The Faculty of Arts Renewal Strategy
2008
Languages Initiative
Dear colleagues,
The Faculty of Arts is reviewing its language programs to ensure it is addressing the needs of all language students in the University. These needs are diverse: students studying languages are either taking language as part of an Arts degree, as a component of another degree or through the Diploma of Languages. Our students enter University language subjects with varying levels of proficiency. This provides a challenge to both teaching staff and students.
A welcome outcome of the Melbourne Model is that more students than ever before are enrolling in languages at Melbourne. For instance, we have a growing number of students from other faculties who want to continue the language they studied at school as well as students who are beginning a language at University.
This review is about finding improved ways of teaching languages to different cohorts and exploring new pedagogical methodologies and modes of delivery. In looking at current language programs offered, the review will be seeking staff expertise to understand best practice in language acquisition both locally and internationally and will seek international expert advice.
The review will also consider:
- the Faculty's business plan in order to set realistic parameters for investment in language programs;
- current and potential markets for both basic and advanced language acquisition;
- the range and depth of current programs and other ways to deliver languages, such as through partnerships; and
- the important relationship between language acquisition and deep specialisation in research.
The Review of Language Programs is being managed by a Steering Group. Joining me on this group is the Dean of Arts, Professor Mark Considine (Chair); Head of the Asia Institute, Professor Abdullah Saeed; Head of the School of Languages and Linguistics, Professor Gillian Wigglesworth; the Arts Faculty General Manager, Ms Sarah Griggs.
The Steering Group will be supported by consultants from University of Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs (MCCP) led by Ms Mariann Fee, the Executive Dean. MCCP's brief is to develop an options paper for consideration by the University, Faculty and Schools.
The planned completion of the options paper is at the end of May 2008 and will be followed by an extensive discussion process with opportunities to make comments, submissions and suggestions across the University
We look forward to the opportunity to enhance the pivotal role of languages at the University into the future.
Peter McPhee
Provost