Syracuse University’s Language Matters Research Initiative publish second manuscript
Core members of Syracuse University’s Language Matters Research Initiative LAC published their second manuscript
Languaging Across the Curriculum (LAC)
News and Updates from LAC
SU co-hosts the 2022 Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum International Conference
CNY Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum (Syracuse University with Colgate University, Cornell University, Skidmore College) hosted the 2022 Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum International Conference
SU's LAC brings diverse languages to large lecture course
SU's LAC team offers multiple language opportunities in LIN 201, The Nature and Study of Language
Large SU team presents at the 2022 Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum International Conference
A 10-person team from Syracuse University presented at the 2022 Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum International Conference
LAC Team to present at Harvard
Core members from Syracuse University’s Language Matters Research Initiative presented at Harvard University
Syracuse University co-host the 2022 Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum International Conference
Syracuse University wins bid to co-host the 2022 Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum International Conference
SU’s LAC renews co-leadership CNY Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum (CLAC) Working Group
SU’s LAC renews co-leadership CNY Cultures and Languages Across Curriculum (CLAC) Working Group for a third year along with Colgate University, Cornell University, Skidmore College.
SU's LAC team offers multiple language opportunities in literature and linguistics
Faculty in literature and linguistics provided students with opportunities to engage with course content in languages other than English.
SU's LAC team planning large cross-campus project
SU's LAC team has put together a 19-person team to plan for further expansion of LAC to humanities, social sciences, architecture, and business fields.
SU's LAC team wins research grant to extend LAC program
SU's LAC team wins research grant to extend LAC program to literature and linguistics.
Guiding Questions
- How can reading/discussing academic materials across languages (LAC) improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language (FL)?
- How might LAC expand knowledge and cultural sensitivity toward a region, people, and their politics and foster rich, intercultural exchange around academic topics?
- How might creating non-native/native speaker academic contact zones break down stereotypes and prejudices and foster more inclusive worldviews?
- How might native speakers gain a broader and deeper appreciation of their homeland by studying it from abroad within a controlled academic laboratory?
- How might LAC courses promote better international student integration on campus? How might a diverse language perspective enhance content knowledge for all students?
Background:
"Cross-cultural and multilingual inquiry affords a more complete learning experience and provides a basis for comparative understanding" (Skidmore LAC). Languaging Across the Curriculum (LAC) programs are thriving at several US universities: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Chicago, Colgate, Skidmore, St. Olaf etc. Regardless of major, students interested in working in global settings benefit from LAC programs by expanding language proficiency, cross-cultural understanding, and exposure to topics, readings, and research in other languages. Such internationalization would enhance Syracuse University’s Academic Strategic Plan, paralleling Bettencourt’s idea that "Languages Across the Curriculum is an option for institutions seeking to internationalize the curriculum" (57). The LAC research strand builds on current research in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics in translanguaging, language variation and change, language acquisition, bilingualism, and translation and offers new research potential in each of these areas.
Method:
Our model, successful at other LAC institutions, attaches to an anchor course an optional module in languages other than English with readings and discussion in that language open to intermediate/advanced-level language students and to native speakers of those languages. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods - pre-course and post-course surveys and the traditional research tools of their disciplines - investigators will examine data related to students’ language development and linguistic and cross-cultural proficiencies as a result of an LAC pilot at SU.
Future Goals:
- Complete a pilot and document data for one LAC program in Spanish, partnering with one large lecture class.
- Scale up, piloting programs for different courses/disciplines and languages.
References:
Bettencourt, M. (2011). Languages across the Curriculum: A response to internationalization in foreign language education. Multicultural Education, 19(1), 55-58.
Skidmore LAC. Retrieved from: https://www.skidmore.edu/wll/curriculum.php