Latest
DU Beat – Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper
Tag

miranda

Browsing
Arts & Culture

Language Courses at University of Delhi

By

A prestigious institution in the country, the University of Delhi (DU) is a hub for students looking to make a career, and houses the best colleges in the field of science, commerce and arts courses in the country.

The University of Delhi not only offers the mainstream courses, but also offers certificate and diploma courses in languages such as Romanian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian. As the world is turning into a global village and different foreign firms are entering the Indian markets, there are a large number of job opportunities that are being created to tackle the demand by these firms.

There are many factors that one should consider while choosing a foreign language to learn in DU, some of these factors being: difficulty level, personal preference, interest, target country or region, sectors or industries, possible immigration, and future goals, etc. French, Spanish, German, Chinese, and Japanese remain the most sought-after languages for most of the students interested in pursuing foreign language courses in DU. However, in recent years, demand for Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Korean and Arabic has also been on the rise.

Ayush, a Literature student from Kirorimal College who pursued Mandarin language from St. Stephen’s College found the experience to be ‘mixed’ and said, “The faculty was brilliant and I was able to learn the language as well as the culture, since our teachers made sure we celebrated Chinese festivals and devoured Chinese cuisine. Although, it was a task to handle the academics as the exams for the language courses start around ten days before the semester exam. Over all, it was worth it!”

Another student of Philosophy from Miranda House, Rupali Gujral, who pursued Spanish language from Hansraj College stated, “The fees was very feasible and although it did become a little hectic to juggle academics and language course, it was pretty amazing. I would advise students to go for it preferably in the first year itself as it is less tedious then.”

Application forms for the courses can be obtained from the respective colleges. St. Stephen’s College has made their registration process completely online. Colleges release merit lists based on the composite scores of best four subjects studied at Higher Secondary level. Once enlisted in the said merit list, students are required to report to the respective college and complete their admission. Self-attested documents including class 12 marksheets and class 10 marksheet-cum-certificate are required to be submitted along with the fees.

Considering the myriad options that DU has to offer and its wide-ranging opportunities, DU Beat brings you all the information you need about Language courses at DU.

(i) Delhi University – North Campus Colleges

  1. St. Stephen’s College, University Enclave – Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma in French, Spanish, German, Chinese and Japanese. Certificate and Diploma in Arabic, and Certificate in Persian.
  2. Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Pitampura – Certificate in French, German, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
  3. Satyawati College, Ashok Vihar – Certificate & Diploma in French and German.
  4. Daulat Ram College*, Maurice Nagar – Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
  5. Hansraj College, Malka Ganj – Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma in French and German.
  6. Ramjas College, Maurice Nagar, Delhi University – Certificate course in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese & Chinese, Diploma in French, Japanese & Chinese and Advanced Diploma in French.
  7. Keshav Mahavidyalaya, Pitampura, Near Sainik Vihar – Certificate course in French and German.
  8. Mata Sundri College*, Mata Sundri Lane – Certificate course in French, Spanish and German.
  9. Miranda House*, Patel Chest Marg – Certificate course in French, Spanish and German.
  10. SGTB Khalsa College, Mall Road – Certificate course in Spanish, Russian, German, Korean, Chinese and Japanese.
  11. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Karampura – Certificate course in Russian.
  12. Hindu College, University of Delhi – Certificate course in French, German, Spanish and Russian.
  13. Zakir Husain College, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg – Certificate course in Russian.
  14. LakshmiBai College*, Ashok Vihar – Certificate course in Chinese and Japanese.
  15. Kalindi College*, East Patel Nagar – Certificate course in Chinese language.

