IC/Passport Number - School of Humanities, USM

STUDENT’S PERSONAL DATA 

Name in Full (As in 

IC/Passport) 

: 

IC/Passport Number : 

Semester Address : 

Permanent Address : 

Telephone No. 

(Residence) 

: 

Handphone No. (if 

applicable) 

: 

School of Study : 

Course Programme : 

i

CONTENTS 

No. Details Page 

Contents 

ii 

Academic Calendar 1 

General Academic Information 3 

Main Administrative Staff 41 

List of Academic Staff/Administrative/Support/Technical 42 

- Room no., e-mail, telephone no., name, qualification & expertise 43 

List of External Examiners/ASTS 

 

1 Introduction – Philosophy of programme/background/objective 48 

2 Academic System 49 

i. Interpretation of Unit/Credit 49 

ii Information on Course Registration 50 

iii Course Code 56 

iv Examination System 57 

v Academic Status/Level 60 

vi Graduation Requirements 61 

3 Programme Structure 63 

3.1 University English Language Courses 63 

3.2 HTU 223/2 – Islamic and Asian Civilisations (TITAS) 63 

Ethnic Relations 64 

SEA 205E/4 – Malaysian Studies 64 

3.3 WUS 101 – Core Entrepreneurship 66 

3.4 Cocurriculum 71 

3.5 University Courses 71 

3.6 Audit Courses 71 

3.7 Skills Courses 72 

3.8 Ells Major Programme 72 

3.9 Cocurriculum Courses* 73 

4 Minor Programme 73 

- Within School/Online School (General Studies) 73 

5 List/Synopses of Courses 77 

6 School Facilities/Equipment/Laboratory/Counselling etc. 90 

7 General Information on Programme/School 90 

i Awards and Dean’s List 90 

ii The Humanities Society 90 

iii Studies Abroad Scheme 91 

iv Academic Advisors 91 

8 Others 

i Graduation Planning Schedule 92 

ii Student Feedback Form 93 

ii

II. ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2008/2009 

FOR ALL PROGRAMMES [EXCEPT MEDICAL SCIENCES/DENTAL 

SCIENCES] 

New Students Registration – Sunday, 29 June 2008 

WEEK DATE ACTIVITY 

1 Monday, 07/07/08 - Saturday, 12/07/08 

2 Monday, 14/07/08 - Saturday, 19/07/08 Teaching 

3 Monday, 21/07/08 - Saturday, 26/07/08 Learning 

4 Monday, 28/07/08 - Saturday, 02/08/08 Period 



7 Sunday, 17/08/08 - Sunday, 24/08/08 Mid Semester Break 


9 Tuesday, 02/09/08 - Saturday, 06/09/08 Teaching 




13 Sunday, 28/09/08 - Sunday, 05/10/08 Special Leave 




17 Sunday, 26/10/08 - Sunday, 02/11/08 Revision Week 


19 Monday, 10/11/08 - Saturday, 15/11/08 Examination 


21 – 24 Sunday, 23/11/08 - Sunday, 21/12/08 Semester Break 


26 Tuesday, 30/12/08 - Saturday, 03/01/09 Teaching 




30 Sunday, 25/01/09 - Sunday, 01/02/09 Mid Semester Break 



33 Monday, 16/02/09 - Sunday, 21/02/09 







40 Sunday, 05/04/09 - Sunday, 12/04/09 Revision Week 

41 Sunday, 13/04/09 - Saturday, 18/04/09 

42 Monday, 20/04/09 - Saturday, 25/04/09 Examination 


44 – 52 Sunday, 03/05/09 - Sunday, 05/07/09 LONG HOLIDAY 

1

COURSES DURING THE LONG HOLIDAY [KSCP] 

44 – 46 Sunday, 03/05/09 - Sunday, 24/05/09 Holiday 

47 – 48 Monday, 25/05/09 - Friday, 05/06/09 Teaching-Learning 

Period 

49 Monday, 08/06/09 - Friday, 12/06/09 Examination 

50 – 52 Sunday, 14/06/09 - Sunday, 05/07/09 Holiday 

Note: Cocurricular activities are conducted on Saturday. 

Academic Calendar for Health Campus starts/ends one day earlier. 

2

III. 

General Academic Information 

Definition of Unit Transfer 

Unit Transfer refers to the recognition of units obtained by a USM student who pursues a 

course at another Public Institution of Higher Education (IPTA) during their period of 

study at USM. These units are then combined with the units obtained at USM in 

fulfillment of the graduation requirements of their programme of study. Course 

examination results or grades obtained at other IPTAs that are transferred will be 

included in the calculation of the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). 

Categories of Students Eligible for Unit Transfer 

Full-time students of USM first degree programmes who wish to pursue certain courses 

at the first degree level at other IPTAs. 

Full-time students pursuing a USM diploma programme who wish to pursue certain 

courses at the diploma level at other IPTAs. 

Requirements 

1.1 Core and Foundation Courses 

1.1.1 Unit transfer will only be considered for units obtained from courses 

offered by other IPTAs that are equivalent in nature (at least 50% of 

the course content is similar) to the courses offered by the relevant 

programme. 

1.1.2 Courses that can be transferred are only those that offer the same 

number of units or more. For courses that are equivalent in nature but 

carry fewer units, unit transfer can be allowed by combining several 

courses and the total number of units transferred is equivalent in 

number to the number of course units offered at USM. The average of 

the grades for the courses combined in this way will be taken into 

account when calculating the CGPA. 

1.2 Elective and Optional Courses 

1.2.1 Students can pursue any relevant course at another IPTA subject to 

approval from the respective Schools as well as the capacity of the 

respective IPTAs offering the course. 

1.2.2 The units that are transferred must be units obtained from courses at 

other IPTAs. 

3

1.3 Minor Courses 

1.3.1 For the transfer of units for minor courses, the respective Schools must 

comply with the prerequisites of either condition 6.1 or 6.2 by taking 

into account the requirements of the relevant programme. 

1.4 The maximum number of units transferred must not exceed one third of the 

overall total number of units of the programme. 

1.5 Transfer of units from other IPTAs can only be approved once for each IPTA. 

1.6 Examination results obtained by a student pursuing a course at another IPTA 

may be considered for graduation. Grades obtained for each course will be 

combined with grades obtained at USM in the calculation of the CGPA. 

1.7 Students who have applied and received approval for unit transfer are not 

allowed to reject the approval after the examination results are obtained. 

1.8 Students should register within the minimum and maximum numbers of units in 

a semester as required by their USM programme of study at other IPTAs. 

However, in certain cases (for example, the student is repeating his academic 

year and needs only several units to graduate), the Dean can recommend that the 

student register for units below the minimum number required. In such a case, 

that particular semester will not be considered in the residency requirement and 

the method of calculation of the CGPA will follow that of the calculation of the 

CGPA in the Third Semester. 

1.9 USM students who fail a course taken from another IPTAs are permitted to re-sit 

their examinations if there are provisions for doing so at the respective IPTAs. 

1.10 If the method of computing examination marks at other IPTAs is not similar to 

the method used by USM, the grade exchange method, based on the existing 

scale, will be used. 

1.11 USM students who register for courses at other IPTAs and then decide to return 

to USM to pursue their courses must follow the existing course registration 

requirements at USM. 

4

Application Procedures for Unit Transfer 

USM students who wish to apply for transfer or units from other IPTAs must do so by 

filling the ‘Unit Transfer Form’. 

The application form must be submitted for the Dean’s approval within three months 

before being forwarded to other IPTAs for consideration. 

Students from other IPTAs who pursue courses at USM 

Students from other IPTAs who pursue courses at USM must comply with all rules and 

regulations of USM. 

5

Guidelines for Unit Exemption 

1.0 Definition of Unit Exemption 

Unit exemption is awarded for courses taken by students before they enroll in 

their first degree programme at USM. Students need to accumulate only a 

specific number of the outstanding units for graduation purposes. Only passes or 

grades obtained at USM will be considered in calculating the Cumulative Grade 

Point Average (CGPA). 

2.0 Rules and Implementation of Unit Exemption 

2.1 Graduates of Diploma Programmes from recognized public and private 

institutions of higher education. 

2.1.1. Unit exemption is awarded for courses obtained at the 

diploma level only. 

2.1.2 Unit exemption applications for two or more courses can be 

combined in order to obtain unit exemption for one course at 

the degree level. However if the School wishes to accredit 

only one course at the diploma level for unit exemption for 

one course at the degree level, the said course at the diploma 

level must be equivalent to that at the degree level and carry 

the same number of units or more. 

2.1.3 In-service courses pursued by diploma graduates cannot be 

considered for unit exemption. 

2.1.4 To be considered for unit exemption, the minimum 

achievement in examinations for courses at the diploma level 

must be at least a Grade C or 2.0 or equivalent. 

2.1.5 The number of semesters that can be exempted should not 

exceed two. 

2.1.6 To obtain unit exemption for Industrial Training, a student 

must have at least two years’ continuous work experience in 

the relevant field. If the student has completed Industrial 

Training while pursuing the programme of study at the 

diploma level, he/she must have at least one year’s work 

experience. 

In addition, the student should also submit a report on their 

work performance and the type of work performed. 

6

Unit exemption obtained for Industrial Training will not be 

taken into account when considering applications for semester 

exemptions because Industrial Training at USM is carried out 

during the long semester break. 

2.1.7 Unit exemption for University and Optional courses is 

awarded only for courses such as Bahasa Malaysia (LKM 

400), English Language, Islamic and Asian Civilisations and 

for Co-curricular courses. 

2.2 Graduates of Diploma Programmes at Private Institutions of Higher 

Education under the Supervisory/External Programme 

2.2.1 Graduates of Diploma Programmes from private institutions 

under the Private Institutions Supervisory Programme and 

those from external institutions can be considered for unit 

exemptions based on the requirements of the respective 

courses. Generally, exemptions in such cases are provided enbloc 

based on agreements between USM (through the 

respective Schools offering the programme) and the respective 

institutions. 

2.3 Students from recognised local or foreign IPTAs/IPTSs who are 

pursuing courses at the first degree level and who have successfully 

applied to pursue their studies at this university can be considered for 

unit exemption subject to the following conditions: 

2.3.1 Courses pursued at the previous institution of higher 

education are equivalent in nature (at least 50% of the course 

content is similar) to courses offered at USM. 

2.3.2 Students who are pursuing courses at the advanced diploma 

level in other institutions of higher education recognized as 

equivalent to the first degree courses at USM, can also be 

considered for unit exemption as in 2.3.1. 

2.3.3 The maximum total number of unit exemptions allowed must 

not exceed one third of the total number of units required for 

graduation. 

2.4 Total Number of Semester Exemptions 

Semester exemptions depend on the equivalent total number of units 

exempted per semester for a particular programme. 

7

Duration of 

Programme 

Units 

Required for 

Graduation 

3 Years 100 - 126 

4 Years 130 - 150 

Total Number of 

Units Exempted 


Semesters 

Exempted 

< 15 None 

15 - 29 1 

> 29 2 

< 16 None 

16 – 32 1 

> 32 2 

3.0 Application Procedures for Unit Exemptions 

3.1 Students need to fill the Unit Exemption Form that can be obtained 

from the Admissions and Enrolment Unit or from the respective 

Schools. 

3.2 Completed forms must be submitted for confirmation by the school 

offering the respective courses and must subsequently be forwarded to 

the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) for 

approval via the Admissions and Enrolment Unit. 

3.3 Applications for exemption from courses such as Bahasa Malaysia 

(LKM 400), English Language, Islamic and Asian Civilisations, Ethnic 

Relations and Cocurricular courses must be submitted to the relevant 

course coordinators for consideration and approval beforehand. 

3.4 Application forms must be sent to the Admissions and Enrolment Unit 

by the end of the first week of course registration. 

8

Dean’s List 

Guidelines 

(i) 

(ii) 

Students who achieve academic excellence at the end of a semester will be 

placed in the Dean’s List. 

Students must register for the minimum number of units required for each 

semester. Courses registered as Pass/Fail courses in a semester will not be 

included. 

Student Exchange Programme 

The student exchange programme is an opportunity for USM students to study one or 

two semesters abroad at any USM’s associate institutions. Ideally, students are 

encouraged to participate in the exchange programme within their third to fifth semester 

(3 years degree programme) and within third to seventh semester (4 years degree 

programme). 

Studies abroad are planned beforehand with the Dean or Deputy Dean of the respective 

School, and with the International Office. Credits earned at an associate university are 

transferable as a part of credit accumulation for graduation. 

For more information, please visit http://www.usm.my/bheaa/ 

Student Exchange Programme between Higher Education Institutions (RPPIPT) 

The aim of this programme is to give opportunity to USM students to pursue their studies 

for a semester or for one academic session in other IPTA in Malaysia. Through this 

programme, the students can transfer their credits for the courses taken at other IPTA. 

9

MENTOR-MENTEE PROGRAMME 

1. Introduction 

The mentor programme is a support programme which involves the participation 

of trained and experienced personnel appointed specifically to be consultants, 

guides and counsellors to USM staff, their family members as well as to USM 

undergraduates who need assistance in all psycho social aspects that affect their 

social lives. It is envisaged that the assistance rendered will help those receiving 

such support to more effectively manage and resolve the psychosocial issues 

beleaguering them and ultimately enhance their social well-being so as to enable 

them to enjoy a better quality of life. 

2. The Objectives of the USM Mentor-Mentee Programme 

2.1 Produce a more healthy workforce. A healthy workforce would not only 

be able to produce the desired work quality but would also further 

strengthen the social well being of the USM campus citizenry. 

2.2 Enhance the caring community concept by fostering community spirit 

and mutual assistance. Through this programme, the trained mentor can 

be a social agent who will further promote the caring community concept 

within USM. 

2.3 Produce more volunteers to assist those in need of assistance. The 

mentor-mentee programme upholds the support or self-help concepts and 

is premised on the spirit of volunteerism. The mentors trained and 

involved in this support programme will not receive any financial 

rewards whatsoever. 

2.4 Prevent all types of psychosocial harm. It is hoped that the establishment 

of this programme will stem the further deterioration of all types of social 

and psychological problems to critical levels. It is envisaged that the 

trained mentor will function to detect psychosocial problems afflicting 

those who may need attention. They also function as providers of a range 

of comprehensive social services extant within and beyond USM. 

3. Definition of Mentor-Mentee 

The term ‘mentor' derives its origins from a Greek word which means friend, 

counsellor or trusted teacher. Generally, mentors are individuals who have 

experience in rendering assistance to those in need. The term 'mentee' refers to 

those individuals receiving such assistance. In the process of rendering the 

requisite assistance, an experienced and knowledgeable mentor will serve as a 

guide, friend and teacher to the mentee who needs such support in order to 

improve in aspects such as career development, education, spirituality, mental 

health, and other facets of self-development. 

