Alternative Language Study Options
The Supervised Independent Language Program (SILP) enables students to submit petitions to continue the study of a language that is offered through the Alternative Language Study Options Program or study a language which is not offered at Wesleyan. Only a limited number of petitions will be approved each semester. A petition is more likely to be approved if it supports further study of a language already in the curriculum and/or if multiple students want to enroll.
Students whose petitions are approved study independently using texts and media materials. A native speaker of the language acts as a weekly tutor, and a qualified faculty member from another institution advises on the appropriate level of study and assesses the student's progress with oral and written examinations. First-year students may not undertake SILP study. A student may complete up to four semesters of language study through a SILP, however, only two SILP credits may be counted toward graduation (each SILP course is 1/2 credit and CR/U).
The petition form is available here and further information about the program can be obtained from Emmanuel Paris-Bouvret, Director of Language Resources and Technology: eparis@wesleyan.edu. The following are the deadlines: November 15 for the Spring semester and May 1 for the Fall semester.
Many Wesleyan students study or intern abroad in countries whose languages are not regularly taught at Wesleyan. Those students are strongly urged to petition to receive partial-credit for instruction in the relevant language, both prior to and following their experience abroad, through one of the following modalities.
SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM (SILP)
Students enrolled in the Self-Instructional Language Program (SILP) learn a language working independently, in collaboration with a native speaker and using texts and resources available in the FCGS. The syllabus and course materials will be developed in consultation with the FCGS staff.
For more information, make an appointment with Emmanuel Paris-Bouvret, Director of Language Resources and Technology (eparis@wesleyan.edu).
MANGO LANGUAGES
Mango Languages affords the entire Wesleyan community – students, faculty, staff, and alumni—the opportunity to be introduced to the over 70 world languages offered through this online resource. Anyone can create an account and begin to learn a language at any time for FREE!
Take a Mango Language course for a ¼ credit:
- the language has to be a Less Commonly Taught Language that is not available on campus
- the purpose of learning the language is for studying abroad, applying to a fellowship or internship, relearning a heritage language, and/or for professional development in a career field
How to get started: