Prospective Language Students

Welcome to the Drake University Language Acquisition Program (DULAP). DULAP offers a unique approach to language learning for students motivated to gain functional proficiency in the language of study.

Before you decide to study in DULAP, please take some time to explore our program. Be sure to read “Expectations of DULAP Students” below and thoroughly explore the “About DULAP" pages of our website.

If you decide to study in DULAP, follow the appropriate instructions from the menu on the left of the screen for “Incoming First-Year and Transfer,” “Current Drake,” and “Non-Drake” Students

If you have previous experience in the language you want to study, you are required to complete the placement process. Placement is an important part of the registration process. Because classes are so small (no more than four students), it is crucial that students are at a similar level. Previous experience has proven that students who are too far ahead of their classmates are not challenged and do not do well. Students who are too far behind their classmates will struggle to succeed in the course. After receiving your application, instructions for placement will be sent to you.

EXPECTATIONS OF DULAP STUDENTS

All students in DULAP are required to take the appropriate language course and the co-requisite Language Learning Strategies course.

DULAP students may take no more than 18 credit hours, including DULAP courses.

In the language course, students must:

  • Meet three hours a week with the language partner at the assigned time and place;

  • Follow the language syllabus and be responsible for thoroughly preparing the assigned materials before each practice session;

  • Make an ePortfolio demonstrating their progress as a language learner;

  • Sign up for midterm and final interview exams and coordinator conferences outside of the practice sessions and the language learning strategies course;

  • Dedicate practice sessions exclusively to communicating in the language of study and refrain from using English;

  • Study grammatical structures outside of the practice session, using assigned texts and online resources.

In the Language Learning Strategies course, students must:

  • Attend all Language Learning Strategies class sessions;

  • Practice the language learning strategies assigned for the language of study.

In addition, DULAP students are expected to pursue every opportunity to explore the language they are studying, meet people who speak that language, and go out of their way to learn about the culture of the language they are studying. This would include any cultural events in the Des Moines area, the Drake International Film Festival, and other international events. It is assumed that students in DULAP want to achieve functional proficiency in the language they are studying and will go beyond the work they are required to do.