10

There are a variety of mentor-mentee programmes. Mentor-mentee programmes 

are conducted either in formal or informal contexts. Irrespective of context, the 

objectives of such programmes are similar. 

Formal mentor-mentee programmes have an organised structure and are normally 

conducted in well-structured and established organisations. 

Formal mentor-mentee programmes have a specific objective as well as attainment 

and evaluation procedures designed to measure the effectiveness of such 

programmes. Each staff of the programme is required to attain a specific objective 

within a stipulated period. 

The main aim of such programmes is to enable a mentee (usually a new and 

inexperienced employee) to obtain correct and effective guidance regarding the 

mission and objectives of the organisation in order to enhance work quality within 

the organisation and to bolster its image. Mentees receiving guidance in such 

programmes are normally able to uphold organisational objectives in order to 

safeguard quality. 

In contrast, informal mentor-mentee programmes do not require rigid 

organisational structures to operate in as they are merely designed to facilitate 

colleagues to receive the requisite advice and guidance and do not have 

predetermined targets. 

4. The Need for a Mentor-Mentee System in USM 

Efforts to introduce a mentor-mentee program for USM staff and students were 

initiated by Y. Bhg. Profesor Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, the USM Vice 

Chancellor. These efforts were motivated by the realisation that there was a high 

prevalence of psychosocial problems afflicting the campus citizenry particularly 

its staff and undergraduates. Besides this, the affected staff and students had, 

hitherto, no specific channels through which they could seek assistance to alleviate 

or resolve their problems. Despite the existence of a counselling service in USM, 

many were reluctant to use the aforementioned service as they feared being 

labelled as "problematic" individuals. It is hoped that this informal mentor-mentee 

system will attract more staff to seek guidance from familiar individuals or those 

who are easily accessible. 

5. Selection and Role of Mentors 

The mentor-mentee programme has its own committee. The selection of mentors is 

open to any USM staff who is genuinely interested in rendering assistance. The 

programme encourages each department or school to nominate a staff to serve as a 

mentor. These representatives can serve as mentors to their workplace colleagues. 

11

However, mentees are not obliged to consult the mentors serving at their 

respective workplace. Instead, they are free to consult any registered mentor who 

is available to render them the requisite assistance. 

Trained mentors must be prepared to shoulder their responsibilities as guidance 

counsellors, assistants, consultants or counsellors to those in need of assistance. 

A mentor must be prepared to utilise his/her knowledge, expertise and uphold the 

relevant values and ethics whilst rendering such assistance. 

6. Training 

All mentors are required to undergo 3 levels of training as determined by the 

Mentors’ Committee. The mentors will be trained by experts from the fields of 

counselling and social work. The topics to be introduced at the first training 

session are as follows: 

a) Mentor system and its role 

b) Role and Importance of support services 

c) Self Awareness 

d) Psychosocial Needs of Children and Adolescents 

e) Psychosocial Needs of Adults and Senior Citizens 

f) Behavioural Personality 

g) Fundamentals of Rendering Assistance/Support 

h) Problem Resolution Processes 

i) Values and the Ethics of assisting 

At the end of the first training session, it is hoped that all mentors who have 

attended this workshop can provide mentor-mentee services to those in need of 

such services. 

12

7. Mentor Training Procedure 

Academic & Non-academic Staff 

Advertisement for Mentors 

Mentor Training 

(Level 1: 5 days) 



Selection of Mentors 

- Application 

- Evaluation 

Criteria for Mentoring 

- Suitable Personality. 

- Possess training credentials 

(Minimum: Level 1) 

- One mentor from each School 

- Commitment to serve for TWO years 

8. Procedures For USM Staff And Families To Obtain Mentor Services 

CONTACT SYSTEM 

Phone E-mail Referrals by 

employer, 

family, doctor 

and friend(s) 

Invitation 

Mentor services 

- Admission Interview 

- Consultation 

- Referral (if necessary) 

13

9. A Mentor's Duties 

A mentor's duties encompasses the following : 

- Conduct the Admission Interview using the Admission Form 

- Consultation 

- Referral (if necessary to Counselor/Psychologist/Psychiatrist/Medical 

Doctor) 

- Complete the Mentor Log Schedule 

- Complete the Case Notes 

Document filing 

- Prepare a summary of the mentoring program on a quarterly basis for 

submission to the Secretariat 

Mentors will meet for discussions once every TWO months for the following 

purposes : 

- Case Management 

- Professional Discussions 

14

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR THE USM MENTOR PROGRAM 

NO. NAME POSITION SPECIALITY TELEPHONE EMAIL 

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES 

1 Mrs. Jamilah Ekhsan Lecturer Linguistics, Morphology, 

Psycholinguistics, Semantics 

Discourse Analysis 

2 Prof. Madya Dr. Usman Hj. Yaakub Lecturer Demography, Population, 

Geography, Human Resources 

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES 

3 Dr. Andrew Rajah Lecturer Moufang Loops, Group 

Theory 

SCHOOL OF DISTANCE LEARNING 

4 Mrs. Surjani Soetardjo Lecturer Organic Chemistry – Natural 

3342 jamylah@usm.my 

3340 Usman@usm.my 

016-4789201 andy@cs.usm.my 

2270 suryanis@usm.my 

Product (Essential Oil) 

SCHOOL OF INDUSRIAL TECHNOLOGY 

5 Dr. Arniza Ghazali Lecturer 019-4155115 arniza@usm.my 

SCHOOL OF HOUSING, BUILDING AND PLANNING 

6 Assoc.Prof. Dr. Aldrin Abdullah Acting 

Dean 

Landscape Architecture 3714 aldrin@usm.my 

7 Dr. Fuziah Ibrahim Lecturer Product Development Process 2834 fuziah@usm.my 

SCHOO OF PHYICS 

8 Dr. Lim Hwee San Lecturer Physics/Remote Sensing 013-6253702 hslim@usm.my 

SCOOL OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING 

9 Mr. Mohd. Saiful Hasli b. Azizan Technician 5921 Saiful_hasli@eng.usm.my 

15

SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 

10 Dr. Mandeep Singh Lecturer 6024 eemandeep@eng. 

usm.my 

11 Mrs. Roslina Hussin Teacher 6025 rosiona@eng.usm.my 

12 Mrs. Siti Rohana Abd Talib Administrati 

6007 eesiti@eng.usm.my 

ve Assistant 

SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 

13 Dr. Badorul Hisham Abu Bakar Lecturer Masonry Structure, Timber 

Engineering 

6298 

013-4859981 

cebad@eng.usm.my 

14 Mrs. Fauziah Hashim Pembantu 

Tadbir N22 

CENTRE FOR LANGUAGES AND TRANSLATION (ENGINEERING CAMPUS) 

15 Mrs. Azlina Ahmad Language 

Teacher 

SCHOOL OF PHARMECEUTICAL SCIENCES 

16 Dr. Yusrida Darwis Associate 

Professor 

6306 

019-5035540 

jee@eng.usm.my 

5421 azlina@eng.usm.my 

Liposomes as Drug Carriers: 

2264 yusrida@usm.my 

Drug Delivery to the Lungs 

17 Assoc.Prof. Dr. Azmi Sariff Lecturer Pharmaceutical Care Practice 2487 azmi@usm.my 

16

18 Mr. Saad Othman Associate 

Professor 

Oncology Pharmacy Practice, 

Design and Setting Up of 

Cytotoxic Cleanroom, 

Development of Procedures and 

Working System for Oncology 

Pharmacy Service, 

Ethnopharmacology, Ethno- 

Oncopharmacology and 

Medical Plant Arboretum 

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT 

19 Dr. Lilis Suriety Abd. Talib Lecturer Expatriate Management, 

Human Resource Management, 

International Human Resource 

Management 

20 Dr. Nabsiah Abdul Wahid Program 

Chairperson 

Services Marketing, 

Environmental Marketing, 

Consumer Behaviour, Quality 

21 Dr. Sofri Yahya Lecturer Accounting, Financial 

Reporting, Islamic Accounting, 

Corporate Governance, 

Environmental Reporting 

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION 

22 Dr. Subadrah Madhawa Nair Senior 

Lecturer 

SECURITY DEPARTMENT 

23 Mr. Mohamed Fadzil Bin Baharudin Security 

Officer 

Malay Language Instructional 

Methodology, Malay Literature 

012-4281831 saad@usm.my 

2753 lilis@usm.my 

3880 nabsiah@usm.my 

2528 sofri@usm.my 

016-4982039 Subadrah@usm.my 

4321 

17

USM PRESS 

24 Mr. Mohd Zaidi Abdullah Publications 

Officer 

CENTRE FO DRUG RESEARCH 

25 Mr. Zamri Mohd. Zaki Lab Assistant 2143 

26 Ms. Aznorhaida bt. Ramli Lab Assistant 2143 

CAHAYA GEMILANG RESIDENTIAL HALL 

27 Mrs. Wan Shahrizan bt. Shamsudin Admin. 

Assistant 

SAUJANA RESIDENTIAL HALL 

28 Prof. Madya Mohamed Nasir bin 

Mohamad Ibrahim 

MURNI NURANI RESIDENTIAL HALL 

29 Mrs. Norashiken Bt. Ahmad Assistant 

Hostel 

Manager 

UNIT FOR INNOVATION & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 

4443 mohdzaidi@notes.usm. 

my 

3339 

Warden 019-4567913 mnm@usm.my 

09-7663293 Shiken_ahmad@yahoo 

.com 

30 Mr. Mohd Kamil bin Ashar Assistant 

04-5995053 kamil@eng.usm.my 

Administrative 

Officer 

RESEARCH & EDUCATION FOR PEACE UNIT 

31 Mr. Abd. Haris Harun Designer B41 3731 harisharun@notes. 

usm.my 

18

ISLAMIC CENTRE 

32 Mrs. Hjh. Rohayati Daud Senior 

Assistant 

Director 

33 Mrs. Normiza Daud Islamic Affairs 

Senior 

Administrative 

Assistant 

3757 rohatai@notes.usm.my 

3753 normiza@notes.usm.my 

19

NO. 

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR THE USM MENTOR PROGRAM – 2 ND BATCH 

NAME 

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES 

1 Mr. Dzorkarnain Ibrahim Administrative Assistant 

N17 

POSITION SPECIALITY 

TELEPHONE 

EMAIL 

3376 Dzorkanain@ 

notes.usm.my 

SCHOOL OF HOUSING, BUILDING AND PLANNING 

2 Dr. Kausar Hj. Ali Lecturer Economic Development 2831 kausar@usm. 

my 

3 Dr. Nor’Aini Yusof Lecturer Valuation, Property 

Development, Housing, 

Private Developers 

2500 ynoraini@usm 

.my 

SCHOOL OF MINERAL RESOURCES & MATERIALS ENGINEERING 

4 Mrs. Nooraida Naser Assistant Registrar 6105 nooraida@eng 

.usm.my 

SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 

5 Mr. Khairul Anuar Ab. Razak Technical Assistant 6035 eekhairul@en 

g.usm.my 

6 Mr. Ahmad Shauki Noor Senior Technician 6026 shauki@eng.u 

sm.my 

7 Mr. Mohd. Nadzri bin Mamat Teacher Electrical Power 6026 nadzri@eng.u 

sm.my 

CENTRE FOR LANGUAGES AND TRANSLATION (ENGINEERING CAMPUS) 

8 Ms. Azlina Ahmad Language Teacher International Marketing 5421 azlina@eng.us 

m.my 

20

SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING 

9 Mrs. Mastura Azmi Lecturer 6299 

019-3183836 

10 Mrs. Shafida Azwina Mohd. Shafie Teacher 6218 

SCHOOL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 

11 Mr. Ab. Fatah Ab. Rahman Lecturer Pharmacotherapy of 

Epilepsy and 

Psychiatric Disorders, 

Therapeutic Drug 

Monitoring Services, 

Drug and Poison 

Information Services 

013-4504040 

cemastura@en 

g.usm.my 

ceazwina@en 

g.usm.my 

4088 fatah@usm.m 

y 

CENTRE FOR DRUG RESEARCH 

12 Ms. Narhari a/l Thakorlal Lab Assistant 2141 

CAHAYA GEMILANG RESIDENTIAL HALL 

13 Mr. Hassan Abdullah Assistant Warden 3515/3339 ahassan@usm. 

my 

REGISTRY DEPARTMENT (MAIN CAMPUS) 

14 Mrs. Rohilatifah Harun Senior Assistant 

Registrar 

REGISTRY DEPARTMENT(ENGINEERING CAMPUS) 

15 Mrs. Fatimah Banu Jahan Khir Assistant Registrar 

(Human Resource 

Management & 

Administrative Division) 

04-653398 rohilatifah@n 

otes.usm.my 

04-5995070 rgfatima@eng 

.usm.my 

21

ISLAMIC CENTRE 

16 Tn. Hj. Mohd. Zamrus Mohd. Ali Assistant Director 3779 mzamrus@not 

es.usm. 

my 

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES 

17 Mr. Husin Yahaya Deputy Registrar 3362 husin@notes.u 

sm.my 

SCHOOL OF PHYSICS 

18 Dr. Mohd. Zubir bin Mat Jafri Associate Professor Image Processing, 

Optical and Remote 

Sensing, 

Microprocessor 

Technology and 

Application, Optical 

Communication 

3651 mjafri@usm. 

my 

22

USM MENTOR PROGRAM 

LIST OF SPEAKERS/TRAINERS 

No. NAME SCHOOL POSITION AREA OF SPECIALITY E-MAIL EXT 

1. Mr. Abdul Rashid Mohamad School of Education Lecturer Guidance & Counselling 

rash@usm.my 2967 

Human Resource Development 

2. Dr. Azlinda Azman School of Social 

Sciences 

Lecturer Social Work azlindaa@usm.my 4620 

3. Mr. Azmi Hassan Career & Counselling 

Unit 

4. Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd. Hashim School of Social 

Sciences 

Senior Assistant 

Registrar 

Lecturer 

Guidance & Counselling azmi@notes.usm.my 2267 

Social Psychology, Health 

Psychology, Stress, Social 

Supports, Interpersonal 

Relationships, Health 

Implications of Stress and Social 

Supports Coping, Life Crisis 

hashimah@usm.my 4612 

5. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Baba School of Social 

Sciences 

Dean Social Work bismail@usm.my 3369 

6. Dr. Melissa Ng. Abdullah School of Education Lecturer Educational Psychology melissa@usm.my 3428 

7. Dr. Mohd. Affandy Yusof School of Social 

Sciences 

Lecturer 

Holistic Psychology 

Counselling 

Social Work 

Women Studies 

affandy@usm.my 3356 

23


8. Dr. Mohd. Hashim Othman School of Education Lecturer Child & Adolescent Counselling 

shim@usm.my 2987 

Career & Vocational 

Counselling 

Marriage and Family 

Counselling 

Crisis Counselling 

Mentoring in Organisations 

Learning Behaviours in 

Institutions of Higher Learning 

9. Dr. Nik Rosila Nik Yaacob School of Education Lecturer Psychology and Islamic 

Counselling 

nikrusila@yahoo.com 2571 

Islamic Education 

Moral and Values Education 

10. Dr. Nor Shafrin Ahmad School of Education Lecturer Trauma Management 

(Sexual Abuse) 

Crisis Intervention 

Guidance & Counselling 

Psychology of Counselling 

11. Dr. Noriah Mohamad School of Social 

Sciences 

Lecturer 

Community Development, 

Social Work Education, 

Gerontology 

sham@usm.my 2569 

mnoriah@usm.my 2651 

12. Dr. Rahimi Che Aman School of Education Lecturer Counselling Brief rahimi@usm.my 2552 

24


13. Prof. Susie See Ching Mey School of Education Lecturer Educational Psychology 

cmsee@usm.my 2575 

Psychology of Counselling 

Counsellor Education 

Mental Health 

Special Education 

14. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainal Ariffin School of 

Lecturer Human Resource Management zaba@usm.my 3355 

Ahmad 

Management 

15. Dr. Zulkarnain Ahmad Hatta School of Social 

Sciences 

Lecturer 

Social Work, Displaced 

Populations, Social Work and 

Spirituality 

haqqani@usm.my 2803 

25

University Courses 

University courses are offered to students as part of the requirement for graduation. 

