U.S. D of E Title VI Grant: Caribbean Basin Studies / IPE

Frequently Asked Questions about Languages Across the Curriculum

1. Who is eligible for LAC?

Any student with intermediate level proficiency in a second language can enroll in a LAC 391 independent study linked to an appropriate course. Intermediate level proficiency is the equivalent of two 200-level courses in a second language.

2. What if I haven’t taken two 200-level language courses at TCNJ but feel I have a solid knowledge of a second language? Can I still enroll?

If you have intermediate level language skills based on prior knowledge of a language, such as a study abroad experience or knowledge from home, you may enroll in Languages Across the Curriculum after an interview with the LAC director.

3. Is a LAC independent study available for all courses?

LAC is available only for those courses where the professor has agreed that course related activities in a second language will support and enhance the focus of the course. Clearly some courses do not lend themselves to a foreign language component, but many disciplines can easily integrate foreign language materials through complementary readings, research or community based activities. LAC-compatible courses are listed with a LAC link on TESS. There is a scroll down of LAC-compatible courses for Spring 2005 on this website.

4. What if I’d like to combine a LAC independent study with a course I want to take but there is not a LAC link for that course on TESS?

If you are interested in LAC for a particular course that is not currently listed, contact Dr. Compte at dcompte@tcnj.edu or the course professor.

5. What types of activities does the LAC independent study typically include?

LAC projects are quite varied and are tailored to the requirements of the particular courses involved, which come from a wide range of disciplines. They may include:

· conducting course-related research for papers and projects by accessing and incorporating authentic materials in a second language;

· supplemental course readings in the original language;

· oral presentations (in English) based on foreign language sources not available to other class members;

· submission of written work in the target language (where the course professor is able to evaluate this work);

· community-based work with local foreign language populations.

6. What are some specific examples of LAC projects?

Past and current LAC projects have come from 11 different disciplines. A few sample activities include:

· In JPW 321/Race, Gender, Religion and the News a student is examining how race relations, particularly those affecting indigenous peoples, are portrayed in various news media, relating Spanish news articles to the ethics of journalism.

· In ANTH 387/Research Methods two students helped design Spanish surveys and conducted interviews in Spanish with the immigrant population in Trenton as part of a larger study examining immigration patterns.

· In FSP 111/Human Rights a student is researching German news sources and their coverage of worldwide human rights issues such as the crisis in Darfur.

· In PSY 397/Psychology Internship a student worked with a bilingual child in Trenton and his monolingual Spanish foster parents and produced a paper examining bilingualism.

· In MKT 340/Marketing in the International Environment three students are examining various Italian, Polish and Spanish corporate websites and analyzing marketing strategies as part of the course project.

· In COM 370/International Communication three students are analyzing international news coverage of UN efforts to reduce HIV/Aids utilizing their skills in French, Italian and Spanish.

7. Is LAC a language-instruction program?

LAC is not a language-instruction program, but rather a language-use program. It is expected that you have the requisite skill level to engage in independent work utilizing the language. Nonetheless, the LAC director is always available as a resource.

8. What if I need help or have trouble finding materials?

The LAC director will help you access sources and serve as a resource to help you fulfill your LAC project. If the LAC director is not able to aid you in a particular language or field, she will refer you to a faculty member with expertise in that language.

9. What languages does LAC support?

LAC attempts to support any language in which the student has a sufficient skill level to conduct the LAC projects. So far, LAC initiatives have included work in French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.

10. How many credits is LAC 391?

LAC 391/Languages Across the Curriculum Independent Study is one credit, the equivalent of ¼ course unit.

11. How do I enroll in LAC 391?

You must contact the LAC director, Dr. Compte, who will arrange to meet with you and outline the responsibilities for the LAC component in conjunction with the course professor. Together, an Independent Study Enrollment Form must be completed and brought to Records and Registration. As with all independent studies, you must register for LAC by the last day of the first week of classes.

12. Do I need any special permission to enroll in LAC?

As indicated above, you need permission from the LAC director who will sign your LAC Independent Study Form after consultation with the course instructor. In addition, if the additional LAC credit puts you over 18 credits in one semester, you also need permission from your department chair.

13. How is a grade determined?

LAC is available on a PASS/FAIL basis only. A PASS certifies that you have completed the work and engaged in substantive work in another field using your foreign language skills.

14. Can I take LAC 391 more than once with different courses?

Yes, it is possible to repeat LAC 391 in conjunction with various courses over the course of one’s academic career since the LAC independent study requirements will vary according to the course to which LAC is linked.

15. Will notice of my LAC participation appear on my transcript?

Yes! Your transcript will indicate that you have completed LAC 391 and the course it is linked to. LAC is a credential that will be meaningful to future employers and graduate schools, as it demonstrates your ability to apply your foreign language skills to courses in other disciplines.

16. How have previous LAC participants responded to the program?

In the pilot LAC program run in Spring 2004 student participants were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the program. Sample student comments are available on the attached link. In addition, faculty were very impressed by the quality of student work and the projects in which students engaged.


