GLIDES 25th Edition by GLIDES

EditNote or’s Hello, readers!

After a long break, GLIDES is back with an edition especially curated to celebrate English Department’s 25th anniversary this year. Isn’t it amazing how much our department has accomplished in a relatively short time? Personally, I am proud to be a part of our amazing department. I hope you will find something to be proud of about our department as well. In this issue we are highlighting you! All of you! Because the department would be nothing if you weren’t in it. Every single one of us in the department, whether you’re a student or a lecturer, is what makes our department as great as it is now. That’s why we did a survey, we showcased works, we interviewed a lecturer, and even wrote about our feelings as an English Lit student. All of us at Journo Club wish a very happy anniversary for our dear department. Hopefully it will be even better for the next 25 years. Stay safe and healthy,

Kya

Kya Maldini Hill Editor in Chief

by Vera Benita Hernando

It’s not The Same! A

s an English Literature student, I have heard people say this statement to me many times: “Why bother choosing English Literature as your major? If you want to learn English, you can just take an English course instead!” It is not necessarily wrong to say that we are studying the English language. However, seeing from a broader perspective, you will realize that English Literature is more than just “learning English.” The amount of knowledge, abilities, and skills that someone will gain in the course of being an English Literature student is a whole different level compared to a regular English course.

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD SOMEONE SAY THAT MAJORING IN ENGLISH LITERATURE IS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS AN ENGLISH COURSE? OR PERHAPS, THAT STEREOTYPE HAS EVER OCCURRED TO YOUR MIND? WHICHEVER THE CASE, I WILL TELL YOU THAT THAT IS NOT THE TRUTH.

The first main difference between the two is in their lesson. An English course focuses only on the students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills. The tutors will guide them from zero and give them the needed training to enhance their abilities. However, that’s it! The chances are the students are only taught the basics of how to communicate. On the contrary, English Literature covers more aspects than an English course, which includes learning linguistics, literature, history, and even translation. Secondly, the materials in teaching differ as well. English course mainly uses textbooks and dictionaries for its teaching medium. Students will learn from reading passages, hearing conversations, and writing essays. A basic and rigid way to understand a foreign language.

ENGLISH LITERATURE HAS NEVER BEEN AN “EASY” MAJOR. Aside from the curriculum, the way of teaching and learning in the major of English Literature will also push us to become better. As the intermediate language used is English, the students are trained to follow and comprehend each lesson in English. That way, we are more used to using the language in processing all the data and information within our minds. Moreover, papers and presentations are essentially English literature students’ best friends. Fortunately, they will help you in enhancing your writing and speaking skills.

Conversely, English Literature is freer. This major uses various kinds of literary works for its tool of teaching and learning. Ranging from books, novels, dramas, poems to films. Aside from that, the works are treated as objects of analysis as well. English Literature aims to understand not only the language but also the work itself. Thus, in many instances, students are told to analyze literary works. Is it hard? Definitely. But is it fun? Indeed, as well.

The objective of it is to have a further understanding of the position and function of each word. Another example, in the Sound of English, we are trained to understand English from its sound and unique phonetic codes. Interesting, isn’t it?

English Literature aims to understand not only the language but also the work itself.

Furthermore, as their names imply, an English course only cares for the English language. On the other hand, English Literature digs deep into the English language through its history and literature. Therefore, English courses enable individuals to “use” English, while English Literature allows one to “understand” English. In English Literature, students are accustomed to appreciating the language and its literature from within. Hence, providing the chance to not only learn English just to be able to use it but also understanding it from its root. For instance, in BINUS’ syllabus, there is a subject called English Syntax. In this very subject, we learn how to analyze a sentence and dissect it into small components.

In addition, English Literature also has various minoring programs, which are a great way to equip ourselves with the needed skills for future careers. There are four minor streams available in BINUS’ English Literature: Translation, Creative and Media Writing, English for Business, and Teaching. These kinds of skills are not available in English courses. With all the explanations given, do you still hold the same mindset as you were in the beginning? I hope not. May this enlighten you in the fact that English Literature is more than just a “learning English in an English course” kind of setup.

English Literature has never been an “easy” major. The subjects are indeed stressful, and it surely grinds you harder than you ever imagine. Nonetheless, it is worth the price. At the end of the day, you will not only be titled as “a person who is able to speak English,” but you are going to be the “bachelor” of it.