Students are required to take 15 units of the following University Courses:- 

1. Compulsory (10 units) 

a) Malay Language 

b) English Language 

c) Islamic and Asian Civilisations (TITAS)* 

d) Ethnic Relations (SHE)* 

e) Malaysian Studies ** 

f) Core Entrepreneurship*** 

2. Optional (5 to 6 units) 

1. Rotu 6 units 

2. SUKSIS 6 units 

3. Red Crescent First Aid 4 units 

4. St. John Ambulance 4 units 

5. Malaysia Rover 4 units 

6. Culture 1-6 units 

7. Sports 1 unit 

8. Foreign Language 6 units 

9. Thinking Techniques 2 units 

10. Critical Thinking 2 units 

It is compulsory for International students to take a total 10 units of core courses. 

However, they are exempted from taking the Entrepreneurship course and can opt for 

one of the other courses offered to fulfill the 5 units required for graduation. 

Islamic & Asian Civilisations (TITAS) & Ethnic Relations (SHE) Courses 

* Islamic & Asian Civilisations (TITAS) & Ethnic Relations (SHE) courses is 

compulsory for local students. 

Malaysian Studies 

** Malaysian Studies is compulsory for international students. 

Core Entrepreneurship 

*** International students are exempted from taking this course. 

*** Students from other Schools which have a similar course as this are 

exempted from following this course. 

26

Entry Requirements for Senior Citizens 

General Requirements 

1. A satisfactory pass in SPM or its equivalent. 

2. Credit in Bahasa Malaysia in SPM or its equivalent. 

3. Aged 50 years and above on the date of application. 

4. Possess at least 10 years’ working experience in the field related to the programme 

applied for. 

5. Sit for the Malaysian University English Test before graduation. 

6. Pass selection interview (based on programme). 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: 

NO. (i) PROGRAMME OF STUDY 

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS 

(ii) 

PROGRAMME OF STUDY CODE 

(iii) PERIOD OF STUDY 

1. Humanities 

SA01 

6 Semesters 

Fulfill the General Requirements 

of the University and the 

Specific Requirements of the 

Programme 

Pass at least one of the following 

subjects in SPM or its 

equivalent: 

‣ Geography or English 

Language or History or 

Malay Literature or 

Mathematics or Commerce 

27

Language Course Requirements 

A. MALAY LANGUAGE (BAHASA MALAYSIA) 

These courses are designed to develop the proficiency of both students and 

academic staff in Bahasa Malaysia. 

1. Bahasa Malaysia Courses For Students 

LKM 100/2 - Bahasa Malaysia I 

LKM 200/2 - Bahasa Malaysia II 

LKM 300/2 - Bahasa Malaysia III 

LKM 400/2 - Bahasa Malaysia IV 

LKM 101/2 - Preparatory Bahasa Malaysia I 

LKM 102/2 - Preparatory Bahasa Malaysia II 

LKM 201/2 - Intermediate Bahasa Malaysia 

(a) 

Bahasa Malaysia Courses For Non-Malaysian students 

(i) 

Graduate and non-graduating students 

LKM 100/2 - Bahasa Malaysia I 

LKM 200/2 - Bahasa Malaysia II 

These courses are for foreign graduate and nongraduating 

students. All foreign students must take 

and pass LKM 100/2 – Bahasa Malaysia I. 

(ii) Foreign students (non-Indonesian) pursuing 

Bachelor’s degrees in Science, Accounting, Arts 

(ELLS), Education (TESL) and Housing, Building 

and Planning 

All foreign students in this category are required to 

take the following courses:- 

COURSE CODE TYPE 

NUMBER OF 

UNITS 

LKM 100 Z 2 

LKM 200 U 2 

LKM 300 U 2 

LKM 400 Z 2 

28

(iii) Foreign students (non-Indonesian) pursuing 

Bachelor’s degrees in Arts 

Foreign students in this category are required to take 

and pass three Intensive Malay Language courses 

before they commence their Bachelor’s degree 

programmes. 

COURSE 

CODE 

LKM 101 

LKM 102 

LKM 201 

COURSE 

Preparatory Bahasa 

Malaysia I 

Preparatory Bahasa 

Malaysia II 

Intermediate 

Bahasa Malaysia 

DURATION 

4 months 

4 months 

4 months 

The Bahasa Malaysia graduation requirement for 

this category of students is as follows: 


NUMBER OF 

UNITS 

LKM 300 U 2 

LKM 400 Z 2 

(iv) Foreign students (Indonesian) pursuing 

Bachelor’s degrees in Arts 

The Bahasa Malaysia graduation requirement for this 

category of students is as follows: 


NUMBER OF 

UNITS 

LKM 200 U 2 

LKM 300 U 2 

LKM 400 Z 2 

(b) 

Bahasa Malaysia Courses For Malaysian students 

(i) 

LKM 300/2 - Bahasa Malaysia III 

This course is for students who do not possess credit 

grades (Grades 1A – 6C) in the Bahasa Melayu 

subject at the SPM level. 

29

(ii) 

LKM 400/2 - Bahasa Malaysia IV 

All Malaysian students must take and pass LKM 

400/2 with the minimum of a Grade C in order to 

graduate. 

2. Entry Requirements For Bahasa Malaysia Courses 

Table 1 

No. Qualification Grade Course 

1. 

No qualification 

required 

2. a. LKM 100 

No. of 

Units 

Status 

- *LKM 100 2 Compulsory 

A - C 

*LKM 200 - - 

3. a. LKM 200 

A – C 

- 

- 

- 

b. LKM 201 

Pass 

LKM 300 

2 

Compulsory 

c. SPM/MCE/SC 

(or equivalent) 

Pass 

2 

Compulsory 

4. a. LKM 300 

A – C 

- 

- 

- 

b. 

SPM/MCE/SAP 


c. STPM/HSC 


1 - 6 

P/S 

LKM 400 

- 

2 

- 

Compulsory 

Graduation 

requirement 

* LKM 100 and LKM 200 are also offered to the following non-Malaysians: 

(a) Academic staff; 

(b) Graduate students; and 

(c) Non-graduating students. 

Note: To obtain credit units for Bahasa Malaysia courses, a minimum grade of a 

’C’ is required. 

30

3. Entry Requirements: Additional Explanation For Bahasa Malaysia 

Courses 

The requirements are as follows: 

(a) 

(b) 

Students who possess a credit in Bahasa Melayu in 

SPM/SPVM or a subsidiary/principal pass in Bahasa Melayu 

in STPM are exempted from taking Bahasa Malaysia I, II, and 

III (LKM 100, 200 and 300). They are required to take and 

pass LKM 400 – Bahasa Malaysia IV in fulfillment of their 

graduation requirement. 

Students who obtain only a pass in Bahasa Melayu in SPM are 

required to take and pass LKM 300 – Bahasa Malaysia III and 

then LKM 400 – Bahasa Malaysia IV. 

B. ENGLISH LANGUAGE 

All Bachelor’s degree students must take 4 units of English Language courses 

in fulfillment of the university requirement for graduation. 

1. English Language Courses (as compulsory English Language units) 

The English Language courses offered as University Courses are as 

follows:- 

No. 

Course 

Code/ 

Units 

Course Title 

Academic School 

(if applicable) 

1. LMT 100/2 Preparatory English Students from all 

academic schools 

2. LSP 300/2 Academic English Students from all 


3. LSP 401/2 General English Students from the schools 

of: 

- Educational Studies 

(Arts) 

- Fine Arts 

- Humanities 

- Social Sciences 

31

No. 

Course 

Code/ 

Units 

Course Title 



4. LSP 402/2 Scientific and Medical 

English 

5. LSP 403/2 Business and 

Communication 

English 

6. LSP 404/2 Technical and 

Engineering English 

Students from the 

schools of: 

- Biological Sciences 

- Chemical Sciences 

- Educational Studies 

(Science) 

- Health and Dental 

Sciences 

- Industrial Technology 

- Mathematical Sciences 

- Pharmaceutical 

Sciences 

- Physics 

Students from the schools 


- Communication 

- Management 

Students from the schools 


- Computer Sciences 

- Housing, Building and 

Planning 

- Engineering 

32

2. English Language Courses (as compulsory English Language/ 

Option/Skills units) 

The following courses may be taken as university courses to fulfil the 

compulsory English Language requirements or as skills/option courses: 

No. 

Course 

Code/ Unit 

Course Title 



1. LHP 451/2 Effective Reading Students from all 


2. LHP 452/2 Business Writing Students from all 


3. LHP 453/2 Creative Writing Students from all 


4. LHP 454/2 Academic Writing Students from all 


5. LHP 455/2 English 

Pronunciation 

Skills 

Students from all 


6. LHP 456/2 Spoken English Students from all 


7. LHP 457/4 Speech Writing and 

Public Speaking 

8. LHP 458/2 English for 

Translation 

9. LHP 459/2 English for 

Interpretation 


academic school 



(offered in Semester 

II) 



(offered only in 

Semester I) 

33

3. Entry Requirements For English Language Courses 

No. 

English 

Language 

Qualification 

Grade 

Level of Entry 

Course 

Status 

1. *MUET 

LSP 

401/402/403/404 

Band 6 

A – C 

LHP 451 / 452 / 453 / 

454 / 455 / 456 / 457/ 

458 /459* 

Compulsory/ 

Option 

(Type: ‘U’) 

(2 units) 

Discretion of 

Director of PBT 

2. *MUET 

LSP 300 

Band 5 

A – C 

LSP 

401/402/403/404 

Compulsory 


(2 units) 

Discretion of 


3. *MUET 

LMT 100 

Band 4 

A – C 

LSP 300 

Compulsory 


(2 units) 

**Discretion of 


4. *MUET 

**Discretion of 


Band 3/2/1 LMT 100 / 

Re-sit MUET 

Pre-requisite 

(Type: ‘Z’) 

(2 units) 

* MUET: Malaysian University English Test 

Notes: 

• Students are required to accumulate 4 units of English for graduation 

• In order to obtain units in English Language courses, students have to 

pass with a minimum of a Grade C. Otherwise, no units will be 

awarded. 

• Students with a Band 6 in MUET must accumulate the 4 units of 

English from the courses in the post-advanced level [LHP 451 / 452 / 

453 / 454 / 455 / 456 / 457/458/459*]. They can also take foreign 

language courses to replace their English language units but they must 

first obtain a written consent from the Director of the Centre for 

Languages and Translation, USM. [* The number of units for LHP 457 

is 4 and for LHP 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 458 and 459 is 2.] 

34

• Students with a score of 179 and below in MUET are required to resit 

MUET to improve their score to Band 4 or take LMT 100 (Preparatory 

English) and pass with a minimum of a Grade C. 

C. FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES 

The foreign language courses offered by the Centre for Languages and 

Translation can be taken by students as option or compulsory courses to fulfill 

the number of units required for graduation. Students are not allowed to register 

for more than one foreign language course per semester. They must complete at 

least two levels of a foreign language course before they are allowed to register 

for another foreign language course. However, students are not required to 

complete all four levels of one particular foreign language course. 

Courses offered: 

Arabic Language 

LAA 100/2 

LAA 200/2 

LAA 300/2 

LAA 400/2 

Arabic Language I 

Arabic Language II 

Arabic Language III 

Arabic Language IV 

Chinese Language 

LAC 100/2 

LAC 200/2 

LAC 300/2 

LAC 400/2 

Chinese Language I 

Chinese Language II 

Chinese Language III 

Chinese Language IV 

Japanese Language 

LAJ 100/2 

LAJ 200/2 

LAJ 300/2 

LAJ 400/2 

Japanese Language I 

Japanese Language II 

Japanese Language III 

Japanese Language IV 

German Language 

LAG 100/2 

LAG 200/2 

LAG 300/2 

LAG 400/2 

German Language I 

German Language II 

German Language III 

German Language IV 

35

Spanish Language 

LAE 100/2 

LAE 200/2 

LAE 300/2 

LAE 400/2 

Spanish Language I 

Spanish Language II 

Spanish Language III 

Spanish Language IV 

French Language 

LAP 100/2 

LAP 200/2 

LAP 300/2 

LAP 400/2 

French Language I 

French Language II 

French Language III 

French Language IV 

Thai Language 

LAS 100/2 

LAS 200/2 

LAS 300/2 

LAS 400/2 

Thai Language I 

Thai Language II 

Thai Language III 

Thai Language IV 

Tamil Language 

LAT 100/2 

LAT 200/2 

LAT 300/2 

Tamil Language I 

Tamil Language II 

Tamil Language III 

Korean Language 

LAK 100/2 

LAK 200/2 

LAK 300/2 

Korean Language I 

Korean Language II 

Korean Language III 

Russian Language 

LAR 100/2 

Russian Language I 

36

D. THIRD LANGUAGE COURSES 

Third Language Courses are offered as University Courses. They are offered as 

a package of three (3) levels, 2 units per level. The total number of units per 

package is 6. Students who sign up for this package will obtain one (1) extra unit 

upon graduation. 

