World Languages and Cultures FAQ's

 

What is the World Languages and Cultures Program? return to top

World Languages and Cultures is a unique approach to the study of languages.

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. Classes are small, with no more than five students. Instead of listening to a professor lecture, students communicate with a native language speaker in the target language three times per week. Additionally students meet one hour per week with a professor.

 

How is the program structured and with whom do students work? return to top

Students meet with native speakers of the language three hours a week. Students also meet with professors once a week in class.  Throughout the semester, students have meetings scheduled periodically with their professors. Professors plan and structure language courses and teach the Language Learning Strategies course. Professors are available to assist students throughout the process of language learning. Students also meet with language examiners who are professors from other universities. Midterm and final exams are administered by language examiners who come to Drake (physically or virtually).

 

Which languages are offered? return to top

Students can choose from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

 

What are the objectives and goals? return to top

Verbal communication skills are emphasized in order to develop competence in the target language; reading, writing, and listening, however, are not neglected.  Other integral parts of the program include gaining knowledge about the target culture, acquiring language learning strategies, developing critical thinking skills, and utilizing current technologies to assist students in their language learning.

 

Which courses do students take in their first semester in the program? return to top

During the first semester in which students are enrolled, they take both a three-credit-hour language course and a co-requisite two-credit-hour Language Learning Strategies Course (LAP 098). After completing one semester, students continue their language study in three-credit-hour languages courses (DILS, Directed Independent Language Study).

 

What is the Language Learning Strategies Course? return to top

In the Language Learning Strategies Course (LAP098), students are equipped with the skills to become successful language learners in the program. Several topics are covered throughout the semester. Students learn to:

  • Utilize new strategies to help them become more effective language learners;
  • Reflect critically on the progress they are making in the target language and as language learners 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 75min per week with students from all languages. The course is taught by the language professors.

 

What do students have to do for their language course(s)? return to top

Language courses are three credit hours. Students meet for three hours a week with 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 five students and English is not used during course time.

Outside of class meeting time, students practice using the language, make audio recordings of themselves speaking, and complete a variety of other assignments as part of the required electronic portfolio.

Language courses at Drake are not self-paced courses. Student work is planned and monitored by a professor.

Students who are successful in the program are those who are responsible for their own language learning. This requires students to understand the principles of the program, familiarize themselves with the expectations of the course and assignments, be responsible for learning the assigned material, and reflect and progress as language learners.

 

Who are the native speakers? return to top

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

 

Why do native speakers not explain grammar? return to top

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

Our native speakers leading classes 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 professors? return to top

The professors are professional linguists. They plan and monitor language courses and student progress. Also, registration and placement for language students is done by the professors. Students meet with their language professor several times throughout the semester to discuss their progress, view their electronic portfolio, etc. The program's professors are:

  • Chinatsu Sazawa, the professor of Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese;
  • Marc Cadd, the professor of German, and Russian and the Interim Director of the program;
  • Jan Marston, the professor of French and Director of Development of the program; and
  • Eduardo Garcia, professor of Spanish.
  • Sofía Paredes, professor of Spanish.

 

Who are the language examiners? return to top

The language examiners are professionals in the target language, usually 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 are students evaluated? return to top

Students are evaluated through midterm and final exams and an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio), which includes a reflective journal, audio recordings made by the students, writing samples, and a variety of other assignments.

 

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

The e-portfolio is a collection of work produced by students throughout their studies in the program. It is a means of documenting student progress over time. Contained in the e-portfolio are student reflective journal, audio recordings made by the students, writing samples, and a variety of additional artifacts. Due dates for the e-portfolio are in the language course syllabus and are strictly enforced.

 

What are the midterm and final exams like (format, content, evaluation methods)? return to top

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

 

When are midterm and final exams held? return to top

Midterms and finals are 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. Students able to choose from a variety of times for both the midterm and final exam to assist with scheduling conflicts.

 

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

World Languages and Cultures does not currently offer a major or minor. We do offer a Certificate of Competence in (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish) Language and Culture.  The program focuses on helping students develop skills that they can actually use when they leave Drake and the certificate will provide a record of this on students' transcripts.  Please contact us dulap@drake.edu for more information about how to get the certificate.

 

Can students 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, see http://www.choose.drake.edu/admissions/apply/credit.asp.

 

How can students begin language study? return to top

For instructions on applying, see the Application and Registration page.

 

Why do students need to apply? return to top

The application provides the staff and faculty with valuable information about the students wanting to study a language at Drake, such as which language they want to study, what motivates them to study a language, and how to contact them.  Some students who have previous experience in language study will need to take a placement exam and the application will allow us to set up a placement exam for these students.

Last Modified: 10/03/2009 08:04:18 by content editor