Change and its Implications: from Literature to Basic Communication

Abstract

In this paper I shall point out the gradual but far-reaching changes taking place in the teaching of English, specifically at Vista University. The major change is from the teaching of literature to basic language communication skills, a change predominantly determined by transformations in the education system (since political transformation) and the challenges posed by international higher education trends and globalisation. As a result of such forces which also work against each other in a way, particularly in a country trying to establish its own identity, the type of English that is in demand has had to be drastically changed to meet basic survival and employment needs as well as counteract falling student enrolments. English Studies is forced to change accordingly but, at the same time, loses much of a broad, rich discipline. Besides discussing the changes and results thereof my task is also to attempt to spell out in the context of the university and a country seeking to redefine itself after more than three hundred years of imagined and imposed identity what they finally indicate for education in general.