Overview

The Linguistics Department has offered credit for languages not currently taught at UO for some time now. Using the expertise of its faculty, the resources of the Yamada Language Center, and talented native speaker assistants, the self-study language program aims to provide motivated students with a unique learning opportunity. Small classes, an emphasis on communication, and specially selected materials combine for an engaging learning experience. Students are assessed on an individual basis; language progress is basically dependent on how much effort students expend (and, of course, prior knowledge.)

A course description can be downloaded here (Acrobat required).

Classes

Each of the self-study sections is led by a native speaker tutor. These sessions are not typical classes per se, but rather are sessions where you have the chance to practice your speaking skills, learn new vocabulary, role-play sessions, and ask questions about your work outside of class. To maximize the limited time we have, we ask our tutors to use English as little as possible.

We take a thematic approach to language learning. Once your tutor knows why you're taking the class, s/he will organize lessons around 3-4 areas of interest for the term, for example, education, family life, and travelling. Each class will have a cultural component as well.

The native speaker is an additional resource for your study of the particular language; s/he is not your typical language teacher who will have formal lessons prepared all of the time. We strongly encourage working with a classmate or tutor outside of class—see our Language Exchange and talk to your tutor about using communication tools such as the Voiceboard.

Course Requirements

There are two basic requirements for getting credit in LT 199 courses: attend class and maintain a course learning log, or portfolio. You can not receive credit without meeting these requirements. Expectations and procedures for doing the portfolio and making the most of your tutorials are explained at our mandatory orientations (first Thursday of every term from 5-7 p.m.). Please don't hestitate to contact the program coordinator for more information.

Cost

There's no instructional fee for UO students taking LT 199 for credit; for all others (including UO students taking the class for no credit) the fee is currently $125.00. Community members are welcome.Please pay the Yamada Language Center by the end of the first week of classes. Audits are not permitted-- just take the class for no credit.

Resources

For each language, YLC will acquire resource materials for your use outside of the regular class sessions. These include: textbooks, reference works, audio and video material, foreign language news broadcasts, software, and website-based activities. ANVILL is used as a resource and course management center; it's here that you'll post your portfolio entries and be able to practice outside of class. Don't hesitate to ask the coordinators or YLC staff for help in finding these materials.