Courses Offered: 

Arabic Language 

LTA 100/2 

LTA 200/2 

LTA 300/2 

Elementary Communicative Arabic 

Intermediate Communicative Arabic 

Advanced Communicative Arabic 

Chinese Language 

LTC 100/2 

LTC 200/2 

LTC 300/2 

Communicative Chinese I 

Communicative Chinese II 

Communicative Chinese III 

Japanese Language 

LTJ 100/2 

LTJ 200/2 

LTJ 300/2 

Communicative Japanese I 

Communicative Japanese II 

Communicative Japanese III 

German Language 

LTG 100/2 

LTG 200/2 

LTG 300/2 

Communicative German I 

Communicative German II 

Communicative German III 

Spanish Language 

LTE 100/2 

LTE 200/2 

LTE 300/2 

Communicative Spanish I 

Communicative Spanish II 

Communicative Spanish III 

French Language 

LTP 100/2 

LTP 200/2 

LTP 300/2 

Communicative French I 

Communicative French II 

Communicative French III 

37

Thai Language 

LTS 100/2 

LTS 200/2 

LTS 300/2 

Communicative Thai I 

Communicative Thai II 

Communicative Thai III 

Tamil Language 

LTT 100/2 

LTT 200/2 

LTT 300/2 

Communicative Tamil I 

Communicative Tamil II 

Communicative Tamil III 

Korean Language 

LTK 100/2 

LTK 200/2 

LTK 300/2 

Communicative Korean I 

Communicative Korean II 

Communicative Korean III 

Russian Language 

LTR 100/2 

LTR 200/2 

LTR 300/2 

Communicative Russian I 

Communicative Russian II 

Communicative Russian III 

38

E. MINOR PROGRAMME 

The Centre for Languages and Translation offers three minor programmes, 

namely the Japanese Language Studies, Chinese Language Studies and 

Communicative Arabic. Students have to accumulate 16 compulsory units. 

Students taking the minor package have to begin with level 100 and then 

proceed to the subsequent levels. The courses offered in each of the minor 

programmes are as follows: 

(a) 

Japanese Language Studies 

LLJ 100/4 

LLJ 200/4 

LLJ 300/4 

LLJ 400/4 

LLJ 401/4 

Elementary Japanese 

Intermediate Japanese 

Advanced Japanese I 

Advanced Japanese II 

Business Japanese (optional) 

(b) 

Chinese Language Studies 

LLC 100/4 

LLC 200/4 

LLC 300/4 

LLC 400/4 

LLC 401/4 

Elementary Chinese 

Intermediate Chinese 

Advanced Chinese I 

Advanced Chinese II 

Business Chinese (optional) 

(c) 

Communicative Arabic 

LLA 100/4 

LLA 200/4 

LLA 300/4 

LLA 400/4 

LLA 401/4 

Communicative Arabic I 

Communicative Arabic II 

Communicative Arabic III 

Communicative Arabic IV 

Business Arabic (optional) 

39

Location of Lecture Halls 

40

IV. 

MAIN ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES 

DEAN 

Professor Dato’ Abu Talib Ahmad 

DEPUTY DEANS 

Assoc. Prof. Hajar Abdul Rahim 

(Academic & Student Development) 

PROGRAMME CHAIRPERSONS 

Assoc. Prof. Sohaimi Abdul Aziz 

(Research and Postgraduate Studies) 

Dr. Hasuria Che Omar 

Malay Studies/BATI 

Assoc. Prof. Shakila Abdul 

Manan 

English Language 

Studies/ELLS 

Mr. Peter Gan Chong Beng 

Falsafah & Tamadun 

Dr. Tarmiji Masron 

Geography 

Dr. Jelani Harun 

Literature 

Dr. Atikullah Abdullah 

Islamic Studies 

Dr. K. Anbalakan 

History 

Dr. Munir Shuib 

Industry & Community 

Network 

Dr. Azlena Zainal 

Thinking Techniques & 

Continuing Education 

DEPUTY REGISTRAR 

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR 

Mrs. Ajindar Kaur 

Mrs. Nooraida Mad Naser 

41

V. LIST OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC STAFF 

ADMINISTRATION 

DEAN 

Professor Dato’ Abu Talib Ahmad 

DEPUTY DEAN S 

1) Academic and Student Development 

Assoc. Prof. Hajar Abdul Rahim 

2) Research and Postgraduate Studies 

Assoc. Prof. Sohaimi Abdul Aziz 

PROGRAMME CHAIRPERSON 

Assoc. Prof. Shakila Abdul Manan 

DEPUTY REGISTRAR 

Mrs. Ajindar Kaur 

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR 

Mrs. Nooraida Mad Naser 

42

ACADEMIC STAFF 

PROFESSOR 

NO. NAME ROOM/TEL EXT./EMAIL 

1. 

Ambigapathy Pandian 

BSc. (Ed.), MA (Indiana) 

Cert.Ed.(MPB), Cert. in 

Public Management (Indiana) 

PhD (UKM) 

D10/001 

3145 

ambiga@usm.my 

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS 


2. 

Hajar Abdul Rahim 

BSc, MA (SIU – C) 

PhD (Reading) 

C20/018 

C11/010 

4349/2705 

hajar@usm.my 

3. 

Shakila Abd. Manan 

BA Ed (USM), MA Leicester 

PhD (UKM). 

C12/105 

3377 

shakila@usm.my 

shakmanan@gmail.com 

4. 

Sarjit Kaur 

BA Ed (USM), M.Ed (TESOL) 

(Australia), PhD (USM) 

C11/004 

2702 

sarjit@usm.my 

LECTURERS 


5. 

6. 

Azlena Zainal 

BA (Essex) MA, PhD. (Sheffield) 

Azimah Sazalie 

B.Ed (Moray House Inst. of 

Education) 

MA (Birmingham), PhD 

(Strathclyde) 

C12/012 

3399 

azlina@usm.my 

C12/106 

3340 

azimah@usm.my 

43

LECTURERS 


7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

Mohamad Rashidi Pakri 

BA (Univ. of Wisconsin), MA 

(USM) Ph.D(Malaya) 

Munir Shuib 

BA (Essex), MA, PhD (Sheffield) 

Raja Rozina Raja Suleiman 

BA, MSc. (TESL) (Drake 

University, USA), PhD (UM) 

Salasiah Che Lah 

BA MA (North Texas), PhD 

(Reading) 

Suzana Hj. Muhammad 

B.A, M.A (South Dakota) 

PhD. (Indiana University of 

Pennsylvania) 

C12/012 

3399 

rashidi@usm.my 

C11/008 

2704 

munir@usm.my 

C12/006 

3336 

rrozina@usm.my 

C12/007 

3337 

salasiah@usm.my 

C24/232 

2874 

szna@usm.my 

44

LIST OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 

School of Humanities 

Telephone No.: 04-653 3376/2680/4183 

No. Name Position/Tel. Ext./Email 

1. Ajindar Kaur Deputy Registrar 

3374 

ajindar@notes.usm.my 

2. Nooraida Mad Naser Assistant Registrar 

3850 

nooraida@notes.usm.my 

3. Datin Hajjah Zaini Zainon Administrative Assistant 

[Secretarial] 

Dean 

3371 

nani@notes.usm.my 

4. Siti Salmah Harun Administrative Assistant 

[Secretarial] 

Deputy Deans 

3373 

sitisalmah@notes.usm.my 

5. Mazlina Mohamad Administrative Assistant 

[Secretarial] 

Deputy Registrar 

3372 

mmazlina@notes.usm.my 

6. Abdul Aziz Ahmad Ludin Chief Administrative Assistant 

3375 

aziz.ludin@notes.usm.my 

7. Meor Ahmad Shukri Zainal 

Abidin 

Information System Officer 

3375 

meor@yahoo.com 

8. Azmah Mansor Administrative Assistant 

3376 

azmah@notes.usm.my 

45


9. Halizah Awang Administrative Assistant 

2680 

halizah@notes.usm.my 

10. Paridah Mydin Administrative Assistant 

3853 

paridah@notes.usm.my 

11. Nooraini Zakaria Administrative Assistant 

4176 

norainiz@notes.usm.my 

12. Dzorkanain Ibrahim Administrative Assistant 

2680 

dzorkarnain@notes.usm.my 

13. Muhammad Khairul 

Muzammil Suhaimee 

Administrative Assistant 

3853 

mkmuzamil@notes.usm.my 

14. Rohaya Ismail Administrative Assistant 

3376 

rohayaismail@notes.usm.my 

15. Julia Jaafar Administrative Assistant 

4183 

julia@notes.usm.my 

16. Noraini Md. Zin Administrative Assistant 

2680 

norainimz@notes.usm.my 

17. Mohd Dashti Mohd Khazali Administrative Assistant 

2680 

dashti@notes.usm.my 

18. Norman Ahmad General Support 

Resource Room 

2681/3376 

19. Roslan Yusuf General Support 

2681/3376 

20. Mohd. Fadli Abdullah General Support 

2681/4176 

46

LIST OF TECHNICAL STAFF 


1. Sarina Md. Idris Technical Assistant 

(Electronic and Computer) 

C24/102/103 

2551 

sarina.mi@notes.usm.my 

rp_hum@usm.my 

2. Azhari Abdul Aziz Technician 

(Electronic) 

C24/112 

2847 

azhari@notes.usm.my 

rp_hum1@usm.my 

3. Chong Woei Weng Technician 

(Computer Laboratory) 

C24/013 

2509 

wwchong@notes.usm.my 

4. Hassan Mohamad Computer Laboratory Assistant 

C20/117 

3868 

mhassan@notes.usm.my 

5. Mohamed Khalid Awang Technician 

(Cartography) 

C20/110/111 

3855/2509 

mkhalid@notes.usm.my 

47

1. INTRODUCTION 

B.A. HONS. IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE STUDIES 

(ELLS) 

Philosophy 

To produce competent and knowledgeable graduates who have acquired relevant 

language and literary skills that would enable them to meet and adapt effectively 

to the demands of a changing global society, especially in the field of English 

Language Studies. 

Objectives 

At the end of the programme, graduates should acquire: 

a. competency and knowledge in the English language 

b. knowledge of linguistics as a field of study 

c. relevant literary skills in order to be able to appreciate, analyse, discuss, and 

evaluate various types of literary texts and discourses 

d. knowledge of varous types of English (i.e, genre, register, dialect) as part of 

the language students’ development for teachers 

e. relevant generic skills (i.e. communication skills, problem solving skills, IT 

skills, study skills, team working, time management, interpersonal skills), 

critical and creative thinking and intellectual skills. 

48

2. Academic System 

[i] 

Terms of Reference 

[a] 

Unit 

Each course is given a value which is called a UNIT. The 

unit is determined by the scope of its syllabus and the work 

load of its students. In general, a unit is defined as follows:- 

Type of Course 

Definition of Unit 

Theory 1 unit is equivalent to 1 

contact hour per week for 

13 – 14 weeks in one 

semester. 

Practical/Laboratory 1 unit is equivalent to 1.5 

contact hours per week for 

13 – 14 hours in one 

semester 

Language Proficiency 1 unit is equivalent to 1.5 

contact hours per week for 

13 – 14 weeks in one 

semester. 

Industrial Training/ Teaching 1 unit is equivalent to 2 

Practice 

weeks of training. 

[b] 

Contact 

Contact is defined as formal face to face meeting between the 

academic staff and his/her students and it may take the form of 

lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory or field work. 

[c] 

Accumulated Credit Unit 

Units registered and passed are known as Credits. To 

graduate, students must accumulate the total number of 

Credits stipulated for the programme concerned. 

49

[ii] 

INFORMATION ON COURSE REGISTRATION 

[a] 

On-line Course Registration 

On-line course registration procedure requires all students to 

register for courses every semester. Registration is usually on 

the Friday and Saturday before the beginning of each semester 

to ensure that studies begin on the first day of the semester. 

Each school is responsible for scheduling this activity. 

Students must refer to the schedule at their respective school 

notice boards. 

Prior to registration, students are required to collect the 

following documents from their school office:- 

[i] 

[ii] 

[iii] 

[iv] 

Course registration form 

Cumulative statement of grades (“CANGRED”) 

Class schedule 

List of courses offered 

Students are reminded that course registration is official and 

final. As such, the following details need to be checked 

carefully to avoid any errors which can lead to problems: - 

- Course code 

- Unit 

- Classification of course 

- Class schedules 

- Course pre-requisite 

- Conditions imposed by the school 

- Maximum & Minimum Units allowed for 

registration. 

[b] 

Academic Advice 

[i] 

[ii] 

Students should plan their courses for the entire 

duration of their studies. 

Students should seek the advice of their academic 

advisor regarding their course registration. 

50

[iii] 

Students must obtain the signature of their academic 

advisor for the courses they intend to register. 

[c] 

Class Schedule and List of courses offered 

The class schedule and list of courses offered will be prepared 

by the respective schools and displayed on the Notice Boards. 

Students must refer to both of them before selecting their 

courses. Students are not allowed to register for courses 

where there is overlapping of lecture hours. 

[d] 

Registration of Language and Cocurriculum courses 

[i] 

[ii] 

[iii] 

[iv] 

All matters pertaining to the registration, adding or 

dropping of Language & Cocurriculum courses is 

managed by the Centre for Languages & Translation 

and the Student Affairs Department respectively. 

Early registration for Malay & English Language 

courses is conducted by the Centre for Languages & 

Translation and by the Student Affairs Department 

for Cocurriculum courses. 

After the selection process, successful candidates will 

have their courses registered automatically into the 

system before the on-line course registration begins. 

If there is a need to drop any course, it must be done 

within the first week. A penalty of RM50.00 will 

be imposed if a course is dropped after the first 

week. 

51

[e] 

Classification of Types of Courses 

Students are allowed to register for any course provided they 

fulfill the mandatory pre-requisites of the course. Registration 

of courses to meet the requirements of the Programme of 

Study is divided into the following types: - 

T - Core (major) courses 

E - Elective courses 

M - Minor courses 

U - University courses 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Y - audit courses which are 

taken solely for 

acquiring knowledge 

Z - Special courses ( as a 

prerequisite) for which 

a minimum grade “C” 

[Pass] must be obtained 

before a candidate is 

allowed to proceed to 

a higher level course 

performance/grades 

in these courses 

will not contribute 

to the overall 

calculation of 

marks, total 

required for 

graduation allowed 

[f] 

Minimum and Maximum Units Allowed for Registration 

per Semester 

Course registration for “active” students 

The minimum and maximum units allowed for registration in 

each semester are as follows: - 

Minimum 

Maximum 

9 20 

52

[i] 

[ii] 

The maximum limit permitted includes units for Co- 

Curriculum & repeated courses. Students are 

allowed to exceed this maximum limit for Practical 

Training/Teaching Practice/Industrial Training, 

which are conducted during the long vacation. 

