Delhi University will introduce more language courses as three colleges are getting ready to start advanced diploma and certification courses in East Asian languages. The proposal will be placed before the meeting of the Academic Council on 10th October, with an aim to promote the study of Korean, Chinese and Japanese languages, among others, from the campus.

These colleges, Ramjas College, Hansraj College, and Ram Lal Anand College, have submitted individual proposals to the Academic Council of the university. Ramjas College would add Advanced Diploma in Korean, KP-3. Hansraj College would start a Certificate Course in Chinese, CP-1, and introduce add on Diploma programs in Korean, KP-2, and Japanese, JP-2. The Ram Lal Anand College has worked out Advanced Diplomas in Chinese, CP-3 and Japanese, JP-3.

These courses would be part of the Department of East Asian Studies, which currently oversees several language programs within DU. This proposal follows a recommendation by the Faculty of Social Sciences, which on 7 August adopted the suggestion of introducing East Asian language studies in larger numbers. “The Faculty of Social Sciences recommended these courses at the respective colleges,” read the agenda item that would be presented to the Academic Council for approval.

DU has a long tradition in promoting foreign language education with several affiliated colleges already offering diploma and certification courses in many languages. But now, the advanced diploma and certification courses to be introduced here add to the university’s effort towards meeting the increasing demand for proficiency in East Asian languages in India, particularly in the context of the rising cultural and economic linkages between India and countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.

Once cleared, they will equip their students with specialized education about some of the most strategically important languages in the world and, therefore, would possibly advance the career prospects of these people in international relations, trade, and cultural diplomacy sectors.

The Academic Council is going to deliberate upon several policy proposals and reports cleared by Vice Chancellor. Deciding the fate of these language programs will form an agenda item of this meeting.

This initiative of DU is taken as a step towards academic diversification as well as more preparation of the students towards the new globalized world.