Visit by Prof. Simons and Dr Vismans from the Sheffield School of Languages and Cultures to the English Studies Department

In the spirit of academia and the new collaboration of the English Studies Department (ESD) with the Sheffield School of Languages and Cultures (SLC) for the newly-launched MA programme on Translation and Interpreting, the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield wholeheartedly welcomed Professor Penny Simons, Head of the SLC, and Dr Roel Vismans, Deputy Head and Director of Learning and Teaching, during their visit (June 20-22).

The three-day visit consisted of productive meetings with the Head of the English Department, Dr Paschalia Patsala, the IF Director for Teaching and Learning, Professor Petros Kefalas, as well as International Faculty and English Studies Department staff members. Professor Kefalas and Dr. Patsala presented the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Practices which have been incorporated and built into the ESD, providing an overall account of the Department, highlighting challenges that have been successfully faced. Emphasis was placed on teaching methods employed, the MA and BA student support mechanisms, assessment and feedback as well as on the Sheffield Graduate Profile; ESD staff members contributed by commenting on various practices they make use of in their Modules.

A meeting with Prof. Panayiotis Ketikidis, the IF Director of Research and Innovation, Mr. Nikos Zaharis, SEERC Director, Dr Zoi Tatsioka, the ESD Research Coordinator and Dr Patsala was held focusing on Research Issues and Ethics. Mr. Nikos Zaharis delivered a detailed presentation of the South-East European Research Center, projects that have been undertaken, sources of funding, and, most importantly, the mode of cooperation that the SLC and ESD could design and develop. Overall, both sides are very interested in establishing ongoing research bonds between colleagues in Thessaloniki and Sheffield, which is anticipated to consolidate cooperation by building several research-related communication bridges in the near future.

The visit as well as all meetings ended on positive, encouraging and hopeful notes. As an event it confirmed the necessity of networking and collaboration, team work and progress. It provided both parties with the opportunity to discuss, exchange ideas, provide constructive criticism and feedback as well as establish and promote new programmes and ventures. Most importantly, it confirmed the constant strive for innovation, excellence and maintenance of Higher Education standards.