(ii) Delhi University – South Campus Colleges

  1. Jesus & Mary College*, Chanakyapuri – Certificate course in French.
  2. College of Vocational Studies, Sheikh Sarai Ph-II – Certificate course and Diploma in French and German.
  3. Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Netaji Nagar – Certificate course in French, German and Spanish, and Diploma in Spanish and  German.
  4. Acharya Narendra Dev College, Govindpuri, Kalkaji – Certificate in Russian; Certificate & Diploma in French, Spanish and German & Advanced Diploma in Spanish.
  5. Kamla Nehru College*, August- Kranti Marg – Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma in French
  6. Bharati College*, Janakpuri – Certificate in Russian, French, Chinese and German, and Diploma and Advanced Diploma in French and German.
  7. Sri Venkateswara College, Dhaula Kuan – Certificate course in German and Chinese.
  8. Gargi College*, Siri Fort Road – Certificate course  in German.
  9. Lady Shri Ram College*, Lajpat Nagar 4 – Certificate course in Russian.

*Women’s  colleges of DU.

Certificate level requires candidates to have passed 10+2. For Diploma and Advanced Diploma level, certification and Diploma is required respectively in the corresponding language. Admission will be given on merit or entrance test.

All the colleges offer convenient time slots for the classes on all the days. The fee structure too is pocket friendly  varying from INR 12,000- INR 19,000 depending on the course and time slot one chooses.

It’s time to finally replace your ‘Proficiency in English’ to ‘Proficiency in Spanish/French/any other language’ that you want!

Happy learning!

Feature Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Bhagyashree Chatterjee                                   [email protected]

 

Keep Reading
By
Admissions

DU Releases Third Cut-off List; Percentage Predicted to See a Marginal Decline

By

With less than 20,000 seats left to be filled in the University of Delhi (DU), the principals of colleges affiliated to the varsity said that the cut-offs for admission to courses will see a marginal decline in the third list, on July 7, 2019. According to the data shared by DU, 43,854 admissions have taken place after 778 withdrawals since the beginning of the process. The number of cancellations since the second cut-off stands at 3,082, as reported by India Today.

Check here for live college cut-off updates.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Gargi College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Satyawati College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shri Ram College of Commerce.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Vivekananda College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shivaji College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Kirorimal College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Maharaja Agrasen College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Aditi Mahavidyalaya.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Zakir Husain Delhi College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Ramjas College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Jesus and Mary College..

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Janki Devi Memorial College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Mata Sundri College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Miranda House.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Keshav Mahavidyalaya.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for P.G.D.A.V. College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Lady Shri Ram College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Hansraj College.

Click here to check the third cut-off list for Shyam Lal College.

 

Click below to access the comprehensive third cut-off lists:

Arts and Commerce

Science

B.A. Programme 

Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

Keep Reading
By
Admissions

Live: DU Releases Second Cut-off List; Most Colleges Close Admission to Various Courses

By

The much-anticipated second cut-off list gives aspiring students a chance to either secure their admission, or upgrade colleges.

With 23,780 seats filled out of 63,000 and huge crowds observed in many University of Delhi (DU) colleges in the first cut-off list, all eyes are on the second cut-off list now. Despite some of the highest cut-offs being declared for B.A. Political Science courses, various colleges, including Miranda House, Ramjas and Kirori Mal reported that seats for the programme had been filled up and a second cut-off list would not be released, as reported by The Hindu.

 

Beginning now, DU colleges have begun releasing cut-off lists on their respective college websites. Watch out this space for live news; keep refreshing this article for timely updates.

 

 

Click here to view the complete second cut-off list for Arts and Commerce Courses at DU.

Click here to view the complete second cut-off list for Science Courses at DU.

 

 

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Bhagini Nivedita College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Keshav Mahavidyalaya.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Ramanujan College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Gargi College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for PGDAV College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Shri Ram College of Commerce.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Satyawati College (Evening).

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Kirori Mal College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Satyawati College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Acharya Narendra Dev College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Deshbandhu College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Shyam Lal College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Mata Sundri College for Women.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Janki Devi Memorial College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Vivekananda College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Jesus and Mary College.

Click here to check the second cut-off list for Zakir Hussain Delhi College.

Click here to check the second cut-off for Swami Shradhanand College.

Click here to check the second cut-off for Miranda House.

Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

Keep Reading
By
News

Volunteers Allege Poor Management in the Andhadhun Promotion at Miranda House, Union takes Steps

By

While the event was a huge success, many volunteers had a lot of complaints. The MHSU quickly tried to resolve the issue. 

Actors Radhika Apte and Ayushmann Khurrana promoted their upcoming film Andhadhun on 3rd October at 11 a.m. in the auditorium of Miranda House. They were warmly received by the Principal, faculty, and the students at the auditorium which was packed to capacity with around 400 students attending the event. There were also bouncers, and police men in the auditorium, for security of the celebrities.

However, disagreement later ensued between the volunteers and the Miranda House Students’ Union (MHSU) as the volunteers alleged that the event was poorly managed and many of them were ‘misled’ having been promised that they would get a chance to interact with the celebrities. Amola Shrivastava, a volunteer, said, “Volunteers and audience were misled by the information regarding the event on 3rd October. It was said to be an ‘interactive session’ with the makers of Andhadhun, which ended up being a promotional event. The named and registered members to manage the event were made to dance blindfolded for around two minutes and act surprised upon the arrival of the star-cast (we were not informed earlier about this), that too in front of visually impaired students. At the end the people who were the backbone of the event were not allowed inside the venue and were told off saying that they are done with us. I understand the importance of such events but the way

it was organised and we were treated is categorically unacceptable.”

Aafreen Fathima, a student of B.A. Programme told DU Beat, “We were told that because they are avoiding bouncers and security, human chains have to be formed. We planned out strategies and got instructions for an hour and a half, but then just 10 minutes before they arrived, bouncers came out of nowhere and asked us all to move, and that there was no need of us volunteers.”

The volunteers were also asked to dance blindfolded for two minutes when the actors were being welcomed and “act surprised” upon their arrival. Another volunteer, on the condition of anonymity, told DU Beat, “Everyone, including the presidents, was under the impression that a few members from cultural societies of the college would get to talk to the actors that came today and have a good talk, but that’s not what happened. We were treated horribly, we were screamed at like children during the entire event, we were made to dance blindfolded in a room with visually impaired students and had no time to interact with anyone. After the insensitive nature of this event, we couldn’t even enter the auditorium because it was so overcrowded. It was poor management, terrible organisation, and a very insensitive, not at all thought out event.”

Other kinds of allegations were also raised by the volunteers. A volunteer told DU Beat, “The anchor didn’t acknowledge Radhika Apte’s presence during the event and kept asking girls to hoot for Ayushmann Khurrana.”

A petition was floated by the different cultural societies of the college to be submitted to the Principal. However, the MHSU held a meeting with the heads of the different societies in the college two days after the event. After the event, when DU Beat approached the elected society members for their statements about how the issue was ‘resolved’, they refused to give any statement. The MHSU members also refused to categorically make any statement even after being contacted repeatedly. It was heard that the society members and the MHSU had decided to not issue any statement to DU Beat in an effort to refrain from “unnecessarily stretching things”. However, this cannot be verified as this correspondent was not present at the meeting.

A society President, however, who attended the meeting, talked to DU Beat on the condition of anonymity. She said, “Miranda House has always been a radical space that focuses on democratic decision making. The fact that the students of the college have the ability to put forward their views in response to college activities only bears proof of the same.” When asked about how the MHSU handled the issue, the source said, “The student body confirmed of small glitches in management and the offence that the students complained of was not intended. There was an intense dialogue between the society members and the union and it eventually culminated in a settlement looking at intimating the authorities about the students and their reservations with the event, the rate of such promotional events, and the use of educational spaces for the same. The authorities are ready to listen and redress the issue.” A formal settlement for the issue is awaited by the society members by taking it up with the necessary authorities, said the source, when asked about the future course of action.

When DU Beat approached the Principal, Dr. Pratibha Jolly, she said, “The students collective from all societies worked hard and the event went rather well. I am proud of my girls. Those who try their best and spend immense time and energy on organising events. (It is) never easy to mobilise large number of volunteers at very short notice.”