The maximum and minimum units are final. Deans 

cannot waive this ruling at their discretion. However, 

they have the prerogative to allow a student to 

register less than the minimum units allowed, 

although this is only for those students who have 

exceeded the minimum residential requirement. 

Course Registration for “Probationary” Students 

The minimum and maximum units allowed for registration in 

each semester for “Probationary” students are as follows: - 

Academic Status 

Maximum Units 

Probation I [P1] 12 

Probation II [P2] 10 

[g] 

Classification of year equivalent 

Students [according to their respective Programme of study] 

are classified by the year equivalent to first, second, or third 

year based on the number of credits accumulated, as follows: - 

Program of Study 

[Total credits for 

graduation] 

Year equivalent based on 

Total Credits Accumulated 

First Second Third 

Pure [100] 0 - 35 36 - 71 >72 

Applied [105] 0 - 35 36 - 71 >72 

Professional [110] 0 - 37 38 - 75 >76 

[h] 

Course Verification Slip 

The verification slip given to students after the on-line course 

registration must be checked carefully to ensure that there are 

no errors. If there are any errors regarding courses registered, 

corrections must be done immediately at the respective 

schools during the registration period. 

53

[i] 

Adding of Courses 

Adding of courses without a valid reason is not allowed after 

the registration period. However, consideration may be given 

as follows: - 

[i] 

[ii] 

[iii] 

adding of courses, with valid reasons, may be 

approved by the Dean/Deputy Dean in the first and 

second week only, and is subject to a penalty of 

RM50.00. 

Adding of courses during the third week, with valid 

reasons, may be recommended by the Dean/Deputy 

Dean before forwarding to The Data Processing & 

Records Unit, subsequently for consideration by the 

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), and is subject 

to a penalty of RM 50.00. 

Requests for adding of courses after the third week 

will not be entertained. 

[j] 

Dropping of Courses 

Students are allowed to drop courses until the sixth week 

provided they abide by the conditions as stipulated by the 

University, as follows: - 

[i] 

[ii] 

[iii] 

[iv] 

The student must complete the relevant form to drop 

the course, with the recommendation of the lecturer 

and the Dean’s approval, and then submit the form to 

the Examinations Unit. 

A student intending to drop a Language course must 

obtain the signature and stamp of the Director/Deputy 

Director of the Centre for Languages & Translation 

as well as the signature and stamp of the Dean in 

his/her School. 

A student intending to drop a Cocurriculum course 

must obtain the signature and stamp of the Deputy 

Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) as well as the 

signature and stamp of the Dean in his/her School. 

This privilege to drop a course should not be abused. 

A lecturer at his/her discretion cannot support a 

student’s request to drop a course if the student has 

not been serious about the course, e.g. not attending 

54

lectures, tutorials, practical training or not doing the 

coursework. 

In such cases, students can be barred from taking the 

examination, given a grade “X”, and hence not 

allowed to take the course during the long vacation 

(KSCP). 

[k] 

Updating of Academic Records 

Students’ academic record details are printed in the 

“CANGRED” and Course Registration Forms. They are 

advised to check these details and if they find any incorrect 

details, they can update the information by using standard 

forms, which are available at their respective Schools or at the 

Data Processing & Records Unit (Level 5, Chancellery 

Building). 

Students’ should inform their respective Schools and the Data 

Processing & Records Unit of any change in their semester, 

permanent and/or emergency addresses. 

55

[iii] 

Course Code 

Each course has a course code which is made up of 3 alphabets and 3 

numbers. The following is an example/explanation:- 

H X E 1 0 1 

Serial Number 

Status of Course : 

0 = Compulsory 

1 = Option: Major/Elective 

Level : 

1 = Level 100 courses 



Type of Course : 

T = Core [part of these courses can be 

taken as electives] 

E = Elective 

M = Minor/Service Courses 

[Not offered to students of the School of 

Humanities] 

Area of Studies/Course Format : 

L = Training/Project/Practical 

H = School of Humanities 

56

[iv] 

EXAMINATION SYSTEM 

Examinations will be held at the end of every semester. Students have 

to sit for the examination of courses they have registered. Students are 

required to settle all fees due and fulfill the standing requirements for 

lectures/tutorials/practicals and other requirements before being allowed 

to sit for the examination of courses they have registered. Course 

evaluation will be based on two components of coursework and final 

examinations. Coursework evaluation includes tests, essays, projects, 

assignments and participation in tutorials. 

Duration of Examination 

Evaluated Courses 

Examination Duration 

2 units 1 hour for coursework of more than 40% 

2 units 2 hours for coursework of 40% and below 

3 units or more 2 hours for coursework of more than 40% 

3 units or more 3 hours for coursework of 40% and below 

Barring From Examinations 

Students will be barred from sitting for the Final Examination, if they 

do not: 

i) Attend lectures and tutorials regularly 

ii) Complete/fulfill the required components of course work 

iii) Settle their academic fees 

A grade ‘X’ would be awarded for a course in which a student is 

barred. 

57

Grade Point Average System 

Student evaluation achievement for courses registered will be as 

follows: 

Grade 

Grade Point 

A 4.00 

A- 3.67 

B+ 3.33 

B 3.00 

B- 2.67 

C+ 2.33 

C 2.00 

C- 1.67 

D+ 1.33 

D 1.00 

D- 0.67 

F 0.00 

Students who are awarded grade ‘C-’ and below would be given a 

chance to improve their grades by repeating the course during the 

KSCP or normal semester. Students awarded a grade C and above will 

not be allowed to repeat the course. 

The achievement of a student in any semester is based on Grade Point 

Average [GPA] achieved in all the registered courses in a particular 

semester. GPA is the indicator to determine the academic performance 

of a student in any semester. 

CGPA is the Cumulative Grade Point Average accumulated by a 

student from one semester to another during his/her years of study. 

58

Example of Calculation for GPA and CGPA 

Semester 

I : 

Course Unit Grade Point Grade Total GP 

[GP] [G] 

ABC XX1 4 3.00 B 12.00 

ABC XX2 4 2.33 C+ 9.32 

BCD XX3 3 1.67 C- 5.01 

CDE XX4 4 2.00 C 8.00 

EFG XX5 3 1.33 D+ 3.99 

EFG XX6 2 2.67 B- 5.34 

20 43.66 

GPA = 43.66 = 2.18 

20 

Semester 

II : 

Course Unit Grade Point 

[GP] 

Grade 

[G] 

Total GP 

ABC XX7 3 1.00 D 3.00 

ABB XX8 4 2.33 C+ 9.32 

BBC XX9 4 2.00 C 8.00 

BCB X10 4 2.67 B- 10.68 

XYZ XX1 3 3.33 B+ 9.99 

18 40.99 

GPA = 40.99 = 2.28 

18 

CGPA = Total Accumulated GPG 

Total Accumulated Unit 

= 

= 

43.66 + 40.99 

20 + 18 

= 84.65 

38 

= 2.23 

From the above examples, the CGPA is calculated as the total grade 

point accumulated for all the courses registered divided by the total 

number of units registered. 

59

Courses during the Long Vacation [KSCP] 

KSCP is offered to students who have taken a course earlier and 

obtained a grade of ‘C-‘, ‘D+’, ‘D’, ‘D-‘, ‘F’ and ‘DK’ only. 

Students who have obtained a grade ‘X’ or ‘F*’ are not allowed to take 

the course during KSCP. 

The purpose of KSCP is to: - 

[i] 

[ii] 

[iii] 

[iv] 

give an opportunity to students who are facing time constraints 

for graduation. 

assist students who need to accumulate a few more credits for 

graduation. 

assist “probationary” students to redeem their academic status. 

assist students who need to repeat a pre-requisite course which is 

not offered in the following semester. 

However, this opportunity is only given to students who are taking 

courses that they have attempted before and achieved a grade as 

stipulated above, provided the course is being offered. Usually, 

formal lectures are not held, and teaching is via tutorials. 

The duration of KSCP is 4 weeks, i.e. 3 weeks tutorial and 1 week 

examination, all held during the Long Vacation. The KSCP schedule is 

available in the University Academic Calendar. 

[v] 

Academic Standing/Level 

Active Level - Any student who achieves a GPA of 2.00 and above 

for any examination in a semester will be recognized as ACTIVE and 

be allowed to pursue his/her studies for the following semester. 

Probation Level - A probation level is given to any student who 

achieves a GPA of 1.99 and below. A student who is under Probation 

Level for three consecutive semesters (P1, P2, FO) will not be allowed 

to pursue his/her studies at the university. On the other hand, if the 

CGPA is 2.00 and above, the student concerned will be allowed to 

pursue his/her studies and will be maintained at P2 level. 

Without any prejudice to the above regulations, the University 

Examination Council has the absolute right to terminate any student’s 

studies if his/her achievements do not satisfy and fulfill the 

accumulated minimum credits in line with the number of semesters 

completed by the student. 

60

Total Accumulated 

Number of Semester Minimum Credit Unit 

Pure Applied Professional 

End of Second Semester 15 15 16 

End of Fourth Semester 35 35 38 

End of Sixth Semester 55 55 60 

End of Eighth Semester 75 75 80 

The University Examination Council has the right to terminate any 

student’s studies due to certain reasons. As an example, a student who 

has not registered for the courses, has not taken his/her examination 

card, and does not produce it in an examination without valid reasons 

including medical reasons, can be disqualified from pursuing his/her 

studies. 

Examination Result 

A Provisional Result [Pass/Fail] through the Tele-academic line : [600- 

83-7899] would be released and announced after the School 

Examination Council Meeting and, presumably, two weeks after the 

Provisional Result. The Official Semester Result [Semgred] will be 

issued to students during the second week of the following semester. 

[vi] 

Graduation Requirements 

Students have to take note of the following: 

(a) The residential requirement is a minimum period of 6 

semesters and maximum period of 10 semesters. 

(b) The minimum number of units required for graduation is 100. 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

The number of units that can be registered for each semester is 

as stated in 5.5 above. 

The total number of units that can be accumulated at the end 

of the fifth semester is 90. 

Pass all courses offered for the degree in the ELLS 

programme. 

Students who fail any paper under the ELLS programme are 

required to repeat the paper. 

61

(g) 

They must pass both Islamic and Asian Civilizations - HTU 

223/2 and Ethnic Relations -SHE 101/2 with at least Gred C. 

[International students are exempted from this requirement] 

On completion of all the graduation requirements successful students 

will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and 

Literature, B.A. (ELLS). 

Structure of the Degree Programme 

The structure of the ELLS Degree programme is as follows: 

Courses 

Foundation 

Major 

Electives 

Minor 

University Courses/Options 

Unit 

16 

49 

4 

16 

15 - 18 

TOTAL 100 

Registration Units according to Year and Semester of Studies 

Year Semester I Units Semester II Unit 

2 Foundation 6 3 Foundation 10 

Courses 

Courses 

HTU 223 2 Minor 4 

I 

(0-36 

units) 

II 

(37-72 

units) 

SHE 101 2 

General 2 HPW 102 2 

English 

Pemikiran 

Kritis 

Elective 4 *LKM 400 2 

Bahasa 

Malaysia IV 

Cocurriculum 1 

Total 15/17/1 Total 18/20 

9 

4 Core 14 3 Core 10 

Courses 

Courses 

Minor 4 Minor 4 

General 

2 

English 

Cocurriculum 1 

Total 18 Total 17 

62

4 Core 14 3 Core 11 

III 

(73-100 

Courses 

Minor 4 

Courses 

Co-Curriculum 1 

units) Total 18 Total 12 

*International students will have to take LKM 300 – Bahasa Malaysia III to graduate 

UNITS ACCUMULATED IN THE 5 TH SEMESTER 

To ensure that students have the appropriate number of units, the total 

number of units accumulated at the end of the 5 th semester should not 

exceed 90 units. 

Total Semester That Can Be Exempted 

Program 

Unit 

Requirements 

for Graduation 


Units for 

Exemption 

Total 

Semester 

Exemption 

29 2 

32 2 

3. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE 

3.1 University English Language Courses 

Refer to Centre for Languages and Translation 

3.2 HTU 223/2 – Islamic and Asian Civilisations (TITAS) 

Since the 2006/07 Academic session, the Islamic and Asian Civilisations 

(TITAS/HTU 223/2) as well as the Etnic Relations courses (SHE 101/2), each 

of which carries 2 units, have been offerd at USM as compulsory university 

courses. In fact, the TITAS and Ethnic Relations courses are compulsory 

courses conducted at all Malaysian Public Institutions of Higher Learning 

(IPTAs). Students must take both the aforementioned courses and obtain a pass 

(at least a grade C) in order to fulfill the stipulated graduation requierments. The 

School of Humanities offers and coordinates the conduct of the TITAS (HTU 

223) course while the Ethnic Relations course (SHE 101) is conducted by the 

School of Social Sciences. 

63

The TITAS and Ethnic Relations courses are designed to enhance the students 

understanding of the history, principles, values and major aspects of the Malay 

Civilisations, as well as that of the Islamic Civilisations and its culture. Through 

such intellectual exposure to matters pertaining to cultures and civilisations in 

Malaysia, it is envisaged that students will be more sensitive towards issues that 

contribute to cultural understanding and respect and that foster harmony 

amongst the multiracial community in Malaysia. 

The main topics of this course comprise of 

a. Interaction between the various civilisations 

b. Islamic Civilisations 

c. Malay Civilisations 

d. Contemporary Challenges faced by Islamic and Asian Civilisations 

e. Principles of Islam Hadhari 

SHE 101/2 - Ethnic Relations 

This course is an introduction to the ethnic relations in Malaysia. The course is 

designed with three main objectives: (1) to introduce student to fundamental 

concepts and practices of social concensus in Malaysia, (2) to enhance 

understanding of the challenges and problems in a plural society, and (3) to 

promote greater awareness and appreciation of the complexity of managing 

ethnic relations in Malaysia. At the end of this course student should be able to 

determine and apply the appropriate skills to analyse the issues related to ethnic 

relations in Malaysia. 

SEA 205E/4 – Malaysian Studies 

This course investigates the structure of the Malaysian system of government 

and the major trends in contemporary Malaysia. Emphasis will be given both to 

current issues in Malaysian politics and the historical and economic 

developments and trends of the country. 

The discussion begins with a review of the independence process. An analysis 

of the formation and workings of the major institutions of government – 

parliament, judiciary, bureaucracy, and the electoral and party systems will 

follow this. The scope and extent of Malaysian democracy will be considered, 

especially in light of current changes and developments in Malaysian politics. 

The second part of the course focuses on specific issues: ethnic relations, 

national unity and the national ideology; development and political change; 

federal-state relations; the role of religion in Malaysian politics; politics and 

business; Malaysia in the modern world system; civil society; law, justice and 

order; and directions for the future. 