English Department

by Kya Maldini Hill

Through The Eyes of Its Students This year marked BINUS English Department’s Silver Jubilee. In accordance with that milestone, GLIDES have decided to curate an edition for the celebration. This article will feature some opinions of both active students and alumni which they submitted on a survey.Quisque condimentum, leo eget feugiat imperdiet, lorem arcu molestie augue, ut volutpat risus ex at ipsum. Mauris

hroughout the course of 25 years, the English Department has been through a number of developments, including updates on its curriculum as well as the creation of internal clubs. Journalism Club, the people responsible for this magazine, are some of those who enjoy the perks of the English Department’s supportive environment. This encouraging nature of the learning environment is one of the reasons why the department has an impressive list of alumni, two of them being Zilvia Iskandar and Abdul Aziz Turhan Kariko (better known as Comi). The former is a renowned newscaster at Metro TV while the latter is our very own lecturer as well as casually being an award winning musician with Payung Teduh and Logamulia. According to the survey, when asked about the initial reasons for joining BINUS’ English Department, most of the students answered that it was their own choice. They took the decision because of how already passionate they are with literature. Of course, there are those who initially did not choose BINUS as their first choice, but they are glad to be here now. Others were interested in the career prospects of being an English student and the fact that BINUS has some of the most impressive networks out there. Some of the students, like C from B23, said that their reading habits were a big factor. Being an avid reader of Harry Potter, they were inspired by Emma Watson and the fact that she obtained an English degree. entum,

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he department, as it turns out, has such a distinct reputation in the eyes of its scholars. The majority of them feel that BINUS’ English Department is an inclusive environment. Such sentiment was expressed by Feli of B20. She stated that the department is accepting of students regardless of their religion, race, political views, skin colour, sexual orientation, and even those with learning disabilities. Feli added that everyone in the department respects differences, and the students support each other. Another student who anonymously identifies themself as 1403 from B22 stated that the department’s inclusivity

is, as I quoted, a “Big yes”. They feel that all the faculty members are friendly and welcoming. Rini from B21 felt that the inclusivity included the freedom to choose whichever streaming or minor subjects we want based on our preferences since there are a good number of choices. Another point which students absolutely love about their department is, apparently, the lecturers. BINUS English Department lecturers have the right to be proud and excited of this one because the majority of their students regarded them as fun, understanding, objective, supportive, and caring. They feel like the lecturers are very open with their students, willing to discuss and argue points in class, fair in their judgments, as well as understanding students’ personal

problems. An anonymous student from B22 stated that they have never felt so encouraged and supported in their entire life, not until they became a student in our department. The student credited the whole teaching staff for being so accommodating and playing a crucial role in lifting up their spirits as well as maximizing their potential. They even expressed the statement: “This is the first time that I feel totally seen for what I am and what I love doing. My lecturers are the best!” VL from B21 stated that the things she loves about the lecturers in our department is the fact that they are kind, dedicated, and caring. She said, “They can choose not to care about the students or do the bare minimum, but they don’t. I greatly appreciate the effort and dedication they put into teaching us.”

t seems that the sentiment is echoed among the students. From the answers I received in the survey, all the students feel like the lecturers are nothing short of fantastic. I Gde Swastika Arya W, an alumnus even stated that, “They all are unique personalities, not robots only reading scripts from the lesson plans. And they’re also very open minded.” The students also felt close to their educators, even their head of department. A few of them stated that they can “easily confide in them”. They know friends from other departments who do not feel this way or even know who their head of department is. It really is a testament to how BINUS English Department approach their students and build a strong relationship with them. Good luck finding a more solid bunch of people! lacus felis, vel laoreet orci aliquet at. Lorem

hen asked if there are things that they want the department to change, there were quite various answers. Most of them do feel like the department does not have to change that much, but a number of them have some strong opinions. I have made a list of what they are:

1 2 3 4 5 6

They want more fun projects like drama performance. An increase in reading. They want a more proper reading assignment so they don’t have to read a lot of short stories (perhaps a reading assignment of 1-2 books for a semester might be nice? A suggestion worth noting!) They want more film-based discussion topics. Covering broader topics earlier to ensure the students cover all the basics of literature, linguistics, and other elements of English better before they decide on their choice for streaming/minor. Advertise the department more so that we can gain more popularity. Finally, a more flexible way to discuss their exam results. A few of the students want to know where they make mistakes and do not wish to only receive a grade. They want further discussions.

