Department of English Language & Literature (DELL)
Introduction

Introduction

Department of English Language & Literature (DELL) – *nomenclature revised in 2023, erstwhile Department of English – is one of the pioneering departments of Government College University Hyderabad. This department aims to academically and intellectually serve in line with the guidelines of Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan within defined levels of qualifications. The study programs offered here tend to be in English as the main field (with language, linguistics and literature as sub-fields thereto) concerning knowledge, skills and competencies acquired/disseminated through semester-system education policy. In terms of approaches, this department aims to contribute by innovative teaching and research with globally recognized best practices to cater to the needs of human resource development in the field of English language, linguistics and literature on a global scale and in the context of Pakistan. Whereas, this department has already been offering BS English (Language & Literature) at undergraduate level since 2020; with an envisioned transition from teaching-only to teaching-cum-research institution, this department is commencing postgraduate research degree programs too, such as MPhil English (Linguistics) and PhD English (Linguistics) from fall 2023 semester. The department encompasses a huge potential to produce graduates with quality education to fulfil the pre-existing and emerging demand of highly qualified youth for national and international market of employment and leadership in the main and sub-fields noted herein above.

Vision

This department envisions to generate and transfer knowledge with an integration of interactive, communicative, and project-based learning that may lead to inclusive participatory practices for skill-oriented, socially responsible and autonomous learning experiences leading to knowledge creation.

Mission

This department will be inclusively contributing to facilitate the development of graduates with the 21st century skills (creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration) including skills befitting career paths catering to the needs of the local and global job market relating to English language, linguistics, and literature in particular including, but not limited to, regional languages in general (in comparison/contrast with English) through research and documentation in the linguistic landscape of multilingual Pakistan.

Values

This department highly regards and contributes towards ensuring the integration of core social and professional values as part of the organisational culture that promote academic integrity, human dignity, aesthetics, ethics, inclusivity and respect for diversity without any discrimination or prejudice of any kind whatsoever.

Academic Programs

• BS ENGLISH (LANGUAGE & LITERATURE MORNING)
• MPHIL ENGLISH (LINGUISTICS)
• PHD ENGLISH (LINGUISTICS)


Faculty Members
Dr. Niaz Hussain Soomro
Associate Professor
Chairman
[email protected]
[email protected]

Dr. Niaz Hussain Soomro is currently serving as an Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of English Language & Literature, GC University Hyderabad (GCUH). In addition to degree programs such as BS (English Language & Literature), as well as M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs in English (Linguistics), he has also been leading two U.S. funded scholarship programs as the Program Director for English Access Scholarship Program (2023-2025) as well as English Works! Program (2024 & 2025) - both sponsored by Regional English Language Office (RELO) at U.S. Embassy Islamabad. Dr. Soomro is a PhD in ELT & TESOL - with a specific focus on university learners’ attitudes towards learning and use of English - from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom. In Pakistan, he has vastly been contributing to the field of ELT & TESOL including revising the syllabus for BS, MPhil, and PhD programs. Dr. Soomro has actively been engaged in research and teaching in the subjects of Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, Language Policy & Planning, Sociolinguistics, and Research Methodology including supervising research scholars with interest in learner centered approaches pedagogical innovation including ICT/AI integration in foreign language instruction/learning.

Dr. Liaquat Ali Channa
Professor
[email protected]

Dr. Liaquat Ali Channa is currently serving as a Professor at the Department of English Language & Literature, GC University Hyderabad. Being an educational linguist, he is interested in the intersection of language and education including language in refugee education, hidden curriculum and language textbooks, language teacher identity, language in education policy and planning, and, English as a/the medium of instruction. He draws upon qualitative and mixed methods tilted towards qualitative research approaches in his endeavors.

He was the Syed Babar Ali Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University in 2022. He secured the most prestigious Ph.D. Fulbright scholarship in 2009. He completed his doctorate degree in Language and Literacy Education with concentration on teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) at the University of Georgia, USA. He also holds an M.Ed. in English Language Teaching (ELT) at the University of Glasgow, UK. He is also a silver medalist in his M.A. in English for standing 1st class 1st position at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan.

He is currently a Professor in English at Government College University Hyderabad, Pakistan. Previously, he was the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities and a Professor in the Department of English at BUITEMS Quetta, Pakistan. In addition, he is affiliated with the Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard University as an Honorary Research Fellow.

His research is published in well-reputed journals including Language Problems and Language Planning, International Journal of Applied Linguistics, Current Issues in Language Planning, Asian Englishes, World Englishes, Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics, and Journal of Language and Cultural Education.