64

Topics to include: 

- Introduction and Overview of the Course 

- Independence and Nation Building in Malaysia 

- Institutions of Government: Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary and the 

Executive 

- Government and Democracy 

- Law, Justice, and Order 

- Political Parties and Elections, Ethnic Relations and the Problems of 

National Unity 

- The Evolving Class Structure in Malaysia 

- Politics and Business 

- Political Development and Change in Sabah and Sarawak 

- Religion in Malaysia 

- Women in Malaysia 

- Minorities and the Indigenous People of Malaysia 

- Malaysia in the Modern World System 

References: 

Kahn, J.S. & Loh, F.K.W. (Eds.). (1992). Fragment vision: Culture and politics 

in contemporary Malaysia. Sydney: Allen and Unwin. 

Searle, P. (1999). The riddle of Malaysian capitalism: Rent seekers or real 

capitalists New South Wales: Allen & Unwin. 

Munro-Kua, A. (1996). Authoritarian populism in Malaysia. New York: St. 

Martin’s Press. 

65

3.3 WUS101 – Core Entrepreneurship 

Semester I1, 2008/2009 Academic Session 

Information about the course; 

The Core Entrepreneurship course is a mandatory university course comprising 2 credit 

units and is designed to provide basic exposure to students about entrepreneurship and 

business with emphasis on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge whilst simultaneously 

experiencing the process of implementing business projects in the campus. The learning 

approaches would comprise of interactive lectures, practical sessions, preparation of 

business plans, implementation of entrepreneurship projects, and the presentation of 

reports. The practical experiences gained through direct student involvement in the 

management of business projects will serve to kindle their interest and provide them with 

a comprehensive picture of the entrepreneurial world. The main learning outcomes will 

include the instilling of cultures and noble entrepreneurial values in the daily practices of 

the student. This initiative has been undertaken to broaden minds and stimulate the spirit 

of entrepreneurship amongst the targeted group who possess the potential of being 

successful entrepreneurs. The exposure of undergraduates to entrepreneurial knowledge 

is expected to expedite efforts to increase the number of entrepreneurs in the country. 

Main objectives: 

The main objectives of the course are : 

• to provide early exposure to entrepreneurial knowledge so as to foster the interest of 

undergraduates in entrepreneurship and in business. 

• to broaden minds and provide motivation to undergraduates to consider 

entrepreneurship as a prospective career. 

• to stimulate the spirit of entrepreneurship by tapping into intrinsic entrepreneurial 

potential during the implementation of entrepreneurial activities and business 

projects. 

• to cultivate independence and an entrepreneurial culture in undergraduates as a 

preparation for the job arena. 

Learning outcomes: 

Students will be able to : 

• understand the entrepreneurial culture and apply its principles in their daily practices. 

• obtain practical experience in conducting field work in the entrepreneurship arena. 

• evaluate the linkages between risks and returns in the entrepreneurial arena 

• write excellent project reports or business plans. 

• effectively table project reports or business plans. 

• enhance their soft skills. 

Lectures and Tutorials: 

Lecture : Tunku Syed Putra Hall, Wednesday, 8.30-10.30pm 

Main Tutorials: SK3 and SK4, Monday and Thursday , 5-7pm 

66

Lecturers/Tutors: 

1. Mr. MOHD SHAFIE ARIFFIN (KETUA) mshafie@usm.my, 046533888 ext 2526 

2. Mr. MOHD YUSOFF B ZAINUN HAMZAH zmyusoff@usm.my ext 2526 

3. Mr. ZAINON B HARUN 

4. Dr. SUHAIMI SHAHNON 

5. Dr. MAHMOD SABRI HARON 

6. Mr. MD SAYUTI ISHAK 

7 . Mr. YUSOF HAMDANI JALALLUDIN 

8. Mrs. SHARIFAH AKMAM SYED ZAKARIA 

9. Dr. MOHD WIRA MOHD SHAFIEI 

10. Dr. DATIN JORIAH MUHAMMAD 

List of Texts and Main References: 

Modul Asas Pembudayaan Keusahawanan, Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia, 

2007. 

Mohd Azhar Abd. Hamid, Othman A. Kassim, Muhammed Fauzi Othman (2005), Cipta 

Idea Baru: Teknik Praktikal Menghasilkan Idea Kreatif & Inovatif , PTS Publications & 

Distributors Sdn. Bhd. 

Marc J. Dollinger.- 3 rd ed. (2003), Entrepreneurship ; Strategic and Resources, Prentice 

Hall Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd 

Abdul Aziz Yusof & Zakaria Yusof, (2004), ‘Prinsip Keusahawanan’, 2 nd Edt., Prentice 

Hall, Malaysia. 

Barjoyai Bardai (2000), Keusahawan dan Perniagaan, Percetakan Dewan Bahasa Dan 

Pustaka 

Kuratko, D.F. & Hodgetts, R.M (2004), ‘Entrepreneurship; A Contemporary Approach’ 

6 th Edt., London, Dryden Press 

Other references: 

Ab Aziz Yusof, Selvan Perumal, Faizuniah Pangil (2005), Principles of 

Entrepreneurship, Prentice Hall Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 

Mohd Azhar Abd. Hamid, Othman A. Kassim, Muhammed Fauzi Othman (2005), Cipta 

Idea Baru: Teknik Praktikal Menghasilkan Idea Kreatif & Inovatif , PTS Publications & 


Marc J. Dollinger.- 3 rd ed. (2003), Entrepreneurship ; Strategies and Resources, Prentice 

Hall Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd 

Zafir Mohd. Makbul, Fazilah Mohamad Hasun (2003), Menjadi Usahawan : Panduan 

Menubuhkan dan Menguruskan Perusahaan secara Profesional, PTS Publications & 


Abdul Aziz Yusof & Zakaria Yusof, (2004), ‘Prinsip Keusahawanan’, 2 nd Edt., Prentice 

Hall, Malaysia. 

Barjoyai Bardai (2000), Keusahawan dan Perniagaan, Percetakan Dewan Bahasa Dan 

Pustaka 

Kuratko, D.F. & Hodgetts, R.M (2004), ‘Entrepreneurship; A Cotemporary Approach’ 6 

th 

Edit., London, Dryden Press 

Norashidah Hashim, Ooi Yeng Keat, Mohd. Salleh Hj. Din, Hoe Chee Hee, Shuhy-mee 

Ahmad, Habshah Bakar, Mohd. Noor Mohd. Shariff, Armanurah Mohamad, Lily Julienti 

67

Abu Bakar, Norita Deraman, & Muhammad Nasri Md. Hussain, (2004), `Asas 

Keusahawanan’, Universiti Utara Malaysia. 

Evaluation: 

Coursework: 100% 

Criteria for coursework evaluation: 

1. Entrepreneurship Project and Field Work: 30% 

2. Project Presentation: 20% 

3. Project Report and Field Work: 30% 

4. Quiz/ tests: 20% 

(Please refer to Appendix B: Tentative schedule containing details of evaluation) 

Teaching Method : 

The Entrepreneurship Acculturation Foundation course comprises four (4) modules: 

• Module 1: Fostering an Entrepreneurial Culture 

• Module 2: Business Opportunities and Plans 

• Module 3: Entrepreneurship Practicum 

• Module 4: Presentation and Evaluation 

Module 1 contains four (4) main topics, namely, Entrepreneurship Development and 

Concepts, Personal Entrepreneurship Competency Analysis, Ethics of Entrepreneurship, 

and Creativity and Innovation in Entrepreneurship. This module is designed to expose 

students to the fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship and provide them training to 

identify personal entrepreneurship characteristics apart from creating awareness 

regarding the importance of ethics, creativity, and innovation in entrepreneurship. 

Module 2 is designed to open the minds of the undergraduates to business opportunities, 

planning approaches and the management of selected business projects. The module will 

comprise four (4) topics. They are Business Opportunities, Expertise in Starting 

Businesses, Business Planning, and Expertise in Managing Business Projects. The 

emphasis of this module is to equip the undergraduates with the relevant basic skills 

before they commence implementing business projects as outlined in the 

Entrepreneurship Practicum module. A variety of strategies and techniques will be 

imparted such as skills in selecting business opportunities and performing SWOT 

analysis. 

Module 3 will afford undergraduates the opportunity to organize an Entrepreneurship 

Seminar and Business Fieldwork. The proposed Seminar or Entrepreneurial Forum will 

involve the participation of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support agencies. 

The Business Fieldwork component will involve the implementation of business project 

ideas outlined in the Project Planning Proposal/Working Paper prepared by the respective 

groups and approved by the relevant teaching staff. 

Module 4 is designed to train undergraduates to table proposals of business projects and 

share their experiences about the implementation of their respective group’s project. 

Undergraduates will also be afforded the opportunity to evaluate the tabling of Group 

68

Business Projects Reports by their peers. Apart from this, through this module, graduates 

will be tested on their basic understanding of entrepreneurship principles through quizzes 

and short tests conducted by the relevant teaching staff. 

The course content will be implemented via interactive lectures and the guided 

implementation of projects by the respective teaching staff. More than 80% of content 

implementation will be in the form of practical work, which would require the full 

involvement of all undergraduates undergoing the course. 

The undergraduates will be evaluated via Course Work Reports, Presentation of Business 

Projects, involvement in activities as well as via quizzes and tests conducted by the 

respective teaching staff. 

Course Syllabus: 

Syllabus 

Contact Hours 

No. Title Lecture Practical 

0 Course Synopsis 

1 Topic1:Concepts and 2 

Entrepreneurship Development 

2 Topic 2: Entrepreneurship 2 

Competency Self Analysis 

3 Topic 3: Ethics of Entrepreneurship 2 

4 Topic 4: Creativity and Innovation in 2 

Entrepreneurship 

5 Topic 5: Business Opportunities 2 

6 Topic 6: Skills to start a Business 2 

Enterprise 

7 Topic 7: Business Planning 2 

8 Topic 8: Expertise in Managing 2 

Business Projects 

9 Topic 9: Entrepreneurship 

6 

Seminar/Forum 

10 Topic 10: Field Work in Business 12 

11 Topic 11: Presentation and 

6 

Evaluation 

Total Contact Hours 16 24 

Total Contact Hours /No. of weeks 1 1 

Unit 1 1 

Please refer to Appendix B for tentative schedule and details of evaluation criteria. 

69

APPENDIX B 

Date 

Lecture 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR WUS 101 - Semester II 2008/09 Academic Session 

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 

Introduction 

MYZH 

History and 

Development 

SS 

Ideas & 

Creativity 

MSA 

Opportuni 

ties 

& 

Proposals 

WVMS 

Entrepren 

eur 

Competen 

cy 

& 

MSA 

RP: Format 

RP 

MSH 

RP: 

Marketin 

g 

B 

R 

E 

A 

K 

Datin JM 

RP: 

Finance 

SEMINAR/ 

Forum 

MYZH 

RP: 

YH 

Semina 

r/ 

Organisatio RP: 

Forum 

ZH n 

Operation 

Ethics 

s 

*****30 PKI PKI PKI PKI PKI PKI PKI PKI PKI 

CIMB 

Talks by Guest 

Entrepreneurs 

Assignment and Training 

Group 

Formation 

ONLINE 

Exercise 

Md. Hadzim & 

Cik Farah 

Assignment 

Generating 

ideas about the 

profile of an 

entrepreneur 

ONLINE 

Shamsuddin 

Husin 

Creativity 

and 

Innovation 

Training 

LeoMAg 

& MdeC 

En. Suzilan 

Ibrahim 

*MSA (MOHD SHAFIE ARIFFIN (HEAD), MYZH (MOHD YUSOFF B. ZAINUN HAMZAH), ZH (ZAINON B. HARUN), SS (DR. SUHAIMI SHAHNON), MSH (DR MAHMOD SABRI HARON), YHJ (YUSOF HAMDANI 

JALALLUDIN), MVVMS (DR. MOHD WIRA MOHD SHAFIEI), JM (DATIN DR. JORIAH MUHAMMAD) 

Criteria for Coursework Evaluation: 

A1. Entrepreneurship Project and Fieldwork (A1) 30% A2. Project Presentation 20% 20% (A2) 

A3. Project Report and Fieldwork (A3) 30% A4.Quiz/Tests 20% (A4) 

Activities Week Output Evaluation Criteria 

Note: 

1 Business: Students are required to form a company (or a small group, maximum: 5 students), 

select a type of business, and conduct business activities related to the type of business 

selected. These business activities must be conducted from Week 3 to week 6. A student’s 

performance will be assessed in terms of the Return on Investment (ROI) on capital outlays 

made by the student in order implement the aforementioned business activity. An exposition , 

and a business seminar/forum will also be organised on week 6 to afford students the 

opportunity to conduct sales and develop their soft skills . It is MANDATORY for all students 

to participate in this expo. 

2 Business Plan (RP): Students are required to generate a business idea, locate information 

pertaining to the said business and devise a business plan based on information obtained from 

entrepreneurs who are currently involved in such businesses. The format and guidelines for 

devising the aforementioned RP will be discussed during the lecture sessions. 

W3-W6 

Pharmace 

utical 

Business 

W2-W14 

Submit on W10** 

W12 & W14 

Pn. Zainon 

Ahmad 

(alumni) 

MSA 

&MYZ 

H 

Financi 

al 

Planner 

(AIA) 

MSA & 

MYZH 

Seminar/ 

Forum + 

PKI 

SME 

Bank 

Proposal for sales activities during 

the expo, seminars, forum and 

reports 

Profile of an Entrepreneur 

MSA & 

MYZH 

Seminar/ 

Forum 

Support 

Agencies 

U 

(MARA/ 

etc) 

Test 

3 

MSA & 

MYZH 

Seminar 

/ Forum 

MSA & 

MYZH 

Summar 

y 

Seminar 

Forum 

Proposal & Report 

10% (A3) 

Presentation 20% (A2) 

Expo Jury/Seminar 10% (A1) 

Tasks/Assignments 10% (A1) 

Profile report 10% (A1) 

RP Report 20% (A3) 

3 Quiz/Tests/Peer Assessment W3,W5, W9, W14 Marks 20% (A4) 

***30 minutes: The time proposed for topics about Individual Financial Management (PKI) (30 min x 8 weeks + 3 hours of seminars = 7 hours) 

70

3.4 Cocurriculum 

Refer to Academic and International Affairs. 

3.5 University Courses 

The University Courses comprise the following: 

Courses 

Units 

Bahasa Malaysia 

English Language 

Islamic and Asian Civilization 

Ethnic Relations 

Cocurriculum/Option 

Skills Courses/Option * 

2 

4 

2 

2 

3 

2 

Total 15 

* PPIK students are required to do HPW 102/2 Critical Thinking 

3.6 Audit Courses 

In principle, the university allows students to register for any courses 

on an audit basis for the purpose of enhancing the students’ knowledge 

in specific fields during the duration of their study. However, the units 

of any such audit courses will not be taken into consideration for 

graduation purposes. 

