Bangalore University to set up centre for foreign languages

Preparations are in full swing to make Bangalore University the centre of global languages. The varsity has sent a proposal to the state government in this regard.

“There will be a change in the nomenclature of the department. The number of courses, particularly foreign languages, will increase,” said a senior official from Bangalore University.

The varsity will offer courses in spoken languages—Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. BU will offer a one-year postgraduate diploma in rural management, communal harmony and social peace. A four-year BA degree in criminology and correction administration has been proposed. “We are waiting for the state government’s approval, after which the centre may approach the embassies for their support,” said Dr K Eresi, chairman of the department of foreign languages.

The proposals were submitted in December 2010 and the BU is awaiting approval from the chancellor. “We are issuing a reminder on this,” said a source. “Although it will take a while, I don’t see any issues,” said Bangalore University vice-chancellor N Prabhu Dev.

At present, at the postgraduate level, there are six students for French and four for Japanese, which was recently started. The BU is also planning to introduce German and Spanish, which might be introduced in 2013-14.

The department of foreign languages has been offering diploma courses and weekend courses for professionals.