Structured Independent Language Study Program (SILS)

Applications for Spring 2009 due Friday, November 7
Download the SILS flyer

About SILS

The Emory Structured Independent Language Study program (SILS) is a new non-credit program, designed for students who need to study languages that are not currently taught at Emory. Run by the Emory College Language Center with the support of the Race and Difference Initiative, SILS creates a structured, focused context for highly motivated independent language learners.

SILS is primarily intended for students who have specific research- or project-oriented reasons for studying a given language. Participants might need to acquire language skills to conduct thesis-related fieldwork, to prepare for a domestic or overseas service project, or to follow up on a study abroad experience, to take just a few examples.

SILS students learn their target languages primarily through self-instruction - there is no 'teacher' or 'classroom' in the traditional sense. The goal of SILS is to contribute the structure and resources that are essential in helping independent language learners succeed. If you are accepted into the program, you will be equipped with:

A program of study developed by a specialist in your target language - including a syllabus, textbook to purchase, and access to audiovisual materials. You will be expected to work individually on your materials on a daily basis, completing all audio/speaking exercises, readings, and written exercises, as indicated on your syllabus.

A language partner - a native speaker of your target language who will guide you through speaking and listening exercises tailored for your program of study. You'll meet with your language partner twice a week, either individually or in a small group of 2-4 students depending on enrollment. Exact meeting times are determined by students and language partners at the beginning of the semester; SILS arranges campus space for meetings.

Ongoing support from the SILS director and staff over the course of the semester. There is an orientation meeting at the beginning of the semester, and the program director is available to assist you with course materials and other questions. Like all Emory students, you will also have access to ECLC resources (see e.g. Language Lab reference and software resources for language study materials available in the Woodruff Library).

A final exam administered by a language specialist over the phone or web, along with a follow-up evaluation and certificate.

SILS launched as a pilot program in the Fall of 2008 with five languages - ASL, Indonesian, Swahili, Turkish, and Twi - and will run each spring and fall semester from now on. Students may participate over multiple semesters but must reapply for admission each time. If you wish to enroll, you should complete an application during the semester preceding the one in which language study is to begin (see below). Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students of Emory University are eligible. There is no enrollment fee at this time.

Fall 2008 Schedule

Friday, 9/5 Applications due for Fall 2008 pilot program

Friday, 9/19 Notification of acceptance

M-F, 9/29-12/5 Fall 2008 session

Friday, 11/7 Applications due for Spring 2009 program

M-W, 12/8-12/10 SILS exams

Eligibility and Applications

If you are interested in applying for SILS, please review the following criteria:

The target language must be a living spoken or signed language that is not currently offered at any level through the Emory curriculum. (Refer to Languages at Emory.)

The language may be spoken in any part of the world, including the U.S. It need not have a unique writing system and need not be recognized as a 'standard' or 'prestige' language where it is used.

You must be a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at Emory University.

It is very important that you be ready to commit to a full semester of study, since we will be hiring language partners and examiners to support you based on this understanding. Do not apply for SILS in an otherwise heavily loaded semester, or if you are planning to be out of the Atlanta area for a significant part of the semester. You will need to be in good academic standing and have faculty approval to participate. If accepted, you will be asked to sign a learning contract stating that you understand the terms of the program.

You should also be confident in your ability to pursue an extended course of independent study. You are expected to spend approximately 1 hour a day working individually on your audio and written materials. Your language partner is there primarily to help you with conversation practice; they are familiar with your course materials but are not equipped to teach grammar, check your written work, or police your progress. Self-discipline and self-motivation are essential. See our student guidelines for further information.

Applications will be evaluated based on your statement of purpose (your research/project goals), your ability to commit to a semester of study, and your (preferably demonstrated) capacity to develop skills through daily independent study. Priority is given to students with immediate, research-driven needs for language study, but applications based on personal or longer-term goals will be consdiered as well.

Our ability to accommodate you also depends on the availability of course materials, examiners, and language partners. While we will make every effort to acquire these resources, it is possible that their unavailability could render us unable to accept an otherwise eligible student. If you know of resources that could facilitate our search, please indicate this on your application.

If you previously applied for SILS and would like to re-apply, you are encouraged to contact the SILS director for guidance. We may be able to advise you as to how the previous decision was made and how to proceed.

Download application for Spring 2009 (due Friday, November 7, 2008)

Resources

Emory College Language Center - includes information on languages taught at Emory and other language resources (at Emory, in the greater Atlanta area, nationwide, online).

Emory Institute of Critical International Studies (ICIS) - includes information on events, funding, and the University Race and Difference Initiative.

Emory Center for International Programs Abroad

Emory Program in Linguistics - information on courses, events, and linguistics major and minor
CARLA database of courses in less commonly taught languages

MLA Language Map of the United States

Ethnologue, Languages of the World

SILS memberships:
National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs
National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Contact

SILS Director
Dr. Marjorie Pak
Office: Trimble 129
Phone: 404.727.8077
mgpak@emory.edu
sils@learnlink.emory.edu

SILS Program Coordinator
Sarah Shortt
Office: Woodruff Library 428
Phone: 404.727.8319
sarah.shortt@emory.edu