Dr. Zahid Ali
Associate Professor
[email protected]

Dr. Zahid Ali is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of English Language and Literature, Government College University Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. He earned PhD in Linguistics from the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (QS World University Ranking 60). His doctoral research focused on a comparative morphosyntactic and semantic analysis of English and Sindhi verbs, specifically examining their argument structures, theta roles, and thematic relations. This research sits at the intersection of syntax, morphology, and semantics, with an emphasis on understanding the relationship between morphology and syntax in grammatical constructions.

Dr. Zahid’s academic interests span both Theoretical Linguistics (with a focus on Syntax and Morphology) and Applied Linguistics (including Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, Pragmatics, SFL, ELT and Discourse Studies). Over the past seventeen years, he has taught and supervises undergraduate (BS) and postgraduate (MA/MS/MPhil and PhD) students in these areas. To date, he has supervised 19 MA/MS and 10 BS theses, and currently mentors 7 MPhil and 5 PhD students on topics related to syntax, morphology, semantics, L2 learning, ELT, and sociolinguistics.

Besides that, he has also been working on derivational and inflectional morphemes of English, Sindhi, Balochi, and Dhatki. This research work compares and contrasts the use of derivational and inflectional morphemes in the above-mentioned languages. Additionally, he has also been entrusted with an additional charge of Director of Postgraduate Studies at GCUH.

Dr. Quratulain Sardar
Assistant Professor
[email protected]

Dr. Qurratulain Sardar, Assistant Professor of English at GC University Hyderabad. She earned her PhD from the University of Sindh Jamshoro under the prestigious HEC Indigenous Fellowship in 2021, with a research focus on humanistic psychology in American and Pakistani contexts. She has authored several acclaimed articles in reputed JCR-indexed journals and presented her scholarship and research on both national and international platforms. At DELL, she actively contributes to key academic committees and university initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to intellectual inquiry, collaborative engagement, and the enduring spirit of literary scholarship.

Mr. Idress Shar
Assistant Professor
[email protected]

Mr. Muhammad Idrees Shar has a wide experience of twenty years in teaching and administration. He has been working as Assistant Professor and Founding In-Charge Chairman Department of English Language and Literature, GCUH. He is also serving as Deputy Director Admissions since 2021 till to date. Mr. Shar is M.A English Literature with distinction from University Sindh Jamshoro and M.Phil. in Linguistics from the University Sindh, Jamshoro.

The area of interest is Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) and using latest tools for second language learning. His research domain is quantitative as well as mixed method research. He has contributed his research publications in HEC recognized national journals. Mr. Shar is member of departmental BOS and Board of Faculties and he is also elected member of prestigious Academic Council, GC University Hyderabad.

Mr. Parwez Ali Bughio
Lecturer
[email protected]

Mr. Parwez Bughio is serving as a senior lecturer in English Language and Applied Linguistics who carries more than 13 years’ experience in the concerned fields. He makes learning flexible and enjoyable with his innovative approach.

Mr. Parvaiz Solangi
Lecturer
[email protected]

Mr. Parvaiz Solangi is serving as a senior lecturer at the Department of English Language & literature, Government College University Hyderabad. He has earned his M.Phil. degree in English Literature. The title of his research is "Suicidal Tendencies depicted in novels Sorrows of Young Werther and The Fall." He holds his master’s degree in English literature from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro.

Additionally, he is a professional translator. He has translated two books "Man's search for meaning" and "What Buddha taught" from English to Sindhi while his two translated books from English to Urdu are in process to be published soon.

Mr. Solangi has passion for teaching and has keen interest in literature, philosophy, psychology, history and Latifiayat. He runs his YouTube channel where he contributes his knowledge of English grammar & literature. He also interprets the poetry of Shah Latif to make it understandable for youth.

Mr. Abdul Sattar Laghari
Lecturer

[email protected]


Mr. Abdul Sattar Laghari is currently serving as a senior lecturer at the Department of English Language & Literature, GCUH. He earned his Master’s degree from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro. He made a remarkable contribution to the transformation of the institution into Government College University Hyderabad (erstwhile Government College Hyderabad which he joined in 2011). During his services, he held various key administrative positions, including Assistant Registrar, Deputy Registrar, and Resident Auditor, and rendered selfless services for the growth and development of the newly established university.

Ms. Benazir Ahad Larik
Lecturer
[email protected]

Ms. Benazir Larik, is a lecturer at the Department of English Language & Literature, GC University Hyderabad. She holds an MPhil in English Literature from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, where she is also currently pursuing her PhD studies. Renowned for her scholarly acumen and unwavering dedication, she is an active researcher whose work reflects both depth and intellectual vigor. With a wealth of university-level teaching experience, Ms. Larik is celebrated not only for her academic expertise but also for her warm and approachable nature. She shares a remarkable bond with her students, inspiring them through mentorship, compassion, and genuine engagement. In addition to her teaching and research, she plays a pivotal role in institutional development, serving as the factotum of examinations and the focal person for debate competitions and various co-curricular activities. Her multifaceted contributions underscore her commitment to academic excellence and holistic student growth.

