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

World Languages and Cultures is the program on campus where students can take courses in another language receiving academic credit for the classes.

 

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

Students meet with the language professor two hours a week in a slightly larger class setting (20 students or fewer). Students also meet with native speakers once a week in class in a smaller conversation class (6 students or fewer).  Professors plan and structure language courses and train the native speakers. Professors are available to assist students throughout the process of language learning. Oral midterm and final exams are administered by the language professors.

 

Which languages are offered? return to top

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

 

Can students get credit for AOIs by taking a language course?

All 002 and 052 level courses have received approval to count for the International and Multicultural AOI (Area of Inquiry-see this page for more information about Drake's university-wide curriculum requirements).  Students should speak with their academic advisor about fitting language study into their major course requirements.

 

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.

 

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

Language courses are three credit hours. Students meet for two hours a week the professor of the target language and one hour per week with a native speaker. It is during this time that students practice communicating in the target language. Each practice session section has no more than six 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 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 students 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:

We also employ linguists from outside the university to work with our students of Arabic, French, German and Russian.  These linguists have positions as adjunct faculty at Drake and work with students in the same way that the faculty here at Drake do.

 

How are students evaluated? return to top

Students are evaluated through assignments and exams.  Students also have a variety of other assignments including writing assignments, speaking assignments, grammar activities, listening comprehension activities depending on the professor and their goal for the week.  The midterm and final exams are oral interviews and depending on the course, might also include a written component.

 

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.  Usage of the e-portfolio is dependent upon the professor and the course.  

 

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 professor 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 professor's notes about the exams.

 

When are midterm and final exams held? return to top

Midterms and finals are generally scheduled according to the university schedule.  During class time for midterms and at the designated time for finals.  However, because of the oral interview nature, some exams must be scheduled outside these times. 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 World Languages and Cultures? 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 worldlanguages@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.drake.edu/advantage/academics/ap-ib-clep.php

 

How can students begin language study? return to top

For Entering First Year students, students can take the online placement exam from home (or school/library) during April and May.  The exam is a adaptive and tests four skills for most languages (reading, writing, listening, speaking).  There is a $22 fee for the exam which will be applied to the student's first Drake bill.  The results of this exam will be sent to students within a week of the exam.  Students should take note of their results for registration at Summer Orientation.

For those students who are beginning a language new to them, they will be able to register for the 001 level at Orientation.

For Sophomores and above, students should contact worldlanguages@drake.edu for information on scheduling a placement exam (if needed) and registration.  This should be done at least one month prior to registration during either the fall or spring semester.