This is one European language that’s been relatively quite popular in the country. German is more popular than the other languages offered at the university; the department receives two dozen applications every year.
Aside from Elphinstone College has been a pioneer, offering a Bachelor’s degree in the language. It’s where Dr. Meher Bhoot first discovered her love for the language.
After pursuing her Ph.D. in German, Dr. Bhoot knew she wanted a career in academics. Since 2005-06, when the university spearheaded a linguistic initiative, Bhoot has been part of the German department. “Unlike other programmes, here all the papers are taught in German,” says Dr. Bhoot. The Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees allow the same entry and exit option at the end of three years. “In the second year, the students can also study another foreign or regional language or even a vocational course.”
In addition to language and literature, students learn about culture studies, civilisations, translation, business correspondence, tourism and history of art.
“People interested in literature get acquainted with art,” she says. “There are students who have gone abroad and pursued their Master’s in art and have associated with museums in Oxford [Oxford University Museum of Natural History].” There’s no need for a person to have prior knowledge of German to enrol. “We start from scratch.”