Ms. Aisha Faryal
Lecturer
[email protected]

Ms. Aisha Faryal is a lecturer at the Department of English Language & Literature, Government College University Hyderabad (GCUH). She brings a robust background in language education and research to her role. Her expertise in linguistics is substantial, and she is deeply invested in cultivating dynamic and intellectually stimulating learning environments for her students. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Faryal actively contributes to the advancement of linguistic knowledge through research. Her scholarly interests are particularly focused on the critical intersections of Emotional Intelligence, Communication Apprehension, ELT, Communication Skills, and the multifaceted processes of Second Language Learning and Teaching. Through an empathetic mentorship, Ms. Faryal is committed to empowering students to develop not only as proficient communicators and analytical thinkers but also as emotionally intelligent Learners.

Ms. Sumera Palli
Lecturer
[email protected]

Ms. Sumera Palli is a lecturer at the Department of English Language and Literature, GC University Hyderabad. She holds an M.A. in English and M.Phil. in English Literature, both from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in English Literature from the same institution.

Ms. Palli previously served as a Teaching Assistant at the Institute of English Language and Literature, University of Sindh, during the periods 2017–2019 and 2022. Her teaching and research interests include the History of English literature, Classical Poetry, Romantic and Victorian Poetry, as well as Critical Theory.

She has successfully qualified the GAT (Subject) in English Literature conducted by the National Testing Service (NTS) on two occasions.

Ms. Anum Hussain
Lecturer
[email protected]

Ms. Anum Hussain is currently serving as a lecturer at the Department of English Language & Literature, Government College University Hyderabad with research interests rooted in linguistics. She has previously served as Lecturer and Head of Department (English) at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) – Hyderabad Campus, where she contributed to curriculum development and academic leadership. She has also taught online to students in the United Kingdom and Australia, bringing a global perspective and a commitment to innovative, student-centered learning.

Ms. Tehmina Kalwar
Lecturer
[email protected]

Ms. Tehmina Kalwar joined Government College University in 2025 as a Lecturer. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and brings with her a diverse teaching and training background across several institutions, including the University of Sindh Jamshoro, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro, SZABIST Hyderabad Campus, and NUML Hyderabad Campus.

Alongside her academic teaching experience, Ms. Kalwar has established herself as a professional development trainer. She has participated in multiple training programs organized by the Regional English Language Office (RELO), such as Professional Development for Novice English Teachers (PDNET), and has benefited from specialized trainings conducted by U.S.-based experts on a wide range of professional development themes.

Her contributions extend to teacher training, where she has facilitated sessions under initiatives like PDNET Small Grants, Local Community Outreach (LCO), and workshops held at Lincoln Corner Hyderabad, among others. She has also served the English Access Scholarship Program, sponsored by RELO Pakistan, both as a teacher and as an academic coordinator.

Most recently, she completed the internationally recognized Training of Teachers course from TESOL International Association, further strengthening her expertise in language teaching and teacher education.

DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES
GCUH English Debating Team, Mr.Shahzib, Ms. Shanoor and Ms. Ibtihaj along with faculty member Dr. Quarrtulain Sarddar, Shines in Islamabad for National Universities
Day & Date:
May 15, 2024
Resource Person:
--
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


Workshop on "An Introduction to Nvivo Pro for Qualitative Data Analysis in Literary Research"
Day & Date:
May 10, 2024
Resource Person:
Dr. Qurratulain Sardar
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


Workshop on "Integrating British Council Online Courses"
Day & Date:
May 03, 2024
Resource Person:
Ms. Muatar Shams Memon
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


GC University Hyderabad (GCUH) and Evolution sign an MoU to collaborate on the two-day OPEN English Language Expo 2024 at GCUH.
Day & Date:
--
Resource Person:
--
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


Third Talent Festival - English Poetry Competition
Day & Date:
Wednesday, 28th November, 2023
Resource Person:
Dr. Quratulain Sardar from Department of English Language and Literature
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


Third Talent Festival - Creative Writing Competition in English
Day & Date:
Wednesday, 28th November, 2023
Resource Person:
Muatar Memon
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


A fruitful TESOL methodology session
Day & Date:
Thursday, 16th November, 2023
Resource Person:
Ms. Almas Memon
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


Trilingual Declamation Contest
Day & Date:
Sunday, 29th October, 2023
Resource Person:
Benazir Larik from Department of English Language and Literature (For English)
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


World Teacher's Day 2023 Celebrations
Day & Date:
Thursday, 5th October, 2023
Resource Person:
---
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