Quite the opinion! Although, to be fair, a comfortable

Lastly, the students have expressed their wish for the

environment could contribute to this ease of

department to stay as the supportive environment

expressing thoughts. The students’ strong views and

they really love. A student from B23 who requested

their willingness to share it stem from their trust and

to be referred to as Cantwell for this article even said,

reliability towards their department.

“Keep being like this, please. Because honestly, you guys are my second family. I don’t know how I would

In addition to everything, our alumni and about-to-be

feel if one day I woke up and the English department

fresh graduates have expressed the things that they

that I know changed one-eighty.”

miss or will miss the most about studying here. They have been longing to step back into the campus,

Students also said the department should keep up its

especially after suffering through the pandemic. They

amazingly close relationship with them. C from B23

felt that they were robbed of spending their last days

stated that the Academic Advisory is helpful because

in our very own Kijang Campus, and they wish to be

the advisors actually conduct real actions instead

able to visit soon.

of just doing formalities. Students also wish the department to keep continuing on being inclusive,

They also miss having hangouts and discussions

loving neurodiversity, and always being open minded

with their lecturers, wishing they could do it again.

individuals.

Laughing and joking around in Kijang and Anggrek were also one of many activities they would remember fondly. Believe it or not, they also miss doing assignments together, especially the annual drama show. The hassle and struggle which they went through together with friends are, apparently, something that truly made a mark in the students’ life.

Happy 25 Anniversary, English Department! th

From us at Journo Club to our dear department, we wish for nothing but more amazing things to come and we thank you for all of the support which has been given to us and everyone in here. It is safe to say the students in our department are very proud to be a part of what we are now. Oh, and one last thing, keep GLIDES running!

This year, the English Department of BINUS will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Being the second home for many students who love reading novels, analyzing plays, and even those who find peace in poetry, it is time for us to know more about our home.

Wiwik Andreani:

A Love Letter for the English Department an Interview by Handiko Wijaya

On this chance, GLIDES have conducted a special interview with one of the department’s lecturers. We introduce you to Dra. Wiwik Andreani., M.Hum. Wiwik: I think because I graduated from an English Department in Satya Wacana Christian University. At that time, I took English under the Faculty of KSS (Teaching, Literature, and Art).

Hi, Ma'am Wiwik. It’s nice to have you today for an interview. Before we begin with the questions, would you like to introduce yourself to the English students who never or haven’t gotten your class yet?

What inspires you to teach for this long? Wiwik: (laugh) OK. Hello everyone, I’m Wiwik Andreani. I’ve been teaching at BINUS University since 1991, so even before our beloved Sastra Inggris was established. At first, I taught basic English for some departments.

Why English, Ma’am? Why not pick and teach something else?

Wiwik: Because I like teaching—precisely sharing knowledge. And at the same time, I also learn a lot from my students, and I’m satisfied when people I’ve interacted with have become successful; meaning that they can become a lifelong learner and share their knowledge with other people. I also believe that value is more important than score. In Indonesian, those two are translated into nilai, but in English, I think they’re quite different. Not only that, but I also think that process is more important than result.

Let’s say if you’re not a lecturer in BINUS, what will you be doing right now?

What is your most memorable moment as a lecturer in the department?

Wiwik: I think I’m still going to be a teacher, well because I like interacting with people. So, working behind the desk is not my priority.

Wiwik: Like my previous answer, I like interacting with people. So, like, the communication, I could learn from other people. So does the lively environment.

Three years after pursuing my degree in Satya Wacana, I had to stop because my father isn’t Indonesian, and the rule back then was that if you married a non-Indonesian man, then your kid wouldn’t be an Indonesian. After that, I was an English teacher for three years, and I tried to be a secretary. But, being a secretary for two years and having a salary that was three times higher, I didn’t enjoy it. After all of that, I went back to Satya Wacana to continue my study. And, I was an assistant lecturer for one semester. Because of that, I was offered to be a lecturer there! But I didn’t accept that offer, because my husband was being stationed in Samarinda, Kalimantan Island. So, I was there for almost six years. Kalimantan was peaceful, but the education there back then was lower compared to Jakarta or the cities in Java Island. Long story short, we moved back to Java Island, and ended up in Jakarta because of my husband’s job.

