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.