Special Programs

Drake University Language Acquisition Program (DULAP)

The Drake University Language Acquisition program (DULAP) is a unique, learner-centered approach to language education/learning.

DULAP offers nine languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

The Drake University Language Acquisition Program (DULAP) mentors students as they gain functional proficiency in a language other than English, develop cultural understanding, and become responsible global citizens. Students prepare to study or live abroad, enhance professional development, and pursue personal interests while working alongside native speakers and language aquisition specialists.

DULAP COURSES:
Language study in DULAP is a 4-credit commitment. The first three credits are the DILS course, where students practice communicating in the language of study. The last credit is a one-hour, co-requisite language learning strategies course. This is required of all language students for the first two semesters they study language in DULAP.

DILS
Focusing on the development of functional communicative competency, students learn to use the language rather than merely learning about the language. In order to foster a communicative classroom environment in which all students are active participants, course sections are limited to a maximum of four students. Students meet for three hours a week with a native speaker of the language of study. The native speaker functions as a model and a resource person. Students also work with their Language Coordinator, a professional linguist who mentors their progress.

Students are primarily evaluated through midterm and final exams and an ePortfolio. All midterm and final exams include an oral interview with the outside examiner, with content based on the materials assigned in the syllabus. Questions may include materials not directly assigned but ones appropriate to the student's experience and skill level. Outside examiners are professionals in the target language, often professors from other universities. They are also consulted in the development of courses. Examiners know where students' skill levels should be and are needed to give an objective assessment of student progress. The ePortfolio is a collection of work produced by a student throughout his or her time in DULAP. It is a means of documenting student progress over time. Contained in the ePortfolio are a student's audio, video, and writing samples and reflective journal.

Language Learning Strategies
In their first two semesters of language study, all students taken Language Learning Strategies. This one-credit course meets once a week with students from all languages. It is led by the language coordinators and is designed to guide students through beginning language study at Drake. Through the Language Learning Strategies courses, students are introduced to strategies for more effective language learning, receive instruction on the technology required for the program, and discuss concepts of culture and cultural identity.

Taking DULAP courses
Students interested in taking classes in DULAP must submit the online application (available on the Dulap Web site: http://dulap.drake.edu. Students who have previous experience studying the language must complete the placement process to ensure that they begin study in DULAP at the level for which they are prepared. Students are registered for DULAP courses by the program; students do not register online for DULAP courses.

Drake University does not have a general language requirement, though several academic programs do require language study (Art History, International Business, International Relations, Vocal Performance, Education endorsements in Spanish, French, German, and ESL, and the Global Ambassador Certificate).

In addition to academic offerings, DULAP organizes additional opportunities for students and members of the Des Moines community to engage with language.

DULAP organizes weekly conversation tables for each of the languages offered. A schedule is available at the beginning of each semester.

The Drake International Film Festival is co-sponsored by DULAP and the Center for Global Citizenship, with support from the U.S. Department of Education. Three films are shown every semester, with introductions by Drake faculty and staff.

Occasionally, DULAP sponsors other activities, such as karaoke night and an origami workshop.

The Honors Program

The Honors Program is an all-University concentration in interdisciplinary studies that serves as an alternative path to fulfilling the requirements of the Drake Curriculum, and strives to:

  • cultivate individual achievement and creativity by providing students with a venue to pursue projects at higher levels of expectation, or those that do not neatly fit within prescribed disciplines.
  • provide a rigorous interdisciplinary perspective, breaking students out of their channeled interests and instilling an appreciation of the intellectual achievements of all aspects of Drake.
  • be a University leader in interdisciplinary education, paving the way for such programs as First-Year Seminars and Learning Communities.

To complete the Honors Program Track of the Drake Curriculum, students take 19 credits in the Honors Program, including a required seminar titled Paths to Knowledge, which explores the different ways in which we come to understand the world around us. Honors Program students also take classes in three of the Areas of Inquiry: the Artistic Experience, a laboratory science and quantitative literacy. This track allows students to explore simultaneously the creative, interdisciplinary, non-traditional topics that are the hallmark of the Honors Program and fulfill the Drake Curriculum’s goal of providing students with diverse intellectual experiences, introducing them to various areas around which intellectual inquiry is organized.

Students may develop further leadership skills through the Honors Student Council, which actively solicits Honors course topics and faculty, helps shape program policies and plans events and service projects.

All motivated students are encouraged to participate in the Honors Program and are invited to complete a creative essay, which serves to declare their interest in the program. Students who meet or exceed the following criteria will automatically be sent an application form:

  • Rank in the top 5 percent of their high school class or have a minimum 3.75 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale; and

  • Have an ACT composite score of 29 or an SAT-I combined score of 1270.

