Department of English Language Teaching

Department of English Language Teaching

The Department of English Language Teaching  (DELT) of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) was established with the main objective of ensuring that its English language programmes function effectively and productively. From its inception, the DELT came under the purview of the Vice-Chancellor of the university and its services are offered to all three faculties of undergraduate study. Although English as a Second Language (ESL) programmes were made available to the students from its inception as an autonomous University, the English Language Teaching Unit, was formally proposed and established at the UVPA in 2011 under the initiation of the former Vice Chancellor, Snr. Prof. Jayasena Kottagoda. From this point onward, the DELT has been providing its services to all the UVPA undergraduates by engaging in the pedagogic practice of teaching English as a second language (ESL). The primary mandate of this Unit is to develop the English language proficiency of the UVPA undergraduates.

About Us

The Department of English Language Teaching (DELT) at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) was established with the primary objective of strengthening students’ English language proficiency and ensuring that English language programs are delivered effectively across the university.

Although English as a Second Language (ESL) courses were offered from the inception of UVPA as an autonomous university, a formal English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) was proposed and established in 2011. In May 2021, the ELTU was officially upgraded to departmental status as per the Gazette Notification issued on 01.05.2021 (The Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978, Section 27). Since then, the DELT has been affiliated with the Faculty of Dance and Drama while continuing to provide services to all three faculties: Dance and Drama, Music, and Visual Arts.

The department’s primary mandate is to develop the English language proficiency of undergraduates, enabling them to meet academic, professional, and creative demands in their respective fields of study.

Programs

The DELT offers courses across all four levels of undergraduate study in the Faculties of Dance and Drama, Music, and Visual Arts. The syllabus has been revised so that Levels 1 and 2 focus on developing undergraduates’ general and academic English proficiency, while the third and fourth years emphasize enhancing their English skills in relation to their respective fields, as well as strengthening academic and professional English.

The most recent DELT syllabus has been designed faculty-wise, addressing the specific requirements of each discipline. At the advanced levels, the curriculum integrates English for Specific Purposes (ESP) through specialized modules such as:

• English for Music
• English for Visual Arts
• English for Dance and Drama

Assessment is based on a combination of continuous assessments conducted throughout the course and final end-of-year written examinations, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to language learning.

Facilities & Support

The DELT provides a range of facilities and services to enhance student learning, including:

• Workshops, seminars, and competitions to showcase students’ English skills.
• Extra classes and remedial support for students requiring additional help.
• Access to English language learning materials, books, and supplementary resources.

Research

Academic staff of the DELT actively engage in research on English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning, with a particular focus on arts-related contexts in Sri Lankan universities. Research findings are regularly presented at academic forums and published in conferences, journals, and proceedings, contributing to the advancement of English language pedagogy in higher education.