I’m forwarding this message on behalf of the University
Council of Modern Languages (UCML), regarding a consultation event on Shaping
the Future of Languages in Higher Education. Please let the Chair of UCML Pam Moores
([log in to unmask]) or her PA
Heather Phillips ([log in to unmask])
know if you will be attending.
Matthew
***************
Consultation
meeting on Shaping the Future of Languages in HE
University of Leeds,
Friday 5th November, 1.30 to 4.30
LG17 Michael Sadler
Building (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/campusmap)
Join us!
UCML members may know that the Council is currently leading
a consortium working together with AULC, LLAS and CILT on a Hefce funded project
to develop responses to the recommendations of the Worton Review of MFL
provision. The central purpose is:
To promote interest, confidence and participation in the
study of languages in HE, uniting academics across the full range of languages,
cultures, disciplinary perspectives and types of provision which we represent,
to articulate and disseminate common messages which underline the strategic
importance of our academic activities, raise our visibility, and highlight the
value of Modern Languages.
Through this project we hope to build greater consensus
across the academic community as regards the shared identity and common purpose
of all those working in languages, in order to lobby more effectively at a time
of major challenges. We need to be in a position to promote persuasive and
accessible messages, both to senior decision-makers and to the wider public. In
order to do so effectively, we want to consult, update you on the progress of
the project, test out ideas and hear your views. We will therefore be holding
consultation meetings, the first at the University of Leeds on 5th
November, and the second (tbc) in the South West.
The invitation is open to all HE colleagues involved in
languages research and/or teaching. Please let Chair of UCML Pam Moores ([log in to unmask]) or her PA
Heather Phillips ([log in to unmask])
know if you will be attending, so that we have some idea of numbers in advance.
Further documentation on the project will be provided at the meeting, but the
following brief outline may help to give some idea of the scope and importance
of this work.
The project’s work is focused on the following themes:
1.
Unity embracing Diversity
Forging a shared ML identity
This covers programmes of study
and the intellectual capital, knowledge and skills that our graduates possess.
Also, ML research, which suffers
currently from limited understanding and a poor reputation.
The aim is to gather arguments
and evidence to make the general case for language study in HE, and to provide
illustration through examples from particular languages and cultures.
2.
Internationalisation and Institutional Agendas
Gathering arguments, case studies
and tools to persuade senior colleagues and policy-makers of our essential
contribution to HE strategies and national/international agendas. Major
emphasis is being placed here on our contribution to student mobility.
3.
Our Relation and Contribution to Society
The focus here is on the
employability of graduates with languages skills, intercultural knowledge and
experience.
We very much look forward to
seeing you there. Do not hesitate to email with any queries.
Dr Matthew
Treherne
Director of
the Leeds Humanities Research Institute and the Faculty of Arts Graduate School
Senior Lecturer in Italian; Co-Director of the Leeds Centre for Dante Studies
Leeds Humanities Research Institute, 29-31 Clarendon Place, University of
Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
Tel: +44 (0)113 34 35636; Fax: +44 (0)113 34 35653
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/lhri
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/italian
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/italian/centrefordantestudies.htm