Admission to the Program is not restricted to those meeting the above criteria.

First-year students considering the Honors Program are expected to enroll in Honors 1, Honors Orientation, a one-credit-hour class during the fall semester. In addition, the program sometimes organizes first-year learning community experiences in coordination with the First-Year Seminar (FYS) program. A recent example was an intensive two-course study on American Democracy. Such experiences are highly recommended for Honors students whenever they are appropriate.

Students in the Honors Program earn University Honors by completing both the Honors Program Track of the Drake Curriculum and a three-credit Honors senior thesis project, while maintaining a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average upon graduation.

Advising is typically done with the students’ designated first-year and academic advisers, but Honors students are encouraged to bring to the Honors Program director their questions about course selection and career goals.

Global Ambassador Certificate Program

The Global Ambassador Program is designed to complement a student’s central program of academic study. Undergraduate students from any school or college are eligible to apply. The purposes of the Global Ambassador Program are to:

  1. provide students with a combination of concentrated study, personal experience and reflection that will inform their understanding of global issues and perspectives,
  2. provide students with the intercultural skills that will allow them to make the most of future international opportunities in business, the professions or public service.

To accomplish these goals, students will meet a set of requirements combining academic and co-curricular experiences. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate that recognizes their achievement and lists the activities in which they engaged. A notation acknowledging their successful completion of the program will also appear on the student’s university transcript.

Requirements:

To qualify for a Global Ambassador certificate, a student must complete the following requirements:

  • Take a course on Intercultural Communication. An equivalent course from study abroad may be substituted.
  • Complete two semesters of language study through DULAP or an equivalent amount of training through study abroad or college transfer credits. Pre-college training (e.g., high school) in a second language other than English may not be substituted for this requirement. However, students whose second language is English may arrange an alternative experience in place of additional language training. Examples might include serving as a language partner in the DULAP program, voluntary language tutoring on- or off-campus, or translation service to community groups.
  • Complete any credit-bearing study abroad experience. This may include semester- or year-long programs, summer international study seminars or an internship experience abroad that has been accepted for Drake credit.
  • A minimum of 50 work hours (not credit hours) of service learning. This requirement will most often be met by volunteering for a local community group or organization that has an international focus. The center director will make available a pre-approved list of such organizations. Students may also propose their own volunteer or internship experience. These may include experiences in other cities or countries (e.g., internship or volunteer experiences connected to study abroad may also count).
  • Regular attendance at CGC-sponsored events other internationally oriented events on campus or in the community and regular participation in the activities of the Global Ambassador Program.
  • Global Ambassador Capstone Experience (2 credits) As a culmination of the Global Ambassador Program, students will participate in a group learning experience that includes two components:
    1. A set of directed readings, writing assignments and discussions focused on the concept of global citizenship and how it applies to our lives.
    2. A group project designed to put the concept of global citizenship into practice by educating the campus and/or community about a global issue or cultural perspective. The capstone should be completed in a student’s senior year. The directed study and project will be supervised by the CGC director. Students will register for the capstone as independent study credit (2 credits). As an alternative to the group project, students may fulfill the senior capstone requirement by taking (when available) SCSS 150 Global Citizenship, taught by the respective professor.

Optional Program Component:

Students may participate in either a Model United Nations or Model European Union program. This experience is not a required component of the Global Ambassadors Program, but the Model UN/EU experience will be included among the activities listed on the Global Ambassadors Program certificate for those students who complete one or both.

Application Process:

Students must apply for the Global Ambassadors Program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The number of students accepted will vary depending upon the availability of staff and instructional resources. Applications will be accepted during the fall of each academic year.

Pre-law

Undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in law, who have majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Administration, School of Journalism and Mass Communication and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, may complement their programs with pre-law study. Because pre-law courses and topics depend on each student’s major and professional goals, pre-law students should work closely with their academic advisers and other faculty to develop an appropriate set of courses and other learning experiences. Pre-law programs also are described in the college/school sections of this catalog.

In general, pre-law students benefit most from a challenging curriculum comprising rigorous courses that demand strong critical reasoning skills and a lot of reading and writing, and engage different kinds of texts, skills, concepts and theories. While Drake does offer a very good, challenging interdisciplinary major called Law, Politics, and Society and an excellent interdisciplinary concentration in Law and Business, there is no particular major or curricular path necessary for admission to law school. Undergraduates, law schools recommend, should major in subjects that are both interesting and challenging.

Pre-law students also are encouraged to take advantage of several learning opportunities offered by the Drake Law School. For example, the Dwight D. Opperman Lecture in Constitutional Law has brought nine U.S. Supreme Court justices to campus to deliver the Opperman Lecture and otherwise be available to discuss significant constitutional issues. In addition, the Constitutional Law Center, one of four such centers in the nation to be endowed by Congress, is a valuable resource for students, scholars and legal professionals. Drake’s center sponsors an annual national symposium that explores constitutional issues and the Constitutional Law Speaker Series, which brings three distinguished scholars to campus for public lectures.

