The "Head" Answers

- an interview with Péter Szaffkó -

q: How and when did you get in contact with PCU?

a: In 2000 one of the Vice-Rectors of the newly integrated University of Debrecen asked the Institute of English and American Studies if we were willing to help set up an English-language programme at the Partium Christian University, practically out of scratch. Most of my colleagues were very enthusiastic about the prospect of launching such a project and we quickly said "yes" to the Vice-Rector’s request. As Director of the Institute, it was my duty to start the whole process of putting together the curriculum with Attila Kiss, the only expert in English Studies at Partium. By December 2000 we handed in the "dossier" for accreditation and, having received "green light" for the new major, in the spring of 2001 we could start working out the details of the first entrance exam which took place in July.

q: How did you make the decision to accept to teach at PCU? What was your motivation?

How did your family react upon your decision? Personally, I thought we had been given so much help from colleagues and departments from Great Britain, the USA as well as Canada that it was a great opportunity to return this favour to an institution which was in need of such professional help. I was also challenged by the prospect of running a department in Nagyvárad which has been historically so closely connected to Debrecen. My family were not sure that I would be able to do so many things at the same time but by now it is clear that it can be done… a: I started university at the age of 22 which means that I was 25 when I got married. When you love somebody and that somebody loves you, it is not that difficult to make such a "big decision". And it was a very good decision…

q: As we already know your main subjects at University were English and Russian. What has happened to the legendary Russian?

a: If you mean what has happened to my Russian knowledge, I have to admit that it is gradually fading away. I can still read in Russian and, if necessary, I can enter into very simple conversation but it is far from my English which is a pity. However, what I learnt from Russian culture and literature is still very helpful in my teaching and research as well.

q: Have you ever had a "model" teacher? Who was it? Did she/he influence your present way of teaching?

a: I have always wanted to become a teacher and therefore I have tried to learn whatever I could from all of my teachers. I may have been very lucky because I have had many excellent teachers both in the secondary school and at Kossuth Lajos University and I am not sure if I could acquire everything from them that makes a good teacher. However, I am really grateful to the staff of the former English Department in Debrecen where I studied between 1973 and 1978 because they set a standard that I still try to keep up to.

q: While waiting for the answer after having put a question to us students, what are you thinking about in that "critical moment"? Do you like to uphold tension?

a: I think one of the most important elements of teaching is challenging the human mind. This is why I keep on asking my students. A good question that makes you think and then discuss the matter is sometimes more important than factual knowledge.

q: We have already "tasted" your talent for music at our first Christmas party. Have you dealt with music besides dictionaries?

a: When I was 6 I started to play the piano and continued to do so for a couple of years. For family reasons I had to give it up but when I grew older I decided to learn to play the guitar which was the fashion of the day in the 1960s. I joined a rock group and composed my own music but it was a short-lived venture. I still enjoy playing the guitar when in company but I would need more practicing to do it really well.

q: Is there any difference in your relationship with us and Debrecen students? To what extent?

a: I think there is some difference but basically because I know and teach all the students in Nagyvárad while in Debrecen we have some 700 students and I teach only some of them. Personal contact does make a difference.

q: Have you ever felt (for eg. after correcting our papers) that everything is in vain?

a: I have always been an optimist and I very rarely give up.

q: Is it hard for you to frame the curriculum according to a four-year course instead of five? Is it a disadvantage for us?

a: In fact, the training in Debrecen is also a four-year programme, the fifth year being the teacher-training stage. Therefore, the difference between the curricula in Debrecen and Nagyvárad is not at all so significant. The only major difference lies in the fact that in Debrecen after the first two years students have a greater variety of courses they can choose from but the reason for that is the lack of staff in Nagyvárad.

q: How do you imagine the future of the English major at our University?

a: My dream is that after a few years the Department of English at PCU will have the same programme as our Institute and our students can freely move between the two institutions. q: Why would you suggest for the applicants to come to this new English department? How would you describe it? a: First of all, because I and my colleagues will always do our best to train excellent teachers and experts in English and American Studies who will be able to do their job most properly. Second, it is a great university with a lot of enthusiastic teachers and students who can make a student’s life very special. Finally, the best students in Nagyvárad might have a chance to continue our work in the not so far future.

q: How do you feel on Sunday afternoons when you know that next morning you HAVE TO come?

a: I never feel that I have to go to Nagyvárad. It is my choice and I enjoy teaching at PCU. It is not only a challenge but also great fun in the best sense of the word.

DAZSU & MARCSI