DULAP FAQ's

What is DULAP?
Why is DULAP a unique program?
How do I apply for the program?
Why do I need to apply?
What are the objectives and goals of DULAP?
Which languages can I study in DULAP?
Which courses will I take in DULAP?
What do I have to do for my language course(s)?
How is the program structured and with whom will I work in DULAP?
What are the Language Learning Strategies Courses?
Who are the language partners?
Why do language partners not explain grammar?
Who are the language coordinators?
Who are the language examiners?
How will I be evaluated?
What is the electronic portfolio (e-portfolio)?
What will my midterm and final exams be like (format, content, evaluation methods)?
When are midterm and final exams held?
Can I get a major, minor, or certificate from DULAP?
Can I get credit for AP or IB tests?



What is DULAP? return to top

 DULAP is the Drake University Language Acquisition Program. DULAP is a unique approach to the study of languages.

Why is DULAP a unique program? return to top

Rather than teaching students about the target language, our students learn to use the language communicatively. Consequently, our courses are structured differently than traditional language courses. Students do not spend class time listening to a professor lecture; rather, students spend class time actively communicating in the language. Classes are small, with no more than four students, and are facilitated by a language partner, a native speaker.


How do I apply for the program? return to top

For instructions on applying to DULAP, see Joining DULAP. (check this for correct link)

Why do I need to apply? return to top

 The application provides us with valuable information about you, such as what language you want to study, what motivates you to study language, and how to contact you.


What are the objectives and goals of DULAP? return to top

We emphasize verbal communication skills while developing competence in the target language without neglecting reading, writing, listening, and vocabulary acquisition. We also emphasize gaining knowledge about the target cultural, learning strategies, critical thinking skills, and using current technologies to assist students in their language learning.


Which languages can I study in DULAP? return to top

Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish are offered.


Which courses will I take in DULAP? return to top

  • During the first two semesters in which a student is enrolled, students are take both a three-credit-hour language course and a co-requisite one-credit-hour Language Learning Strategies Course (LAP 098 and 099).
  • After completing two semesters, students continue their language study in three-credit-hour languages courses.

What do I have to do for my language course(s)? return to top

  • DILS courses are three credit hours. Students meet for three hours a week with a language partner, who is a native speaker of the target language. It is during this time that students practice communicating in the target language. Each course section has no more than four students and English is not used during course time.
  • Outside of class meeting time, students complete assignments, practice using the language, make sound clips and video clips as part of the required electronic portfolio, etc.
  • Language courses at Drake are not self-paced courses. Student work is planned and monitored by a language acquisition specialist.
  • Students are responsible for their own language learning. This entails understanding the direction of DULAP, familiarizing themselves with the expectations of the course and assignments, being responsible for learning the assigned material, and reflecting and progressing as language learners.

 How is the program structured and with whom will I work in DULAP? return to top

  • You will meet with language partners, native speakers of the language, three hours a week.
  • You will meet with your "language coordinators," periodically. Language coordinators plan and structure language courses and teach Language Learning Strategies Courses. Language coordinators are available to assist you through the process of language learning.
  • You will also meet with language examiners who are professors from other universities. The language examiners come to Drake to give midterm and final exams.

What are the Language Learning Strategies Courses? return to top

  • In the Language Learning Strategies Courses, you are equipped with the skills to be a successful language learner in DULAP. Several areas are covered throughout the two semesters. You will learn to:

    • Utilize new strategies to help you become a more effective language learner;

    • Reflective critically on the progress you are making in the target language and as a language learner in general;

    • Use the technology required for the program, such as setting-up blogs, making sound clips and audio clips, etc.

  • The Language Learning Strategies Course meets for one-hour a week with students from all languages. The course is taught by the language coordinators.

Who are the language partners? return to top

Language partners are native speakers who meet with students during class time. They are not trained language professionals because their role is to help you use the language, not to analyze it. Language partners facilitate learning speaking skills, listening skills, and the learning of vocabulary and culture. Many language partners are international students studying at Drake, while others are members of the Des Moines community. Language partners are NOT teachers. They do not assign course grades or explain grammar.


Why do language partners not explain grammar? return to top

Most native speakers of a language cannot explain the grammar rules that guide the language. Rather, for a fluent speaker correct grammar "sounds right" and poor grammar "sounds wrong".

Language partners are native speakers of the target language. They are not trained language professionals. They know how to use the language and can help you practice using the language correctly, but they are not trained language professionals who can explain the rules of grammar.


Who are the language coordinators? return to top

The language coordinators are professional linguists. They plan and monitor language courses and student progress. Also, registration and placement for DULAP students is done by the language coordinators. You will meet with your language coordinator several times throughout the semester to discuss your progress, view your electronic portfolio, etc. The program's coordinators are:

  • Chinatsu Sazawa, the coordinator for Chinese, Hindi, Italian, and Japanese;
  • Marc Cadd, the coordinator for Arabic, German, and Russian and the Associate Director of the program;
  • Jan Marston, the coordinator for French and Director of the program; and
  • Priscila Piper, the coordinator for Spanish.

Who are the language examiners? return to top

The language examiners are professionals in the target language, often professors from other universities. They visit Drake at least twice a semester, primarily to give midterm and final exams. The language examiners are also consulted in the development of courses. They know where students' skill levels should be and are needed to give an objective assessment of student progress.

How will I be evaluated? return to top

Students are evaluated through midterm and final exams and electronic portfolio (e-portfolio), which include a reflective journal, audio clips, video clips, writing samples, etc.


What is the electronic portfolio (e-portfolio)? return to top

The e-portfolio is a collection of work produced by a student throughout their studies in DULAP. It is a means of documenting student progress overtime. Contained in the e-portfolio are a student's reflective journal, audio clips, video clips, writing samples, etc. Due dates for the e-portfolio in the language syllabus and are strictly enforced.


What will my midterm and final exams be like (format, content, evaluation methods)? return to top

Exams differ some between different languages and levels. All exams include an oral interview with the outside examiner, with content based on the materials assigned in the syllabus. Questions may also include materials not directly assigned, but appropriate to your experience and skill level. For some languages, a written exam may also be administered. You will have access to the grading rubric used and to the examiner's notes about your exam.


When are midterm and final exams held? return to top

Midterms and Finals will be scheduled at the convenience of the language examiners within certain parameters, i.e., midterm exams will be completed, as much as possible, before the mid-semester date. As this is a difficult logistical problem to deal with, the dates and times for each exam will be made available as far in advance as possible. You will be able to choose from a variety of times for both the midterm and final exam to better help you with your schedule.


Can I get a major, minor, or certificate from DULAP? return to top

DULAP does not currently offer a major, minor, or certificate. Many programs that offer majors, minors, and certificates tend to measure the amount of time a student has studied a language without necessarily considering how proficient the student is in the language. We focus on helping you develop skills that you can actually use when you leave Drake.


Can I get credit for AP or IB tests? return to top

All decisions regarding AP, IB, and CLEP credits are made by individual colleges. For information regarding credits for AP, IB, and CLEP, seehttp://www.choose.drake.edu/admissions/apply/credit.asp.