESOL Level 5.

This program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education, equipping them with both practical skills and critical analysis abilities. It covers three areas of focus:

• English Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - Concentrates on methodologies of teaching English and practical teaching skills.
• Linguistics: Explores the intricacies of human language, analyzing its structure and usage across diverse contexts.
• Literature: Delves into the rich world of English, American, and world literature, fostering critical reading and analytical thinking skills.
This program aims to produce well-rounded professionals who excel in their chosen careers, and who possess essential communication and research skills applicable within the broader market and beyond.

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Outline:

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Program Components and Structure:

To earn their BAELL degree, students must complete 40 courses (121 credits) including a mandatory "Practicum" component. Students can opt to complete the program within 8 semesters for full-time enrollment, with part-time students taking between 5-8 years depending on their course load. Each academic year comprises two 15-week semesters.

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Individual Modules and Content:

• The Linguistics strand focuses on areas including discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
• The Literature strand offers modules covering various epochs, genres, and forms of writing, encompassing international, British and US literature, literary and rhetorical theory, critical analysis, and research methods.
• The TESOL strand concentrates on teaching methodologies for diverse contexts and learners, classroom management strategies, and assessment methods.
Students can further choose from a wide selection of electives, tailoring their learning experience to align with their interests. These electives cover areas like Semiotics and Film, Language and Gender, Masterpieces of 20th Century Theater, Introduction to Psychology, and Introduction to Translation Studies.

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Practicum and Diploma Options:

Students interested in pursuing TESOL can participate in the "Modern English Grammar/Language Awareness," "Introduction to Methodology," "Advanced Methodology," and "Practicum 1: TESOL".

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Successful graduates who pass the required ETECT-LEVEL 5 test are further awarded a prestigious Advanced Diploma in TESOL – Level 5.

Students can also complete an optional "Practicum" to gain practical experience within their chosen strand. This may incorporate:

• Continuous evaluation through class participation and engagement
• Written assignments such as essays, critical analyses, and research papers
• Examinations in various formats to test comprehension and analytical capabilities
• Practical assessments within Practicum modules to evaluate teaching skills

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Teaching:

The BAELL program boasts dedicated faculty members actively engaged in research and possessing diverse professional expertise. This ensures students have access to high-quality instruction from passionate educators committed to their growth. Additionally, the program fosters individual support for students, aiming to guide their academic and professional development with personalized mentorship and advising.

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Careers:

The BAELL program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in various fields including:

• Education: The TESOL strand directly prepares individuals for positions teaching languages, particularly English as a Second Language (ESL).
This can lead to careers in language schools, private tutoring, international schools, and other educational settings where English language teaching is in demand.
• Linguistics: Graduates are well-equipped to pursue further study in Linguistics at a graduate level, leading to potential research careers within academia, government agencies, or the private sector.
• Research: The program provides a strong grounding for those interested in pursuing research in areas related to cultural studies, translation theory, or literature, offering opportunities to engage in research projects at the University or beyond.
• Translation & Interpreting: Graduates may choose further specialization in translation and interpreting for various contexts and clientele, leading to career opportunities in diverse industries.
• Literature Studies: Depending on the chosen area of focus within this strand graduates may be equipped to pursue further research within this field (particularly in areas such as literary history, theory or literary analysis) or may choose alternative pathways such as the creative field (such as writing), journalism or cultural criticism

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Other:

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Additional Notes:

• Students who successfully complete the TESOL strand and gain appropriate accreditation from Greek authorities can seek official recognition as TESOL teachers, opening further career avenues within educational institutions.
• Students are encouraged to participate in student-led research projects and, for TESOL candidates, opportunities within in-class teaching and curriculum development are provided.
• Graduates may choose to pursue graduate studies within a variety of fields related to English Language & Literature, further enhancing career potential and expertise in chosen domains.

Hellenic American College

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Overview:

Hellenic American College is an institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs of Hellenic American University (HAU) at its facilities in Athens, Greece. It provides a student-centered learning environment with small class sizes, diverse student body, and an internationally trained faculty.

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Services Offered:

• Academic Services:

  • Library with extensive collections and resources, interlibrary loan services, and information literacy programs.
  • Academic Center for the Enrichment of Students (ACES) offering academic support, career development, counseling, mentoring, and writing center services.
  • Online learning opportunities.

• Student Life:

  • Student Success programs focusing on academic and career development.
  • Office of Student Affairs organizing student council, activities, teams, and clubs.
  • Civic Engagement opportunities.
  • Events and a blog for student engagement.

• Admissions:

  • Undergraduate and graduate admissions processes.
  • Transfer and international applicant support.
  • Financial assistance programs.
  • Opportunities to visit the college.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at Hellenic American College can expect a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student body and a strong sense of community. The college offers a variety of co-curricular activities, clubs, and events to foster student engagement and personal development. The college also provides extensive support services to help students succeed academically and professionally.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Guaranteed Aid for Students with Need:

The majority of students receive scholarships and financial aid.

One-on-one Academic and Career Support:

Students benefit from faculty mentoring, writing tutors, career counseling, and dedicated teachers.

Student-Centered Learning:

Small class sizes, diverse student body, and an emphasis on hands-on learning create an engaging and challenging environment.

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Academic Programs:

• Undergraduate Programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Music

• Graduate Programs:

  • Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics-TESOL
  • Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting
  • Master of Arts in Translation
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Sales Management
  • Master of Science in Informatics
  • Master of Science in Psychology
  • Master of Science in Stress & Health Management
  • Ph.D. in Language and Communication

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Other:

• Hellenic American University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
• The college offers a variety of study abroad programs.
• The college has a strong focus on research and teaching.
• The college offers lifelong learning programs in translation and interpretation, teacher education, and technology training.
• The college has a strong alumni network.
• The college is located in Athens, Greece, offering students the opportunity to experience a vibrant and historic city.