WOLC Policies

Methodology

WOLC classrooms focus on contextual language use for communicative purposes. Instructors incorporate a variety of activities that help students develop four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) within the four modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, Presentational, and Intercultural). Grammar and vocabulary are taught and practiced in context with emphasis placed on meaningful interactions among students. Culture is presented, analyzed, and discussed as it is contrasted with students’ diverse backgrounds, prior knowledge, and preconceptions. In-class activities include but are not limited to role-plays, interviews, games, and presentations that are completed in a supportive environment, where questions, doubts, and mistakes are welcome as learning opportunities. In addition to in-class activities, students engage in out-of-class individual and collaborative work that is aimed at introducing new material in preparation for class or practicing and reviewing material that has already been covered. WOLC employs a variety of periodic informal and formal assessments to ensure a timely, fair, and accurate evaluation of students’ abilities. These in-class and out-of-class assessments include all four skills and incorporate activities that evaluate students’ ability to use a second language and culture as a whole to interpret and express meaning as opposed to individual grammar or vocabulary items. 

Language of Instruction  

WOLC language instructors strive to use the target language in the classroom to ensure that students get as much input/exposure as possible. Occasional use of the first language may occur, depending on course level.  

Attendance Policy

It's the responsibility of students to read SHSU Attendance Policy,which will apply to any course in the Department of World Languages & Cultures.

Students want to be in WOLC classes because superb learnings happen there. - Without attending the class regularly, students miss the opportunity to effectively learn new languages and make live-long professional connections. Students are requested to:

- Attend all sessions and be on time.

- Participate in classroom discussion and activities.

- Abide the "Immersion" experience and refrain from using other than the target language.

- Complete all assignments by the due date and avoid falling behind. Exceptional circumstances will be considered with the appropriate documentation.

Student are responsible for communicating directly with instructors about possible absences. If possible, students should notify instructors and make arrangement for missed assignments before the absence occurs.

When a student has to miss class for legitimate reasons/ emergency situations and when the absence from classes is likely to be for an extended period (generally three class days or more), students may contact the Dean of Students’ Office by completing the “Absence Notification Request Form” (available in person or online at www.shsu.edu/deanofstudents) to request notification be sent to their instructors. If the student is physically unable to contact the office, a family member may submit the notification request. Absence notices will not be granted after ten (10) business days from the last date of absence. The Dean of Students’ Office reserves the right to grant or reject notification requests at any time for any student. Excusing the student is at the sole discretion of the faculty member.

Inclusive Classroom

The classroom will be an inclusive and comfortable space that continues to challenge students intellectually. Most of all, students are expected to contribute to the shaping of a classroom setting that fosters diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual equality by honoring the diverse backgrounds, statuses, and experiences of fellow students and faculty.

Dishonesty Policy of Department of World Languages & Cultures

The Department of World Languages & Cultures complies with all academic dishonesty policies on campus. In a language-learning environment, the use of non-approved means of electronic translation without the supervision of the instructor constitutes academic dishonesty. This usage includes but is not limited to graded assignments, homework, chapter tests, and essays. Students cannot use non-approved online translators that translate several words (i.e., phrases or sentences) from English directly into another language. Instructors can assist students with finding an online dictionary that is appropriate for university language courses. The use an online bi-/multilingual dictionary or similar resources for coursework must be approved by instructors and guided by the following best practices:

Tips for Effective Use of Online Dictionaries

• Make sure the expression has the correct part-of-speech
• Pay attention to any information the resource provides for the expression regarding domain/context (i.e., many terms are only used in specific fields such as the sciences, legalese) or register/formality (i.e., if the word is offensive, literary, or antiquated/outdated)
• Read all the entries and meanings for that word and make sure the word is used in the expected context.
• Do a backwards search: enter the foreign expression and see which English results come up
• Do not translate fixed/idiomatic expressions (e.g., lend a hand, give a try, talk trash) as these are usually language-specific and rarely have equivalents across languages. Instead, use a less metaphorical or simpler (i.e., single-word) equivalent (e.g., help, try, insult), or find a possible equivalent expression in the dictionary.

Technology Requirements for Language Learners

WOLC students need to regularly monitor their SHSU e-mail account, Blackboard page,  and any other means of course-related technologies. To do so, students must have regular access to a computer with an internet connection and word processing software. the university provides computer access at a number of locations such as the library and the CHSS computer lab​.

Academic Success Resources

CLEP Exam The College-Level Examination Program lets students receive college credit for what they already know by earning qualifying scores on a CLEP exam. World Language exams evaluate language skills usually covered in the first 1-2 years of college study. With appropriate CLEP credit, students can take advanced World Language courses that count toward a language minor. Students use CLEP exams to help them achieve their goals faster and for less money. Visit the Testing Center for more information.

Academic Advising Questions about majors or minors, degree plan, or course registration, contact World Languages & Cultures: worldlanguages@SHSU.EDU

Tutors Undergraduate students enrolled in World Languages and Cultures classes can request free one-on-one tutoring with a tutor in Arabic, ASL, French, German, and Spanish. Instructor can provide information about tutors’ schedules and contact information.

Clubs Students join one WOLC languages and cultures clubs to improve skills, make connections with other students, and get leadership experience. All students and all levels are welcome. Get involved now and check the different opportunities offered by WOLC Clubs https://www.shsu.edu/academics/foreign-languages/clubsandassociations.html.

Academic Success Center Sam Houston State University's Academic Success Center has a wealth of resources for students who need additional academic help. Feel free to drop by and ask about assistance with college readiness and study skills.

The Student Health Center The Student Health Center provides health and wellness service. Visit  Student Health Center to make an appointment. Visit the  Counseling Center webpage for information on resources and workshops available to students.

Food Bank Any student who has difficulty accessing sufficient food to eat every day and believes this may affect their performance, is urged to use the University Food Pantry resources