The registration procedures for courses on an audit basis are as 

follows:- 

[a] 

[b] 

[c] 

[d] 

Students can register for courses on an audit basis for the 

purpose of augmenting his/her knowledge in specific fields. 

Registration for the said course must be done within the 

course registration week. 

Only students of active status are allowed to register for 

courses on an audit basis. 

Courses registered for on an audit basis are designated as code 

‘Y’ courses. This designation will be indicated on the relevant 

academic transcript. A space at the bottom of the academic 

transcript will be reserved for listing the courses 

registered for on an audit basis. 

Courses registered for on an audit basis will not be taken into 

consideration in determining the minimum and maximum 

units of courses registered for. 

71

[e] 

Students must fulfil all course requirements. Students who 

register for courses on an audit basis, are not obligated to sit 

for any examinations pertaining to that course. A grade ‘R’ 

will be awarded irrespective as to whether the student had or 

had not sat for the examination. 

3.7 Skills Courses 

Students are encouraged to take 2 units from skills courses. 

* Students are required to do HPW 102/2 Critical Thinking in order to 

fulfill the skills courses requirement. 

3.8 ELLS Major Programme 

FOUNDATION – 16 UNITS 

These courses are to be taken in the first year. 

1. HXE 107/3 Theories of Receptive and Productive Skills 

2. HXE 108/3 Approaches to English Literature 

3. HXE 109/3 English Literature and Language 

4. HXE 110/3 Modern English and American Literature 

5. HET 123/4 A Study of Language 

MAJOR – 49 UNITS 

1. HXE 209/4 Linguistics I 

2. HXE 205/4 Language Learning Theories 

3. HXE 210/3 19 th and 20 th Century Novels 

4. HXE 211/3 Literary Criticism 

5. HXE 208/3 19 th and 20 th Century Poetry 

6. HEK 212/3 Oral Communication and Public Speaking in English 

7. HET 213/4 Structure and Grammar in English 

8. HXE 301/3 From Milton to Johnson 

9. HXE 302/4 Linguistics II 

10. HXE 300/3 Elizabethan Literature 

11. HXE 309/4 Testing and Evaluation 

12. HXE 305/3 Malaysian Literature in English 

13. HXE 306/4 Sociology and Psychology of Language 

14. HET 324/4 Computational Linguistics 

ELECTIVES – 4 UNITS 

1. HXE 201/4 Report Writing and Editing in English 

2. HXE 308/4 English for Specific Purposes 

3. HET 224/4 Style in Contemporary Literature in English 

72

3.9 COCURRICULUM COURSES* 

The cocurriculum courses are offered with the aim of producing 

versatile graduates who can adapt to different situations. Students can 

choose to participate in any of the following activities/courses: 

Uniformed Armed Group 

Uniformed Unarmed Group 

Sports 

Culture 

Social Services 

However, they can only accumulate a maximum of 3 units from these 

courses. 

*Refer to Academic and International Affairs 

4. MINOR PROGRAMME 

Students may choose to minor in any of the following: 

1. School of Humanities* 

a. English Language Studies 

b. Malay Studies 

c. Geography 

d. Literature 

e. Islamic Studies 

f. History 

g. Translation and Interpretation 

*Refer to the School of Humanities Guide 2008/2009 

2. School of Social Sciences 

a. Anthropology and Sociology 

b. Policy and Public Administration 

c. Economics 

d. Industrial Relation 

e. Planning and Development Management 

f. International Relations 

g. Political Science 

h. Social Development and Administration 

i. Southeast Asian Studies 

73

3. School of Management 

Compulsory components (8 units) 

a. AKW 103/4 Introduction to Management 

b. AKW 104/4 Accountancy and Finance 

Options (8 units) 

a. AKP 201/4 Marketing 

b. AKP 202/4 Organisational Behaviour 

c. AKP 301/4 Operational Management 

4. School of Communication 

Core Component 

a. YKT 111/4 Theory and Communication 

Research I 

Selected Core (Choose one paper) 

a. YKT 101/3 Introduction to Human 

Communication 

b. YKT 102/3 Introduction to Mass 

Communication 

c. YKT 103/3 Communication and Society 

Option components (Choose 3 papers) 

a. YBP 223/3 Advertising 

b. YBP 224/3 Public Relations 

c. YWP 221/3 Journalism I 

d. YFP 321/3 Television Studies 

e. YFP 324/3 Cinema Studies 

f. YWP 325/3 Writing and Science Reporting 

5. School of Education 

a. Primary Education 

b. Educational Counselling Psychology 

c. Curriculum Studies 

d. Educational Technology 

e. Educational Administration and Management 

6. School of Language and Translation 

a. Japanese Language Studies 

b. Chinese Language Studies 

74

7. School of Arts 

a. Fine Arts 

b. Graphic Communication 

c. Drama and Theatre 

d. Acting and Directing 

e. Music 

f. Performance and Pedagogy 

8. School of Technology Industry 

a. Polymer Studies 

b. Wood, Paper and Coating Technology 

c. Food Technology 

d. Quality Control and Apprating 

9. School of Computer Science 

Compulsory (4 units) 

a. CPM 102/4 Principles of Computerisation 

Options (12 units) 

a. CMM 211/4 Multimedia, Internet and Networking 

b. CMM 212/4 Organisation and Database Design 

c. CMM 311/4 Analysis and Systems Design 

d. CMM 312/4 Information Systems Management 

10. School of Physics 

a. Physics 

11. School of Biology 

a. Biology 

12. School of Mathematics 

a. Mathematics 

13. School of Housing, Building and Planning 

a. Construction Management 

b. Engineering and Building Science 

c. Interior Design 

d. Architecture 

e. Town and Regional Planning 

75

14. Centre for Archaelogical Research Malaysia 

a. Archaelogy 

15. School of Chemistry 

a. Chemistry 

Requirements for the minor programmes are stipulated in the ‘Buku 

Panduan' of every school that offers the courses mentioned. 

These minor programmes aim at providing students with a broad 

foundation and are multi-disciplinary in approach without affecting the 

major programmes. 

76

5. LIST/SYNOPSIS OF SCHOOL COURSES 

SYNOPSIS OF PROGRAMME: 

This programme aims to produce competent and knowledgable graduates who 

have acquired relevant language and literary skills in and knowledge of English 

that would enable them to meet and adapt effectively to the demands of a 

changing and global society, especially in the fields of language, literature and 

education. 

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: 

To produce graduates who are: 

• competent and knowledgeable in the English language and about the 

teaching and learning of English. 

• knowledgeable of linguistics as a field of study (such as phonetics and 

phonology, semantics, syntax, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, 

discourse analysis etc). 

• equipped with relevant literary skills in order to be able to appreciate, 

analyse, discuss and evaluate various types of literary texts and 

discourses. 

• knowledgeable of various types of English (that is genre, register, dialect) 

as part of language development for teachers. 

• equipped with relevant generic skills (that is communication skills, 

problem-solving skills, IT skills, study skills, team working, time 

management, interpersonal skills), critical and creative thinking and 

intellectual skills (to synthesise, analyse, and evaluate information and 

ideas). 

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Lifelong learning and information management 

• students will possess the analytical skills to read and interpret literary 

texts across a wide range of genres and periods. 

• students will understand human language and the methods and techniques 

that can be used to analyse all forms of linguistic data. 

• students will obtain the relevant generic and ICT skills in order to process 

information and ideas. 

77

• students will understand basic concepts in language and literary studies 

that will eventually provide them with a strong theoretical base in order to 

pursue studies at a higher or post-graduate level. 

Communication skills 

• students will gain a knowledge of the English sound system so as to 

pronounce words and utterances clearly and with the right intonation. 

• students will possess the relevant oracy skills in order to be able to speak 

English with poise and confidence in front of a crowd. 

• students will obtain the necessary writing skills in order to write reports, 

memos, business letters, literary reviews, etc. 

Scientific and thinking skills 

• students will acquire logical and deductive reasoning powers in order to 

help them find solutions to problems. 

• students will understand the form and structure of persuasive and 

argumentative language in order to argue and debate in a systematic 

manner either through speech or in writing. 

Enterprenuership and management skills 

• students will possess the skills to multi-task and to manage their time 

effectively. 

Psychomotor/practical and technical skills 

• students will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to use 

software/linguistic tools to analyse linguistic data. 

• students will understand how to use search engines in order to obtain 

information from the World Wide Web. 

Knowledge 

• students will have the knowledge of current linguistic theories and their 

applications in the analysis of linguistic data. 

• students will have the knowledge of current literary theories and their 

applications in the analysis of literary texts. 

• students will have the knowledge of ICT and computer applications. 

• Students will possess knowledge of the world though their reading of a 

wide variety of texts written in English. 

78

Social skills and responsibility 

• students will acquire the relevant pragmatic skills and knowledge of 

language to interact socially with courtesy and politeness. 

• students will be sufficiently conscientised so as to be socially aware of 

their responsibility towards marginalized groups and communities. 

Professionalism, values, attitudes and ethics 

• students will acquire positive values and good work ethics. 

79

Course Offerings 

Semester I 

Semester II 

Assessment 

Assessment 

Level Courses C.W F.A Level Courses C.W F.A 

100 

HXE 107/3 

Theories of 

Receptive 

and 

Productive 

Skills 

HXE 108/3 

Approaches 

to English 

Literature 

40 

40 

60 

60 

100 

HXE 109/3 

English 

Literature and 

Language 

HXE 110/3 

Modern English 

and American 

Literature 

HET 123/4 

A Study of 

Language 

40 

40 

40 

60 

60 

60 

200 

HXE 201/4 

Report 

Writing and 

Editing in 

English 

HXE 209/4 

Linguistics I 

(Phonology 

and 

Morphology 

of English) 

HXE 210/3 

19th and 

20th Century 

Novels 

40 

40 

40 

60 

60 

60 

200 

HXE 205/4 

Language 

Learning 

Theories 

HXE 208/3 

19th and 20th 

Century Poetry 

HEK 212/3 

Oral Communication 

and 

Public 

Speaking in 

English 

40 

40 

100 

60 

60 

- 

HXE 211/3 

Literary 

Criticism 

40 

60 

HET 213/4 

Structure and 

Grammar in 

English 

40 

60 

80

300 

HXE 301/3 

From Milton 

to Johnson 

HXE 308/4 

English for 

Specific 

Purposes 

HXE 305/3 

Malaysian 

Literature in 

English 

40 

40 

40 

60 

60 

60 

300 

HXE 302/4 

Linguistics 2 

(Syntax and 

Semantics of 

English) 

HXE 300/3 

Elizabethan 

Literature 

HXE 309/4 

Testing and 

Evaluation 

40 

40 

40 

60 

60 

60 

HXE 306/4 

Sociology 

and 

Psychology 

of Language 

HPL 310/3* 

Independent 

Study 

40 

100 

60 

- 

HET 324/4 

Computational 

Linguistics 

HPL 310/3* 

Independent 

Study 

40 

100 

60 

- 

*HPL 310/3 Independent Study (Refer to page 87-89) 

This course is highly recommended to students who plan to further 

their studies in the topic/field of their interests. This course is also 

open to students who lack the required units for graduation purposes. 

SYNOPSES OF COURSES 

HXE 107/3 

THEORY OF RECEPTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE SKILLS 

The course deals with the theories of receptive (reading and listening) and 

productive (speaking and writing) skills. Students will be exposed to various 

aspects of the development of teaching strategies, different approaches and 

current trends for teaching each of the language skills. It aims to equip students 

with the relevant theoretical and practical underpinnings that can reinforce their 

existing knowledge base. 

HXE 108/3 

APPROACHES TO ENGLISH LITERATURE 

In this course, students will not only develop the skills that they require to study 

literature but will also be encouraged to reflect on what the discipline of literary 

study is for, how it got established in the first place and what sort of lessons that 

they can possibly gather from it. 

Essentially, this course will encourage students to ask certain crucial questions 

about the development of existing frameworks and procedures for studying 

literature and, equally vital, alternative approaches. 

81

Investigating the underlying principles of these frameworks and procedures will 

also help students understand a number of key concepts in literary theory. The 

evaluation of the underlying principles and approaches will be carried out by 

focusing closely on a range of literary texts. 

HXE 109/3 

ENGLISH LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE 

This course aims to equip students with a compendium of critical and analytical 

strategies to enable them to read and interpret literary texts across a wide range 

of genres and periods. To achieve this aim, students will be exposed to some 

basic ideas in linguistics, in particular those that can facilitate their 

understanding of the form and structure of texts. Understanding texts in this 

manner is crucial as the formal organisation of texts contributes to the creation 

and circulation of meanings in society in a number of ways. This course also 

hopes to develop an awareness in students of the importance of reading as a 

broader process, one that would enable them to relate their close readings of the 

text to “readings” of the world around them. 

HXE 110/3 

MODERN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE 

This course comprises two main components, namely selected works and 

modern short stories. 

The first component introduces students to the origin and growth of the English 

novel and the main trends in modern novels. Students will be given selected 

works ranging from the 18th century to the present day for study and comment. 

The course analyses and evaluates the works prescribed. 

The modern short stories component is designed to study the short story as a 

genre. The course will examine the short story as an independent art form and 

study its individual characteristics. It will also deal with the themes, situations, 

characters and denouements found in the stories studied. The course will deal 

with the appreciation of various types of modern essays with emphasis on 

lucidity, precision and sobriety. 

HET 123/4 

A STUDY OF LANGUAGE 

The primary objective of this course is to provide a broad understanding of 

human language and of the methods and techniques employed by linguists in 

arriving at that understanding. This comprehension would require an 

exploration of the major sub-fields of linguistics such as syntax, phonetics and 

phonology, semantics, morphology, socio-linguistics, to name a few. 

Essentially, the course will touch on a wide spectrum of what constitutes 

language. 

82

HXE 201/4 

REPORT WRITING AND EDITING IN ENGLISH 

The course focuses on the various aspects of report writing and the skills of 

editing. 

In the report writing component, students learn about various types of reports, 

techniques for collecting data in preparation for writing a report and how to 

write reports effectively. 

The editing component covers a wide range of techniques required to edit texts 

adapted from books, journals, newspapers, students' reports etc. It also provides 

interesting practice in various aspects of editing. 

HXE 205/4 

LANGUAGE LEARNING THEORIES 

The course will introduce students to various theories on language acquisition 

expecially the behaviourists’ views of Skinner and Pavlov; the view of cognitive 

psychologists such as Piaget and Vygotsky; Chomsky’s nativist view etc. 

The second part of the course will deal with the second language learning 

theories such as Contrastive Analysis, Error Analysis, Krashen’s Monitor 

Theory and Selinker’s Interlanguage Theory. The direct and indirect 

implications of these theories will also be examined. 

