VU is finally closing Dutch studies
Now that it has been established that the VU University in Amsterdam will scrap the study of Dutch, MPs want Minister Van Engelshoven to intervene. But she leaves the decision to the VU and focuses on a broader approach to the problem.
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As early as September, it became clear that the Dutch specialization of the bachelor literature & society at the VU was in danger of extinction: only six students had registered. The language, literature & communication department came up with a plan for a shortened bachelor's degree that students could follow in addition to another bachelor's, news site Advalvas reports today, but that was not supported by the university board.
Unequal
Collaboration with the much larger department of the University of Amsterdam also turned out not to be an option - partly because it would have been too unequal - and so the program is officially closed.
Politicians reacted indignantly last weekend. CDA Member of Parliament Harry van der Molen calls it 'impossible' in the AD if it is accepted that universities no longer offer the study of Dutch. 'So far the minister has refused to intervene, but that has to change.' Paul van Meenen of D66 also thinks that we 'really lost our way' if Dutch is no longer offered. But in an interview with Advalvas today he denies that it is the fault of 'The Hague'.
Bundling
Minister Van Engelshoven had previously said that she does not want to keep programs that are in danger of disappearing alive at all costs, and last weekend's news did not change her mind. Anyone who wants to study Dutch in Amsterdam can always contact the UvA, she said via a spokesperson. 'If there are two universities in a certain region that offer Dutch studies, while the enthusiasm for this is low, it makes sense to bundle knowledge, skills and students at one university.'
This does not alter the fact that the minister is also concerned about the declining number of Dutch students and is doing her best to increase the intake. Last year, for example, the 'National Platform for Languages' was set up and this year will present a 'Delta Plan' to combat the declining interest in language studies. In addition, the KNAW science association is working on a problem analysis for the study of Dutch, led by historian Lex Heerma van Voss.
Waning
Especially in view of the teacher shortage, the waning interest in Dutch is cause for concern. The ministry is in consultation with teacher training colleges and universities to see how they can attract more students. What exactly is being done, a spokesperson could not say at this time.
According to VU Humanities dean Michel ter Hark, more money is needed above all. “It is a fact that students' interest in Vondel, Cats and Willem Frederik Hermans is declining,” he says to Advalvas. 'If you want to combat this, the ministry must make more funding available for Dutch and make drastic changes to the pre-university education subject of Dutch. A lobby such as 'study technology', but for the alpha direction, would be appropriate.'