One day workshop on 'Qualitative Research Methods in English Literature and Linguistics'
Day & Date:
Friday, 21th September, 2023
Resource Person:
Dr. Ghazal Shaikh (Assistant Professor), IELL, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


One day Workshop on "Global UGRAD Exchange program 2024" collaboration with Career Development Center, GCUH
Day & Date:
Friday, 8th September, 2023
Resource Person:
Ms. Mahrukh Parvez, UGRAD Alumni
Facilitator:
Ms. Muatar Memon, DELL, GCUH


One Day Seminar on 'Academic Writing'
Day & Date:
Wednesday, 23rd August, 2023
Resource Person:
Abdul Hameed Panhwar, IELL, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


One day Seminar on 'Grammar & Syntax'
Day & Date:
Wednesday, 15th February, 2023
Resource Person:
Dr. M.K Sangi, IELL, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


One Day Seminar on 'Career Counselling and Competitive Exams'
Duration:
Thursday, 8th September, 2022
Resource Person:
Mr. Ayaz H. Mashoori, Paragon Academy
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


English Language Speaking & Writing, Skills Oriented Courses
Duration:
September to December 2022
Resource Person:
Mr. Parwez Bughio, Mr. Parvaiz Solangi, Ms. Muatar Shams
Facilitator:
DELL, GCUH


B.S English (Language & Literature) (Hons) Curriculum

Semester - I (Credit Hours: 17)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
ELL-601 Functional English General Edu - 1 3(3-0)
IDP-601 Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan General Edu - 2 2(2-0)
DNS-603 Dynamics of Natural Sciences General Edu - 3 3(2-1)
ELL-611 Introduction to English Literature Foundation (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-612 Introduction to Linguistics Foundation (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-613 History of English Literature Foundation (Lit) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 17

Semester - II (Credit Hours: 16)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
ELL-602 Expository Writing General Edu – 4 3(3-0)
PSS-601 Perspectives in Social Sciences General Edu – 5 2(2-0)
ISL-609 Islamic Studies / Ethics General Edu – 6 2(2-0)
ELL-622 Introduction to Applied Linguistics Foundation (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-623 Literary Forms and Movements Foundation (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-624 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology Foundation (Ling) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 16

Semester - III (Credit Hours: 17)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
CCE-601 Civics and Community Engagement General Edu – 7 2(2-0)
ICT-601 Applications of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) General Edu – 8 3(2-1)
QUR-601 Quantitative Reasoning – I / Mathematics General Edu – 9 3(3-0)
ECO-601 Economics Interdisciplinary - 1 3(3-0)
ELL-631 Drama Foundation (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-632 Introduction to Morphology Foundation (Ling) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 17

Semester - IV (Credit Hours: 16)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
CAC-601 Creative Arts & Communication General Edu – 10 2(1-1)
ENT-601 Entrepreneurship General Edu – 11 2(1-1)
QUR-602 Quantitative Reasoning – II / Statistics General Edu – 12 3(3-0)
SIN/URD-601 Sindhi/Urdu Interdisciplinary - 2 3(3-0)
ELL-641 Classical Poetry Foundation (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-642 Grammar & Syntax Foundation (Ling) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 16

Semester - V (Credit Hours: 18)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
HRC-601 Human Rights and Citizenship Interdisciplinary - 3 3(3-0)
ELL-651 Literary Criticism Core (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-652 Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics Core (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-653 Romantic and Victorian Poetry Core (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-654 Psycholinguistics Core (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-655 English Prose Core (Lit) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 18

Semester - VI (Credit Hours: 18)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
IRe-601 International Relations Interdisciplinary - 4 3(3-0)
ELL-660 Research Methodology (Linguistics & Literature) Core (Ling & Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-662 Sociolinguistics Core (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-663 English Fiction Core (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-664 English Language Teaching Methods Core (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-665 Literary Theory Core (Lit) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 18

Semester - VII (Credit Hours: 15)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
ELL-671 Internship / Field Experience (Linguistics / Literature) Core (Ling / Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-672 Capstone Project (Linguistics / Literature) Core (Ling / Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-673 American Literature Core (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-676 Syllabus Design & Material Development in ELT Elective (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-677 Pakistani Literature in English Elective (Lit) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 15

Semester - VIII (Credit Hours: 15)

Course ID Course Title Course Type Credit Hours
ELL-680 Research Project / Thesis (Linguistics / Literature) Core (Ling / Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-681 Comprehensive Viva Voce (Linguistics & Literature) Core (Ling & Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-682 Language Testing, Assessment and Evaluation Core (Ling) 3(3-0)
ELL-887 World Literature in English Elective (Lit) 3(3-0)
ELL-688 English for Specific Purposes Elective (Ling) 3(3-0)
Total Credit Hours 15