		TCNJ :: International Studies :: LAC
International Studies Resources Multimedia U.S. Department of Education Title VI Grant: Caribbean Basin Studies / International Political Economy Abstract Participants Schedule Guest Scholars Languages Across Curriculum Travel Study Course Contact Information Site Map	Frequently Asked Questions about Languages Across the Curriculum 1. Who is eligible for LAC? Any student with intermediate level proficiency in a second language can enroll in a LAC 391 independent study linked to an appropriate course. Intermediate level proficiency is the equivalent of two 200-level courses in a second language. 2. What if I haven’t taken two 200-level language courses at TCNJ but feel I have a solid knowledge of a second language? Can I still enroll? If you have intermediate level language skills based on prior knowledge of a language, such as a study abroad experience or knowledge from home, you may enroll in Languages Across the Curriculum after an interview with the LAC director. 3. Is a LAC independent study available for all courses? LAC is available only for those courses where the professor has agreed that course related activities in a second language will support and enhance the focus of the course. Clearly some courses do not lend themselves to a foreign language component, but many disciplines can easily integrate foreign language materials through complementary readings, research or community based activities. LAC-compatible courses are listed with a LAC link on TESS. There is a scroll down of LAC-compatible courses for Spring 2005 on this website. 4. What if I’d like to combine a LAC independent study with a course I want to take but there is not a LAC link for that course on TESS? If you are interested in LAC for a particular course that is not currently listed, contact Dr. Compte at dcompte@tcnj.edu or the course professor. 5. What types of activities does the LAC independent study typically include? LAC projects are quite varied and are tailored to the requirements of the particular courses involved, which come from a wide range of disciplines. They may include: · conducting course-related research for papers and projects by accessing and incorporating authentic materials in a second language; · supplemental course readings in the original language; · oral presentations (in English) based on foreign language sources not available to other class members; · submission of written work in the target language (where the course professor is able to evaluate this work); · community-based work with local foreign language populations. 6. What are some specific examples of LAC projects? Past and current LAC projects have come from 11 different disciplines. A few sample activities include: · In JPW 321/Race, Gender, Religion and the News a student is examining how race relations, particularly those affecting indigenous peoples, are portrayed in various news media, relating Spanish news articles to the ethics of journalism. · In ANTH 387/Research Methods two students helped design Spanish surveys and conducted interviews in Spanish with the immigrant population in Trenton as part of a larger study examining immigration patterns. · In FSP 111/Human Rights a student is researching German news sources and their coverage of worldwide human rights issues such as the crisis in Darfur. · In PSY 397/Psychology Internship a student worked with a bilingual child in Trenton and his monolingual Spanish foster parents and produced a paper examining bilingualism. · In MKT 340/Marketing in the International Environment three students are examining various Italian, Polish and Spanish corporate websites and analyzing marketing strategies as part of the course project. · In COM 370/International Communication three students are analyzing international news coverage of UN efforts to reduce HIV/Aids utilizing their skills in French, Italian and Spanish. 7. Is LAC a language-instruction program? LAC is not a language-instruction program, but rather a language-use program. It is expected that you have the requisite skill level to engage in independent work utilizing the language. Nonetheless, the LAC director is always available as a resource. 8. What if I need help or have trouble finding materials? The LAC director will help you access sources and serve as a resource to help you fulfill your LAC project. If the LAC director is not able to aid you in a particular language or field, she will refer you to a faculty member with expertise in that language. 9. What languages does LAC support? LAC attempts to support any language in which the student has a sufficient skill level to conduct the LAC projects. So far, LAC initiatives have included work in French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish. 10. How many credits is LAC 391? LAC 391/Languages Across the Curriculum Independent Study is one credit, the equivalent of ¼ course unit. 11. How do I enroll in LAC 391? You must contact the LAC director, Dr. Compte, who will arrange to meet with you and outline the responsibilities for the LAC component in conjunction with the course professor. Together, an Independent Study Enrollment Form must be completed and brought to Records and Registration. As with all independent studies, you must register for LAC by the last day of the first week of classes. 12. Do I need any special permission to enroll in LAC? As indicated above, you need permission from the LAC director who will sign your LAC Independent Study Form after consultation with the course instructor. In addition, if the additional LAC credit puts you over 18 credits in one semester, you also need permission from your department chair. 13. How is a grade determined? LAC is available on a PASS/FAIL basis only. A PASS certifies that you have completed the work and engaged in substantive work in another field using your foreign language skills. 14. Can I take LAC 391 more than once with different courses? Yes, it is possible to repeat LAC 391 in conjunction with various courses over the course of one’s academic career since the LAC independent study requirements will vary according to the course to which LAC is linked. 15. Will notice of my LAC participation appear on my transcript? Yes! Your transcript will indicate that you have completed LAC 391 and the course it is linked to. LAC is a credential that will be meaningful to future employers and graduate schools, as it demonstrates your ability to apply your foreign language skills to courses in other disciplines. 16. How have previous LAC participants responded to the program? In the pilot LAC program run in Spring 2004 student participants were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the program. Sample student comments are available on the attached link. In addition, faculty were very impressed by the quality of student work and the projects in which students engaged.