Intercollegiate Mock Trial teaches students about the legal process and also helps them to develop important critical thinking and public speaking skills. Drake undergraduate teams have participated in this competition for more than twenty years and regularly do very well in regional tournaments as well as the national tournament, including one national championship.

Military Science

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps

Military Science courses, commonly referred to as Army ROTC courses, are the only on-campus ROTC classes at Drake University and are instructed by Army Officers assigned as faculty at Drake University. The instruction is primarily leadership based and utilizes many team-building and hands-on activities. All Military Science courses can be counted toward general elective requirements and students may take up to the first two years of the courses without committing to join the Army. There are two, three, and four year scholarships available for those who qualify. Students who successfully complete the ROTC program and receive a degree from Drake University are eligible to receive a commission as an officer in the United States Army. They begin at the rank of second lieutenant and may serve on active duty or in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard.

There are four levels of Military Science (MS) courses, referred to as MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS4. The MS levels are traditionally aligned with the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years, respectively. The MS1 and MS2 classes are collectively called the Basic Course and can be taken by any student without committing to service in the Army, unless a scholarship is offered and accepted. The MS3 and MS4 classes are collectively called the Advanced Course and require a commitment to service in the Army. Each MS level has a fall and spring class and each class has a corresponding lab. The classes are taught separately by MS level, normally in a classroom setting, and are instructed by the ROTC faculty. All labs are held concurrently and instructed outdoors or in a gymnasium setting. The labs are based on military skills, tactics and techniques and primarily instructed by the MS3 and MS4 cadets with faculty supervision. This provides the MS3 and MS4 cadets practical, hands-on experience in planning and executing instructional events as well as practicing their public speaking and leadership skills.

Basic Course
(Any student)

Advanced Course
(Contracted cadets only)

MS1
Freshman

MS2
Sophomore

MS3
Junior

MS4
Senior

Fall

Spring

Fall

Spring

Fall

Spring

Fall

Spring

MILS 011

MILS 012

MILS 012

MILS 022

MILS 101

MILS 102

MILS 111

MILS 112

  • 1 Credit each

  • 1 Credit Lab

  • 2 Credits each

  • 1 Credit Lab

  • 3 Credits each

  • 1 Credit Lab

  • 3 Credits each

  • 1 Credit Lab

In addition to the courses listed above, cadets can take MILS 015 – Army Physical Readiness. MILS 015 is not a required class for Army ROTC cadets. It is a one credit class that is completed by attending the Army ROTC fitness sessions three times per week. Any student on campus can take this class with or without taking any other MS classes. Attending Army ROTC fitness sessions is highly recommended for anyone seriously considering requesting a contract. This class can be taken multiple times.

The Advanced Course is structured to provide the necessary preparation to qualify as a commissioned officer. Students must meet all physical and academic requisites to enter the Advanced Course to include completing or getting credit for the Basic Course. Entrance into the Advanced Course also requires a commitment to service in the Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. The length of service will vary. For details contact the Military Science Department.

Students may get credit for the Basic Course in several ways. If they have at least four years of college remaining they should complete it over two years as designed. With three years remaining they can take the MS1 and MS2 classes simultaneously over one year. If they have two years remaining they may complete a 28-day course called Leaders Training Course (LTC) located at Ft. Knox, KY. If the department clears you to attend LTC it can be registered for as a class as well. The class is MILS 023 and it is a 3 credit course. Veterans, National Guard soldiers and Army Reserve soldiers may also receive Basic Course credit for completing basic training.

Students enrolled in the Advanced Course are required to attend a 32-day course at Ft. Lewis, WA called the Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). LDAC can be registered for as a class as well. The class is MILS 103 and it is a 6 credit course. This course is attended between the MS3/Junior and MS4/Senior years. The course is a leadership laboratory where students are assessed on their tactical, technical and leadership abilities based on what they’ve learned on campus.

Persons interested in military science may contact the Military Science Department located at 1153 24 Street, Des Moines, IA 50311. The phone numbers are (515) 271-3952 or (515) 294-0308 or 800-44-DRAKE, ext. 3952.

Minor in Military Studies

Description of program: A minor in Military Studies entails the development of student’s awareness of the position the military plays within the structure of a free society. Leadership studies are an emerging discipline and the concept of leadership and how it can be reciprocal will be explored. A minor in military studies will present a mentally, morally, and physical environment in order to establish a foundation in having students experience the beliefs and behaviors of strong leaders throughout history. Starting with the premise that all civilizations owe their origins to warmaking, a minor in military studies probes the meanings, motivations and methods underlying war in different societies over the course of more than 2,000 years. The minor in military studies at Drake University provides students with a splendid opportunity not only to understand the practices and precepts of the military more clearly, but also to provide a start point for assuming the highest responsibilities of leadership and citizenship in all walks of life.