HXE 208/3 

19TH AND 20TH CENTURY POETRY 

This course will trace the rise of Romanticism as a counterpoint to Classicism 

and the Enlightenment through the study of the works of some representative 

Romantic poets to highlight the Romantic reaction and resistance to the 

depersonalized, objective and rationalistic tendencies and world view prescribed 

by the Enlightenment and the formalized, structured and prescriptive aesthetics 

of Classicism. The second part of the course will then go on to examine the 

advent of the modern ‘era’, the watershed that marks the transition from the 

relative stability and harmony of Romanticism and Victorianism to a world 

marked increasingly by a sense of disorder and fragmentation. This change will 

be studied in relation to First World War Poetry and the works of selected 

Modernist/Post Modernist poets. 

HXE 209/4 

LINGUISTICS 1 (PHONOLOGY AND MORPHOLOGY 

OF ENGLISH) 

This course is divided into two parts: 

The first part of the course deals with phonetics and phonology. It concerns the 

mechanism of speech production i.e. how the sounds are produced, classified 

and transcribed as well as phonological description and analysis of speech 

sounds both at segmental and supra-segmental levels. 

83

It also explores various theoretical approaches to the study of phonology i.e. 

Functional and Generative approaches. 

The second part of the course deals with morphology. It includes the study of 

morphemes, the internal structure and forms of words in English. 

It examines the different forms of morphemes and the ways they combine in 

word formation. It also discusses inflectional affixes and the main 

morphological processes. 

HXE 210/3 

19TH AND 20TH CENTURY NOVELS 

A selection of 19th century novels will be examined from the point of view of a 

developing formal interest. A selection of 20 th century novels will be seen from 

the point of view of a more self-conscious interest in narrative technique. 

HXE 211/3 

LITERARY CRITICISM 

This course will introduce students to current critical approaches to the reading 

and interpretation of literary texts. It will equip students with the necessary 

critical skills to examine and interrogate the discourse features of literary texts 

and in the process give reasoned and critical accounts of their interpretations. 

As such the focus in this course is on the author/text/reader dynamics in the 

reading and interpretive process and hence students will be introduced to some 

representative critical reading strategies/theories of reading that relate to issues 

of subjectivity seen in the context of language as a social/discursive practice. 

This will then be elucidated through the analyses of a variety of literary texts to 

demonstrate that such factors not only determine and shape the reading and 

interpretive process but can also be evoked to challenge and question the 

ideological underpinnings of literary texts. Students will also be introduced to 

the more traditional New Critical/Formalist approaches to analysis as a point of 

reference to highlight the differences between traditional approaches to literary 

criticism and current approaches that focus on the socially discursive nature of 

language use. 

HEK 212/3 

ORAL COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC SPEAKING IN 

ENGLISH 

The course aims to help develop the students’ public speaking skills. It is 

divided into two parts. The first part provides the theoretical framework for oral 

communication and public speaking in English while the second part deals with 

the actual mechanics of how to prepare and deliver speeches for various 

occasions and situations. Students will be exposed to both the academic and the 

practical aspects of public speaking. The course covers a wide range of topics 

including the art of communication (public speaking), the development of 

confidence, professional speech preparation, professional techniques of 

presentation, vocal dynamics and speech delivery, aspects of non-verbal 

communication and the use of humour in speech presentation. 

84

HET 213/4 

STRUCTURE AND GRAMMAR IN ENGLISH 

This course deals with how the English language works. It is a course on the 

study of English grammar and its usage in the language. 

The course will introduce the student to an appraisal of the value of grammar in 

present day education. The main component of the course will be an analysis of 

the English language. This analysis will present a method of describing the 

grammatical structure of English sentences. The system of grammatical analysis 

is influenced by the systemic grammar of M.A.K. Halliday. Apart from the 

elements of grammar and analysis of grammar, the course will also deal with 

English Syntax, i.e. the rules for constructing sentences out of words. 

HXE 300/3 

ELIZABETHAN LITERATURE 

This course examines two major literary ‘movements’ associated with 

Elizabethan England that is Shakespearean literature and Metaphysical Poetry. 

The study of selected texts will relate the issues and themes embedded in the 

texts to the larger concerns of the Renaissance in Europe in terms of how these 

texts reflect and embody prevailing world views and ethos. In doing so, the 

extent to which the texts reflect and mirror the concerns of current readers and 

society would be discussed too. Of particular interest would be the nature of the 

human condition and characterization; ethics and morality and the relationship 

of man and his Creator 

HXE 301/3 

FROM MILTON TO JOHNSON 

A sketch of the social and intellectual background of Augustan literature will be 

followed by a close study of selected texts by the major authors. Attention will 

be given to the classical and neo-classical views of literature and to aspects of 

prose and verse satire. The rise of the novel as a literary form in the earlier 18th 

century will also be studied. 

HXE 302/4 

LINGUISTICS 2 (SYNTAX AND SEMANTICS OF 

ENGLISH) 

The course covers the study of syntax and semantics. The component on syntax 

covers both structural syntax and transformational syntax and it examines how 

words combine to form sentences and the rules that govern the formation of 

various types of clauses and major sentence types. The syntactic functions of 

verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs (and their grammatical functions such as 

adjuncts, disjuncts and conjuncts) will be discussed. Other areas such as phrase 

structure rules and transformational rules, especially the fronting of constituents, 

will also be covered. 

The semantic component of the course deals with the main approaches to 

meaning in languages. 

85

It covers word meaning, speaking to perception, cognition and the pragmatic 

functions of language. Concepts such as ambiguity, presupposition, 

parapharasing, synonymy, antonymy, polysemy, anomaly, connotation, 

denotation and componential analysis will also be discussed. 

HXE 305/3 

MALAYSIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH 

This course will introduce students to new creative works written in English. 

The course will examine the concerns, interests, experiences and themes 

represented in the various works by literary artists from Malaysia and Singapore. 

The course will explore how local needs, contexts, history, culture and 

economics influence creative efforts. A special focus of the course will be the 

examination of different styles of writing, as well as the specific ways in which 

the English language has been used creatively in different contexts, reflecting 

different needs and visions. 

HXE 306/4 

SOCIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE 

The course deals with the study of language in relation to social factors i.e. 

social class, educational level, types of education, age, ethnic origin etc. It also 

includes studies which relate variation in the language used by a group of people 

to social factors e.g. code-switching and code-mixing in bilingual or 

multilingual communities etc. 

The course also examines the correlation between linguistic behaviour and the 

psychological processes underlying that behaviour. This involves the study of 

the mental processes and comprehension of speech e.g. how memory limitations 

affect speech production and comprehension and the study of how human beings 

learn language, first and second language acquisition, theories of language 

learning, motivational or attitudinal factors that affect language learning and 

language impairment. 

HXE 308/4 

ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES 

The course discusses the definitions, claims, perspectives and the origin and 

development of ESP. It will focus on the ESP learner, the ESP teacher and ESP 

methodology and materials. Needs analysis will be discussed in detail as an 

aspect of course design. The course will also include case studies in ESP 

materials development. 

HXE 309/4 

TESTING AND EVALUATION 

The course provides an overview of the various approaches to language test 

design, with a focus on the principles and procedures of communicative 

language testing, especially test design, construction, administration, scoring and 

interpretation. 

86

Students will be exposed to current developments in language testing and 

program evaluation. It aims to help language teachers to write better tests. 

HET 324/4 

COMPUTATIONAL LINGUISTICS 

The course introduces students to natural language processing (NLP) by means 

of this relatively new discipline which combines the field of linguistics and 

computer science. It will deal with the various applications of NLP, focusing 

specifically on text-generation system, machine translation system and 

computer-assisted language learning. Linguistic analysis at different levels of 

text will be looked at. It will examine how a text can be interpreted morphosyntactically 

by listing out the various categories of the structure of a text. At 

other levels, text interpretation will focus on functional structure, logic, 

semantics and pragmatics. Students will also have the opportunity to explore 

the area of corpus linguistics, which is concerned with the description and 

explanation of the nature, structure and use of language. 

HPL 310/3 

INDEPENDENT STUDY 

i. Introduction 

This course takes the form of a research paper. It is offered to students 

who are interested in exploring and examining issues or topics / 

specific fields in their area of specialization, with the expectation that 

the field of research can be of help to students who plan to pursue their 

studies. 

Students will be supervised by an academic staff whose expertise 

matches their interest. The supervisor will also be responsible for 

assessing the students’ work. 

ii. 

Course Structure 

The course is offered in both semesters of an academic year. The 

duration of the course is one semester. Only students in Year 2 and 

Year 3 are encouraged to register for this course. 

The Independent Study Course is offered to: 

a) Humanities, BATI and ELLS students who are interested in 

specific topics within their own field of studies. 

b) Students who are not attached to the School of Humanities but 

who are interested in exploring and looking into fields or 

disciplines related to the Humanities. 

87

i. Course Syllabus 

The course syllabus depends on the topics/issues/fields chosen by 

students and also on suggestions made by the lecturer supervising the 

students. Although the supervisor will determine the form of work to be 

submitted by the student for assessment, in general, the student is 

expected to undertake library research and produce: 

a. an assignment approximately 2,500 words in length, or 

b. a final report at the end of the semester, or 

c. 3 short essays based on the sub-topics of the research, or 

d. a complete bibliography of the topic of research, or 

e. all the above requirements. 

ii. 

Course Objectives 

The objective of the course is to encourage students to explore 

fields/issues which are of interest to them. Students, especially those 

from the Humanities, BATI and ELLS programs who plan to pursue 

their studies are expected to be able to gain basic knowledge in their 

areas of research through this course. Students who are not under the 

School of Humanities are encouraged to explore fields and disciplines 

related to the Humanities which are in line with their interest. 

In addition, the course can be taken into account to complete the 

number of units to satisfy graduation requirements. 

v. Registration 

For the purpose of registration: 

a) students could consult the lecturer of their choice. 

b) students could consult the administrative staff. The interest of 

the student will be identified, and he or she will be directed to 

a lecturer whose interest or area of specialization closely 

matches that of the student. 

vi. 

Implementation 

a) Students will be supervised by a lecturer. 

b) The course does not involve a Second or Third Assessor / 

Examiner nor an External Examiner. 

c) Supervisors will be those who are interested in specific topics, 

fields of expertise or research. 

d) The course can be offered as a Core, Elective or Minor course. 

88

e) The lecturer/ supervisor will meet the student consultation at 

least once every fortnight, or through appointments. 

f) The lecturer/supervisor will need to prepare a list of suggested 

reading materials/references to enable students to find suitable 

topics within their area of research. 

g) The supervisor will submit the final marks to the 

administrative office in the form of either grades or marks, as 

is the usual practice. 

h) There is no mid-semester or final examination. 

i) Students are allowed to register only once for the course. 

j) There should be no more than 5 students to a supervisor. A 

student is not allowed to work on the same topic as another 

student. 

k) The course can be conducted in Malay or English. 

vii. 

Topic and Form of Independent Study 

Students are free to choose topics which are suitable and which are 

approved by the supervisor. Students are encouraged to choose areas of 

research which are appropriate and which can be of some benefit to 

them if they plan to pursue further studies. 

89

6. SCHOOL FACILITIES/ EQUIPMENT/ LABORATORY/COUNSELLING 

The School also provides support facilities to enhance students’ learning. The 

facilities are: 

a) Resource Room 

b) Microfilm Room 

c) Language Lab 

d) Computer Lab 

e) Audiovisual Lab 

f) Interpretation Lab 

g) GIS Lab 

h) Cartography Lab 

i) Geography Physical Lab 

j) Hydrology Lab 

7. GENERAL INFORMATION ON PROGRAMME/SCHOOL 

(i) 

Awards and Dean’s List 

During their study, students have the opportunity to win a number of 

awards at the School as well as at the University level. At the School 

level student who achieve 3.50 - 4.00 GPA will be in the Dean’s List. 

In addition, graduating students who have maintained 3.50 and above 

CGPA have an opportunity to win the Dr. Ranjeet Bhagwant Singh 

Award, Honorary Award as well as the Malaysian History Association 

Award. 

At the University level, students who are able to maintain a 3.50 and 

above CGPA will be able to win a number of awards including the 

Chancellor’s Award. Besides that, the students from the School of 

Humanities who represent the University or the School will be given a 

Certificate of Appreciation. 

(ii) 

The Humanities Society 

The school has one main student body which is The Humanities Society 

(Persatuan Ilmu Kemanusiaan). All School of Humanities students are 

automatically members of the society. In addition, the students from 

the School of Humanities can also be members of the following 

societies:- 

a) Malay Language Society 

b) English Language Society 

c) History Society 

d) Geography Society 

e) Literature Society 

f) Translation and Intepretation Society 

90

The Humanities Society has a President as well as a Vice 

President, and all the other societies have their own President. 

The advisor of The Humanities Society is the Deputy Dean 

(Academic and Student Development) whilst the advisor of 

each of the other societies is the Programme Chairperson or 

any other faculty member of the relevant section. 

(iii) 

Study Abroad Scheme 

Universiti Sains Malaysia offers a Study Abroad Scheme to first and 

second year students who are interested in spending a semester at 

various institutions abroad. This scheme will expose students to 

international experiences by allowing them to transfer credit of subjects 

and at the same time allowing them to transfer course credits obtained 

in institutions abroad. Further information on the scheme is available 

at the International Relations Office, Academic Affairs Department, 

USM. 

(iv) 

Academic Advisors 

To assist in dealing with student related issues, every student is 

assigned an Academic Advisor who is a lecturer. The responsibility of 

the Academic Advisor is to provide advice on the registration of 

courses during the registration period at the beginning of every 

semester and to deal with all matters pertaining to the students’ studies. 

In addition, Academic Advisors are required to aid students in 

resolving problems that could impede their academic achievements. 

They liaise with relevant departments and interested parties on the 

students’ behalf. The Deputy Dean (Academic and Student 

Development) is responsible for all matters on policy and student 

affairs (including bursary awards, practical training, students leave and 

academic advice). 

USM Website 

www.usm.my 

School of Humanities Website 

http://www.hum.usm.my 

Courses Schedule Website 

http://www.hum.usm.my/rangkakursus/cai/jadwak20023.htm 

91

PLAN SCHEDULE FOR GRADUATION 

Core [T] Minor [M]/Elective [E] University [U] Pre-Requirements [Z]/Audit 

[Y]/Others 

Required Unit Unit Unit Unit 

Semester 

Course 

Code 

Unit Grade Semester 

Course 

Code 

Grade 

Semester 

Course 

Code 

Unit Grade Semester 

Course 

Code 

Unit 

Grade 

92

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93

IC/Passport Number - School of Humanities, USM

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