Descriptive Study of Cultural Literacy in English Department of University of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara

Abstract

The students of university supposed to be the agents of change seem still having a lot of efforts to make it happen. The fact found that their cultural literacies are still in need of improvement. This study was aimed to review how far the students’ cultural literacy in English Departments of University of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara was. The data collection technique used was direct observation technique by researchers, discussion through Focused Group Discussion (FGD)

and indirect

observation through questionnaires and equipped with library research. The results of analysis and processing data showed that students’ cultural literacy was dominated by oral literacy. The literacy practice as the research data was mostly through the social media because it was more effective and enjoyable in establishing social relationships. Literacy activities especially

writing were generally carried out only to fulfill the tasks of the lecture. Only a very few were doing the literacy activities for personal interest or talent although a variety media had been provided to allow them to participate in creative writing. It could be noted that the cultural literacy was still not a need for student life. The campus role was really required in promoting students’ cultural literacy. The application of appropriate learning models such as Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) approach could facilitate their cultural literacy. Because this approach provides a variety of learning models to accommodate, harmonize and create the academic habituation of cultural literacy simultaneously.