With student course enrollments for Fall 2017 on the way, we would like to invite our GLCA colleagues and students in Arabic and German to consider an expansion of course selection options via the GLCA Crossroads Shared Languages Program.
Shared Language Program courses (SLP) courses are especially attractive to students who
- want to continue with their studies of Arabic beyond first or second year courses offered at their home campus
- need to double up to complete their German major or minor
- have run out of options of courses to take for their major
- need to take a directed studies because of under-enrollment in a German upper level course
- have a time conflict with the course offering at their own college
- have run out of options of courses to take at their home institution
- need to take a directed studies because of lack of course course offerings
- have a particular subject interest that no one program could accommodate
- would like to benefit from a global course connections course component
- are interested in exploring new pedagogies with digital technologies in a virtually interactive environment
- are not able to go study abroad but would like to meet new people with similar interests
- eventually with the success of the SLP may minor or major in Arabic
- and more..
This program also has great benefits for faculty who
- are one-man or one-woman programs and miss having a like-minded colleague for the exchange of ideas and concerns
- are concerned about under-enrolled classes and fear of cancellation
- with the advantages the SLP affords may be able to expand their Arabic program to a minor or major even with one home institution factually member
- wish to expand their facility with digital pedagogies
- seek professional development that no one campus can offer
- want to join the discussion on ways to address the future of our discipline
- wish to teach a course outside of their language program but “cannot get away”
- have numerous directed studies students due to some of the reasons mentioned above (usually without any compensation)
- and much more
This semester, we are able to offer two SLP courses in Arabic and two in German. Our Arab colleagues from Denison University and Earlham College, Dr. Hanada Al-Masri, respectively Dr. Kelly Tuttle are offering a language course on the intermediate level and an Arabic writing course.
For German, Dr. Lee Forester is offering a course in German Linguistics and I will teach a course on Germany’s Young Generation. All pertinent information can be found here.
The course enrollment process is simple with the respective registrars having contributed significantly to design a smooth experience for both students and faculty. All the information you and your interested students will need, can be found on this website page, please scroll all the way down.
First pilot semester student feedback results are very encouraging. (Full results are available, please ask.) All students found all aspects of the courses very “doable”, “engaging”, many also “exciting”. They all enjoy meeting other students with similar interests and especially appreciate the added diversity of both students and instructors. They are learning important inter-cultural lessons and can better apply technological skills in the academic environment and beyond.
There are no specific technology requirements. All students will need is a computer with a built-in camera (or plug in a webcam), a quiet, well-lit place to sit, and a stable internet connection. The SLP instructors will provide your students with a course orientation that addresses all technology aspects.
Colleagues who serve as on-campus advisors for students participating in a SLP course will receive a stipend. Likewise, if you chose to offer a SLP course yourself, there will be compensation from the GLCA SLP Mellon grant.
Please also look out for an announcement for a SLP workshop for anybody who is interested on any level of engagement that will take place at Denison University from May 21 (evening dinner) to May 25th (midday).
And finally, the most important feature of this program is that we are offering our students a wider range of possibilities to stay engaged in the language and culture they chose to study.
Please let me know how our SLP team can assist you with any further questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
The GLCA expresses its appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Lee Forester (Hope), Dr. Hanada Al-Masri (Denison), Dr. Kelly Tuttle (Earlham), and (almost Dr.) Basem Al-Rabaa (Oberlin) for their pioneering work and open-minded spirit!
GABRIELE DILLMANN 