What is a LAC course?
A course with a LAC component covers the same content as a regular course, but offers students with the specified ability in the designated language the option of a) improving their understanding of the course content by reading, writing, or speaking about the subject matter in the designated foreign language and b) practicing their foreign language skills in non‑language courses.
Language and Culture Connections (currently available in Spanish, French, and German) is a one-credit S/U course that is thematically tied to LAS 150. In this course students explore how a culture in which the specified language is spoken deals with the enduring questions and contemporary issues that are also discussed in LAS 150.
What are the language prerequisites for a LAC course?
Each course is different; the prerequisites in terms of language ability are listed in the course schedule. Some students will be able to consider participating in a LAC option based on their high school language background, others will need to have taken one or more college language courses. Be sure to ask the professor teaching the course about his or her expectations of language preparation.
Does everyone who signs up for a course with a LAC component need to speak the foreign language?
NO! Only those choosing to do so. The professor will create opportunities for students who elect a LAC option to apply their language skills, either as a substitute for regular assignments, or as extra credit. Obviously, the exceptions are the one-credit language options such as Language and Culture Connections (LAS 199I).
What is the advantage to students of taking such a course?
You'll benefit in a number of ways‑including:
Taking LAC at B-W gives you these advantages:
- developing your language skills in an applied, practical setting
- understanding course material better by reading, writing, and/or discussing the material in the language in which it was written or is often applied
- gaining a more international perspective, and developing greater intercultural competence, as part of your liberal arts and professional education
- improving your ability to apply language skills in work settings --a critical skill for after you graduate!
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