Languages Across the Curriculum

In keeping with the college’s commitment to integrative study and global perspective, the program in Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC) offers students opportunities to combine their knowledge of a world language with their study of other fields in the liberal arts. By definition, LAC courses combine at least two fields of knowledge: a language other than English and a discipline such as history, religion, or political science.

LAC courses are specially designated courses that offer a 0.25 credit world language component. Each component meets an additional hour each week beyond the regular class time. In most components, students read and discuss supplementary texts in the designated language. In some components, students read texts in the designated language and discuss them primarily in English. In others, the “texts” are oral/aural sources (e.g., newscasts, dramatizations, films) in the other language, discussed in that language. LAC courses are particularly appropriate for students who are preparing for, or returning from, study abroad, who appreciate literature and the power of language, who enjoy analyzing original texts, or who are considering graduate study that requires the use of a language other than English in reading and research.

Intended Learning Outcomes of the Program

To be eligible to participate in LAC courses, students should have proficiency in a world language equivalent to at least the fourth semester of French, German, and Spanish (232 level or equivalent) or at least the third semester of Chinese, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Norwegian, and Russian (231 or equivalent). Students who successfully complete the world language component in two LAC courses (in the same language) will earn Applied Language Certification on their St. Olaf transcript. 

LAC courses span the curriculum. Since 1989, world language components have been developed for courses in a variety of disciplines (including art, Asian studies, history, Latin American studies, Nordic studies, religion, political science, and music) and in a variety of languages (Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Norwegian, Russian, and Spanish). Not every LAC course is available every year, and new courses are developed periodically. Students should consult the roster of LAC options available each semester in the class and lab schedule.

Occasionally, courses are offered with world language components in January term, on campus and away or abroad, and meeting frequency and times are adjusted accordingly. January term world language components receive 0.00 credit but count toward the two-course requirement for Applied Foreign Language Certification.