“The measure of a well managed event is that despite an overflowing auditorium, there was no stampede or discomfort. Students were ecstatic and even those in the middle of the overflowing hall got a chance to ask questions. That several hundred got more time in preference to a few is good. Any big event does have a margin of error that means things not being just as planned each second,” the Principal added.

While it is true that the event could have been better organised, it is equally true that there was great enthusiasm noticed by this correspondent on attending the event among the students in the audience. Yashvi Mehra, a second year student, told DU Beat, “The event was fun. It was cool to watch Ayushmann sing live in front of me.” Sakshi Handa, another student who attended the event, said, “The event was great. It provided us a respite from the everyday college routine. We need celebrities sometimes in college too.” Another audience member, Chandrima Sarma, said, “The Ayushmann Khurrana event was like rain during the month of May-June in Delhi, surprising, amazing, and totally unexpected and full of fun.”

While the disagreement between the society members and the Union has been put to rest, for now, it remains to be seen what further steps the college takes.

Sara Sohail

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Miranda House

King’s and I: Studying International Relations

By

kings miranda
With the onset of the summer vacations, probable activities that are worthwhile start lurking in one’s head. It was then that I came across a flier which read “King’s comes to you! King’s College London and Miranda House welcome you! Apply now!” And it certainly was one of those moments when I realized the perks of studying in a prestigious college like Miranda House and in the University of Delhi.

The King’s College London Summer School at Delhi was organized in collaboration with Miranda House, University of Delhi and Think Education, an educational organization which works to create opportunities for promising students worldwide. It was a high quality and intensive academic programme open to students from around the country. The session 1 was held from 4th June-14th June 2013, and the session 2 from 17th June – 28th June 2013. It was in the first session that I studied the spectacularly interesting subject of International Relations. The concept of a ‘summer school’ being a new one to the students of  the University of Delhi was met with looks of apprehension; yet the KCL session saw around 80 students from various universities in attendance. Our tutor for this course was Dr. Diana Bozhilova, a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Hellenic Studies at KCL, and also a dynamic lady with amazing knowledge in a subject which takes one years to study.

Being an absolute newcomer to the varying subjects of Political Science, Economics, Philosophy, Law and Sociology; most of us had trouble adjusting to the hefty curriculum, but the interactive approach and the alternating group activity plus lecture schedule made it all easily understandable and also enjoyable. We all breezed through heavy duty subjects like ‘global governance, international relations theory, the workings of the United Nations, historical origins of the European Union etc’. One afternoon we would make strategies to overcome problems in the European Parliament, whereas on another, build a clean city from scratch. We saw documentaries and videos ranging from sea piracy to that of a gender bias, which was definitely a wonderful break from the monotonous classroom sessions we all usually have to endure. The experience was one both mentally and emotionally enriching, as I made friends from places I never thought I would, with many of them here to stay. The summer school gave us an excuse to eat out, have fun, discuss theories over coffee and laugh over anecdotes recited by many of us.

The summer school not only taught me what the study of International Relations means, but also helped me decide what I would want to pursue later on in life. It helped me experience what it means to study in a foreign classroom, in a completely different setting and with a vast curriculum. It really helped broaden my horizons; while having fun. This summer school is one experience which I would never forget. Given a chance, I would definitely attend it again. I can proudly say that I returned with a greater sense of self after attending The King’s College London Summer School at Delhi.

Keep Reading
By
News

The New Face Of Delhi University

By

Over the years, Delhi University hasn’t exactly won accolades when it comes to infrastructure in the colleges. Freshers don’t expect much, and soon, like the old students, acclimatize to the infrastructure, or the lack of it. However, it seems that all this is going to change. Various colleges have begun to plan and implement various new projects to give a boost to the infrastructure in the academic session. From Wi-fi enabled campuses to snazzier sports facilities, improved hygiene conditions to better security around campus, Delhi University certainly seems to be on a revamp drive. While the over all atmosphere in the university is one of satisfaction, the occasional murmur of complaint cannot be ignored. DU Beat did a survey on the emerging face of DU.

