ACADEMICS protesting over the threat to modern languages atGlasgow University have handed a 7800-signature petition to theinstitution's principal.
Among those who have signed the petition, launched six weeks agoon the internet, is Nobel prize-winning Polish author WislawaSzymborska, who won the 1996 Nobel Prize for Literature.
The petition, which was handed to Professor Anton Muscatelli, hasalso been signed by parliamentarians, diplomats, students andacademics from across the world.
An accompanying letter to Mr Muscatelli from Glasgow academicsstates: "Watching that petition grow over the past six and a halfweeks and seeing who added their names to it has been a fascinating,inspiring and at times moving experience.
"We were heartened and humbled to see who signed, wrote in oradded comments in support ... public figures from across Britain andaround the world, including members of the House of Commons, theHouse of Lords and the Scottish Parliament, Fellows of the BritishAcademy; laureates, including a Nobel prize winner."
The threat to modern language courses is part of a package ofcuts being proposed by the university, which also includes nursingand some adult education programmes.
Since the cuts were publicised, the university has been inundatedwith letters of concern from across the world.
A number of high-profile public figures have also spoken out,including Archbishop Mario Conti, Astronomer Royal Professor JohnBrown, Oscar-winning playwright Tom Stoppard and TV presenterStephen Fry.
However, Mr Muscatelli has said all the courses currently beinglooked at have been identified as underperforming, have decliningstudent numbers or are competing against other courses offeredelsewhere.
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