Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is further solidifying its reputation as a World-Class University. This commitment is evident through its ongoing cross-cultural exchange program, operating under the U-to-U scheme, between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the National University of Singapore (NUS). This exchange is divided into three main parts: online sessions via Zoom Meeting Room, offline activities in Yogyakarta, and offline engagements in Singapore. This exchange program began in early June and concluded in mid-October 2023.

This year, 24 participants participated in this exchange, including 10 English Department students from UGM and 14 students from NUS enrolled in various study programs. The participants from UGM are Anisa Sofiana, Anis Daika, Aulia Muchtarom, Gabriella Herma, Jesse Puspita, Leni Cahya, Maulita Shinta, Mellyana Nugky, Misma Daud, and Nur Aini Putri. This exchange program is an integral part of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Independent Learning Program (MBKM), coordinated by the English Department within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. On the NUS side, it is managed by the Impact Experience (IEx) program. The supervisors assigned to this program are Alvanita, M.Ed., and Rahmawan Jatmiko, M.A., at UGM, while Miguel Escobar, Ph.D., oversees the NUS side of the exchange.

This exchange program aims to enrich students’ knowledge, particularly those enrolled in the “Introduction to Multiculturalism through Folklore and Mythology” course. Throughout the program, students not only learn how to foster intercultural dialogue but also gain insights into art and environmental issues. A primary objective is the creation of a digital archive for the art and environmental communities. Participants in this exchange also collaborate with two local communities, Balai Budaya Minomartani and Tactic Plastic, working closely together from September 24th to 29th, 2023, following extensive discussions during the online sessions.

Furthermore, during their time in Singapore (8-11 October 2023), participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fast-paced and multicultural environment of Singapore. They attended classes led by several distinguished lecturers, including Dr. Priza Mahendraputra, Erica Soh, Miguel Escobar, Ph.D., and Dr. Kiven Strohm. In addition, Dr. Daniel Ps Goh, Vice Dean of NUS College, warmly welcomed the participants during their visit, expressing his hope that this exchange would continue to bring mutual benefits to both universities.

It’s worth mentioning that this exchange program has been running for around a decade, beginning as part of the Multiculturalism and Interculturalism classes at UGM and NUS, respectively. However, the COVID-19 epidemic has prompted a three-year shift to virtual exchanges. This year marks a return to in-person exchange. Moreover, this year’s program takes on a new form as an integral part of the MBKM and IEX initiatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by: Alvanita

Credit photo:

@thwhoai (Nguyen Thu Hoai)

@nuscollege

Misma Ro Daud, Anis Daika, Rahmawan Jatmiko

The Student Conference on English Literature and Linguistics, StuCELL 2023, was successfully held at Universitas Gadjah Mada on October 3-4, 2023. StuCELL is an annual conference that supports those who are interested in doing research within the field of English Literature and Linguistics. This conference gives room for networking and discussion, which is especially valuable for new students seeking experience in this field. In addition, all participants were given the opportunity to hone their skills by submitting their best papers on the topic of “Diversity and Representation: Addressing Issues of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality in Linguistics and Literature.” As such, all participants are encouraged to express their viewpoints and contribute to the critical discussion that will take place, while also gaining insights from each other’s experiences in order to broaden their understanding of diversity and representation.

First day of StuCELL 2023 on October 3 was started off with the opening speech from Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si (Dean of the Faculty Cultural Sciences), Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A. (Head of the English Department), and Mahdi Ismail Syariati (Coordinator of the Committee). The first session started with the first keynote speaker, Dr. Leah Gerber, a senior scholar in literature, translation, and interpreting studies officiated in Monash Intercultural Lab (MIL), Monash University, Australia. She presented a paper centered around the topic of  “Addressing Race, Gender, and Identity in Translated Literature.” Dr. Leah Gerber thoroughly explored theoretical advancements in the field of translation studies, with a particular focus on cultural, gender, and post-colonial perspectives. She also highlighted the practical applicability of these theories through real-world instances, such as the translation of prominent political figures like Trump, controversies like the Amanda Gorman translation, and translation challenges in culturally diverse communities during the Covid-19 pandemic in Australia.

Prof. Manneke Budiman, M.A., Ph.D., the second keynote speaker and a professor in Literature Department, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia, commenced the second day of StuCELL 2023 by delivering a lecture revolved around the topic of “Literature in a Polarized World: Can Literature Still Talk About Difference?” During his session, Professor Manneke Budiman, M.A., Ph.D., explored the influence of globalization and digital technology on society and culture while pointing out the homogenization of culture and the lack of diversity due to the widespread consumption of identical media and ideas.

Prof. Manneke Budiman, M.A., Ph.D. proposed that writers, particularly those affiliated with the modernist school, should actively resist conforming to mainstream conventions. Instead, they should position themselves on the margins — maintaining their independence and offering a critical viewpoint. The significance of literature in this context is emphasized, as it is regarded as a fortress against societal madness and a means to safeguard culture and civilization. Moreover, Professor Budiman underlined that literature is not restricted to the margin but rather occupies an intermediate space.

During this conference, there were a total of eight teams scheduled to present their best research papers, which were divided over the course of two days. Each presenter was allotted a 20-minute time slot to articulate their ideas and engage in a question-and-answer session involving both the audience and fellow presenters. In addition, this session was conducted both offline and online, as StuCELL 2023 aimed to provide equitable presentation opportunities for the esteemed participants, regardless of their geographic location outside Yogyakarta. Moreover, the papers selected from this event would be published in reputable academic journals accredited by LEXICON and SINTA.

 

 

Written by: Wibisono Aji, English Studies Programme, 2020

Proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.