The undergraduate studies in Latin and Greek are being withdrawn from the University of Lund. This was decided by the board of the humanities and theology in December.
– I was almost counting on it. But it is sad. It seems strange to withdraw a subject that has existed throughout the University’s whole history, says Latin student Ellen Fröh.
The sword of Damocles has long been hanging over Latin and Greek at the University of Lund. Today came the death-blow. The board of the humanities and theology decided to withdraw the undergraduate studies in both languages already next year. Only those who are already studying these subjects will be allowed to continue their studies.
– It is hard to know what to think of this. In the long term it isn’t economically possible to offer courses with so few students. But it feels strange when a whole university education disappears, says Ellen Fröh who this terms takes the A-course in Latin and previously has studied Greek.
Research kept
Ellen Fröh thinks that the withdrawal says a lot about the university of today.
– I had expected that students would think about theirs studies also in their spare time. But now it feels more like your studies are separated from what you are doing in your spare time. It feels like being in upper secondary school again, she says.
There is still a possibility for the two languages at the university, though. The research in both subjects is kept. With that, there is a chance to start up undergraduate studies again if there is an increased interest.
– We have decided that vi shall labour for resuming the courses in Latin and Greek as soon as possible. To withdraw these courses is not a decision we have wished for, says Jan Svensson, dean of the humanities and theology.
500 places withdrawn
There are cut downs even beyond the classical languages. In total 500 full time study places has to go next year. The course in language technology is being withdrawn for good.
– It started only a few years ago. It is sad that there has not been time for it to be established. But the course was not the success we had expected, says Jan Svensson.
Moreover, many places in English, ethnology, human ecology and archaeology will disappear. But in those cases it is not about a withdrawal of the whole subject.
Less mentor meetings for the students
Furthermore, the mentor activity which according to several studies have led to improved results for the participants, is affected. Next year the grant is cut down by around 30 %.
– It will lead to less meetings for the student. But we will still be able to keep this system, says Jan Svensson.
Translation: Emmy Kafle
