Dear David,
I think many colleagues would be willing to write to the VC in defence
of German at QUB, and, so that we don't rely solely on anecdotal
evidence or chance contacts, it would help if you could provide a short
document making clear the health of the department, recruitment figures
and prospects, relations with schools where German is taught (and
possible impact of closure on their teaching), and ways in which German
is integrated with allied subjects in your School. The removal of one
language from a School will weaken the School as a whole. It's also
worth stressing your department's research record.
I'm very grateful for Frank Finlay's original email, and hope he will
continue to monitor the situation nationally.
May I also draw colleagues' attention to the British Academy's recent
report 'Language Matters', available via http://www.britac.ac.uk/ ?
Best wishes
Ritchie Robertson
David Robb wrote:
> Thanks Gisela!
> We're mounting a campaign and any support (e.g. letters to the VC) would be greatly
> appreciated. We've already gathered considerable support from the grammar school
> teachers here in Northern Ireland and of course from our own students.
> We'll keep you all posted on developments.
> Dave
>
> Dr. David Robb
> Head of German Studies
> School of Languages, Literatures and Performing Arts
> Queen's University of Belfast
> Belfast BT7 1NN
> Tel. 028 90973341
>
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