The Sri Ram College of Commerce seems to be leading this change as it is the first college in DU to have started computer based learning in the classroom with the teachers using laptops and projectors to conduct classes. Says, Professor S. K. Aggarwal, “This new way of teaching is extremely convenient. It is easier to explain and easier for the students to understand as visual aids leave an impact.” The college has provided the laptops to the teachers at a subsidized rate. They are currently trying to tie up with companies like Dell and HP to extend this facility to the students. The students are very happy and welcome the change. Says Priyanka Bagai, a first year student pursuing Bcom honors in the college, “It’s a nice change and it saves a lot of time because now teachers don’t have to write on the black boards. Moreover, everything is there on the screen in the form of bullet points which makes it easier to understand.” The SRCC campus is also Wi-fi enabled and the classrooms are centrally air-conditioned, providing a comfortable classroom environment. Sri Venkateswara College is also making its Science block air-conditioned which they plan to extend to the Arts Block by next year.

The revamp drive is not just restricted to the classrooms. Some colleges have also renovated facilities like auditoriums and canteens that gives a facelift to the image of the college. The Hans Raj College Auditorium has been transformed from a decrepit building to a beautiful hall, which is fully air-conditioned. The auditorium, which wasn’t much to write home about, is now a source of pride for the students.

Hans Raj College, reputed for its brilliant sports infrastructure can boast of having the only electronic shooting range in DU to help hone the sport that has fetched India medals in the Olympics. Another boost to the sports infrastructure will be given by the construction going on for the commonwealth games. SRCC, along with other colleges like Hindu College and St. Stephen’s college in North Campus, has been the center for construction for the Commonwealth Games projects. Various sites have been dug up in north campus, which are to be the sites for the Aquatics Complex and for Rugby events. The University will be allowed to use the facilities after the Games. This will provide world-class facilities for the budding sportspersons in DU.

With sports facilities being adequately taken care of, the question on many students’ minds is that will basic facilities like toilets be given similar treatment. Now some colleges are beginning to look into this matter. The washrooms have been renovated in Miranda House and Hans Raj, much to the relief of the students there. Says a student of Hans Raj College, “The toilets were in a pathetic state and were generally frequented by the dogs in the college more than us. The stench used to be unbearable and they were used as a last resort. Renovation was long overdue.” Not only have they been made clean and hygienic, they have been given a swanky new look, which the students find very appealing. However, students from Sri Venkateswara College, Hindu College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College have expressed their displeasure with regard to basic hygiene conditions in their college. On conditions of anonymity, they have that the problem with toilets is particularly bad as they are filthy and stink. Moreover, it is reported that there is a problem with the water taps as well, as some of them are dry, while some do not turn off and thus inundate the surrounding area with water

The death of a class twelfth student in a posh south Delhi school due to the alleged lack of medical facilities should draw attention to the fact that many colleges on campus face a similar problem. Many colleges on campus don’t have any sort of infirmary or a medical room. The few that do don’t have a trained doctor manning it. Take Jesus and Mary College for example, where the nurse nurse also doubles as a storekeeper. Lady Shri ram College is one of the few colleges where there is a medical room with a trained nurse in attendance. Reputed colleges all over the University do not have such facilities. If they do, none of the students are aware of it, which defeats the whole purpose of the room. Students from St. Stephen’s College, Hindu College, Miranda House, Hans Raj College, Sri Venkateswara College and many others were unable to confirm whether their college had such a facility, let alone provide details. Many a time, students requiring medication for some minor ailment have been unable to find it within their colleges

On the whole, the infrastructure situation in the University has ameliorated, drastically. Even as these measures are being perceived as a definite step in the right direction, but some students feel DU still has a long way to go.

Keep Reading
By