Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Critical Languages Program. Additional questions should be directed to
Ms. Keiko Ackerman, the Critical Languages Tutorial Coordinator at (770) 274-5181.
It cannot be stressed enough that you must contact Ms. Ackerman after registering for a class in the Critical Languages Program. Registering online is necessary as it both places you in a section and enables you to pay; however, only Ms. Ackerman can place you in a specific class at a specific time. { Days/times of classes could change without warning and without it being recorded in the OSCAR system.}
1. What is a "Critical Language?"
2. How is studying in a Critical Languages Program different from a Foreign Language Program?
3. How are the these classes structured?
4. If there isn't a traditional teacher, when will I take exams?
5. When will I know the time of the weekly drill sessions?
6. Do I have to attend orientation?
1. What is a "critical language?"
A "critical language" is a language that may not be as commonly taught in Foreign Language departments /study programs yet there exist a variety of reasons to offer it. Most often these languages taught in the Critical Languages Program are tied to US foreign policy or there exists a relatively larger community of native speakers of said language in the area.
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2. How is studying in a Critical Languages Program different from a Foreign Language Program?
In order to succeed in a Critical Language Program, students need to be highly motivated and capable of self-study. There is no traditional teacher in a critical language program, so the responsibility for working and making progress remains firmly with the student. Generally, students who have previously studied another language have a higher success rate. Ultimately, however, the key is motivation.
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3. How are these classes structured?
The critical languages are taught in a modified tutorial/self-instructional format which makes acquisition of a new language and culture more accessible to busy people. Each student is primarily responsible for her/his progress, and he/she is expected to complete daily work with texts, audiotapes and/or CDs, and other instructional materials on her/his own. Additionally, each course consists of two drill sessions per week (each approximately 1 1/2 hours in length) with native speaker drill instructors. The goal of the drill instructor is to help you to control the spoken language at regular conversational speed using correct rhythms and accent; drill instructors do not give lengthy grammar instruction. English is only spoken before or after class.
4. If there isn't a traditional teacher, when will I take exams?
Since the focus in the Critical Language Programs is on learning and not on testing, there is only a final exam. The final exam has two components both administered by a professor of the language who is usually from another college or university. The final exam covers the material assigned during the semester. Please note that, generally, only credit students take the final exam.
5. When will I know the time of the weekly drill sessions?
On the first day of your class, your drill instructor will give you this information. Class times for the weekly drill sessions will be finalized ONLY at orientation. Each class size/drill session will have approximately 4-7 students.
6. Do I have to attend orientation?
Absolutely. This is mandatory. Orientation is required for admission to the first semester in the class. When registering for a class in the Critical Languages Program, you must contact Ms. Ackerman IMMEDIATELY so she can place you in the class. Your orientation will take place on the first day of your class.
Much of the information on this page was adapted from Gyl Mattioli's Critical Languages Page for the program at the GPC Clarkston campus, http://www.gpc.edu/~claeslfl/