Program of study for minor: Drake University students can receive a minor for military studies by completing 18 hours of specialized coursework in military studies. This includes 12 hours from a combination of either of the two ROTC programs, regardless of whether or not a commission in the Armed Forces is tendered, and 6 credit hours from non-ROTC courses on related military topics.

Drake is a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges, a consortium of more than 1,300 institutions pledged to be reasonable in working with service members and veterans who are trying to earn degrees while pursuing demanding, transient careers. As an SOC member, Drake is committed to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements and crediting learning from appropriate military training and work experiences. SOC is sponsored by 15 national higher education associations with the military services, the National Guard Bureau and the Office of the Secretary of Defense serving as cooperating agencies.

Air Force Aerospace Studies

Air Force Reserve Officer's Training Corps

Air Force ROTC courses are taught on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, 30 miles north of Des Moines. Students must arrange their own transportation to Ames if required. Classes are held one day each week during the first two years of the program, and two or three days per week for the last two years of the program. In addition, a two-hour leadership laboratory is required once a week. Students take the courses as Drake courses, and no additional tuition fees are assessed for full-time students.

The AFROTC curriculum is divided into two basic phases: The General Military Course (GMC) and the Professional Officer Course (POC). The GMC is introductory and consists of four consecutive one-hour courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years. GMC completion is not a prerequisite to entry into the POC, although the department recommends it.

Prior to entry into the POC, all students must complete field training at an Air Force base. Students who have completed the GMC phase participate in a four-week program that provides a concentrated experience in the Air Force environment. The training program includes junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, survival training, base functions and physical training. A five-week training program is provided for those students entering the POC phase who do not complete all of the GMC. This program includes all that is offered in the four-week program, plus the academic and leadership laboratory experiences normally contained in the on-campus GMC courses.

Selection for the professional officer course is on a competitive basis, and cadets enrolling in this course must meet certain academic, mental, physical and moral standards. Qualified cadets may compete for classification as flight candidates and receive flight instruction during their final years in the POC phase. Upon enrollment in the POC, all cadets are required to complete a contractual agreement with the Air Force, which obligates them to four years of active duty in the United States Air Force if in a non-flying category; ten years of active duty in the United States Air Force if a pilot; or six years as a navigator. Uniforms and texts are supplied to the cadets, and those in the POC receive a subsistence allowance from $350 to $400 per month. Entry into the program is not dependent on departmental major or year in Drake University.

AFROTC offers a Graduate Law Program, which guarantees duty as a legal officer following successful completion of all law school, AFROTC and bar requirements. Interested students should contact the AFROTC department for more information. Air Force ROTC may be taken in conjunction with nursing programs leading to a bachelor's degree.

The Air Force offers Air Force ROTC scholarships for periods of two, three, or four years, with up to one additional year for qualified applicants in selected majors. The scholarships provide payment of tuition and fees. In addition, scholarship cadets receive from $250 to $400 monthly subsistence allowance and $750 per-year book allowance. Express scholarships are available for certain academic majors for which the Air Force has special needs.

Additional information regarding Air Force Officer Education may be obtained from the Air Force Aerospace Studies Department at Iowa State University. Call 515-294-1716 or view the Web site at http://www.iastate.edu/~airforce/.

Independent Study

Each department in the colleges and schools of Drake University, as faculty time and the character of its programs permit, offers independent study according to the needs and interests of students. These courses, open to advanced students with the consent of the instructor and department chair, provide an opportunity for directed or independent study and research in selected topics. Depending on the individual topic, they involve a program of reading and writing in a well-defined area.

Cross-enrollment

Any undergraduate full-time student (ten or more hours) may take one class at Des Moines Area Community College or Grand View College during the spring and fall semesters at no charge. The student must register at Drake’s Office of Student Records. This program is on a space-available basis. Further information is available at:

http://www.drake.edu/studentrecords/HowToAnswers/CROSSENROLL.php

Washington Semester

This semester-long study-away program is offered by American University in Washington, D.C., and Drake University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Programs of study include American government, public law, peace and conflict resolution, foreign policy, criminal justice, journalism and economic policy, among others. Students must apply and be admitted to the program in order to participate. Program descriptions are available on the Washington Semester’s Web site: http://www.american.edu/washingtonsemester. Interested students should contact Rachel Paine Caufield in Drake’s Department of Politics and International Relations for more information and an application.

[ back ]