We’ve been in this work-from-home situation for more than two semesters. What do you miss the most from our department?

Wiwik: I guess I missed meeting my students and my colleague, and also the campus!

What is or are your wish(es) for the English department on its 25th birthday?

Wiwik: I do hope our department could inspire young people to be “hundred percent human”. Nowadays, we know that society 5.0 and technology keep getting advanced to the point where we couldn’t live without technology. We have to be aware that technology is only a tool. So, we as human beings should be the ones to control only technology and not the other way around. And because of our department is social-science department, some people might think that English is not that sexy. So, I do hope that we can make the society aware that when we learn English, we learn its society, language, and philosophical aspect. Through that, we can be more human.

with people, we need to be patient, wise enough, because all students are unique. Most freshmen (B24) think that Language in Use is one of the hardest courses they have ever gotten. Since you’re teaching that course, do you have any advice for them?

If you have one chance to change something from our department, what would you change?

Wiwik: Language in Use is unique. On one side, you need to have a sense of the language, and some regulations can’t be explained, so you need to have the sense. But on the other hand, there are some regulations that should be as they are. In one way, you need to use your logic, but on another hand, you need to follow the rules. You have to read a lot, because by reading, you are costumed to those expressions used by everyone.

Wiwik: Well, our department has been changing a lot, compared to when I was there for the first time. Our department is 25th year, and I think it’s getting better and better.

That’s the end of the questions. Do you have anything to say to our readers, our department students, and anyone else?

Wiwik: We have to be healthy, and at the same time, we have to be sane. Don’t think about problems for too long or being sad for too long. We need to move on fast and continue life.

Can you tell me what the life of Ma’am Wiwik looks like?

Wiwik: I like doing exercise, like jogging, and yoga only once a week. For jogging, it depends on my discipline. It should be every day in the morning, but sometimes I did not do it (laugh). At the moment, I am teaching a compact semester, which is Language in Use. There are only 10 students, but maybe they are still confused of all things, and since we do it online, they are quite passive.

Do you have any advice for our department students who want to be teachers like you?

Wiwik: Being a teacher is a calling, and I agree with it. “If you want to be a great teacher, you must give your heart to your students.” So, it’s not only teaching, but you need to educate them too. So, you’re actually helping the parents, nation, and preparing for the upcoming generation! But, because we are dealing

For example, I’m bad at technology, and this pandemic made me study harder so I could adapt and teach. Ma’am Wiwik is one of a kind. After experiencing some other jobs, she still came back to teach. Perhaps she has found her home in BINUS University. Despite only getting her class in my second semester, I seriously think that Ma’am Wiwik is wise, kind, and really has a huge passion for teaching. For everyone who hasn’t got her class yet, I hope you will soon. And in the meantime, let’s say happy birthday to our beloved English Department!

a short story by Dian Farah Nabila (Part 2) - Part 1 in the 20th edition

The Longing

The sun had set when the front door opened and somebody

entered this narrow place seconds later. Sherry got her head lifted, turned her gaze at the front door. She felt her whole body freezing for a moment when a familiar face appeared. Those sparkling eyes of the brown-haired guy met her deep black eyes. Someone with a sharp nose and plump lips she wished to kiss at least once in a lifetime. Someone with broad shoulders and chest that once used to be her crying spot. A figure that had been in her midnight thoughts these past four years. That quiet evening, everything seemed to be blurry. As if she was blinded by nostalgia by the person before her eyes.

She could feel her heart skip a beat.

The loud sound of the alarm rang, filled all

over the room. Sherry groaned into the soft pillow as she gained her consciousness, her hand automatically darted to the bedside where she usually put the alarm clock. She gazed at it and turned it off real quick.

“Gosh, it’s 3 AM.” She let out a deep sigh.

“That weird dream, again.” She pulled over her

blanket while staring at the ceiling, hoping the dream to be real.

The desire to meet him, talk to him, be by his side

and feel the happiness she used to feel when he was there with her like the old days grew more. And that early morning, she ended up reminiscing the good memories she had with him.

Surprisingly, after all this time the longing was still

there and it haunted her more and more. 14