SLAP

(Sage Language Acquisition Program)

A New Approach to Language Learning

Learn A Second Language

Now offering: French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian

Mission Statement

The Sage Language Acquisition Program, modeled on the Drake University Program, mentors students as they gain functional proficiency in a language other than English, develop cultural understanding, and become responsible global citizens. Students prepare to study or live abroad, enhance professional development, and pursue personal interests while working alongside native speakers and language acquisition specialists. The program was begun with a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges.

Mentorship Collective

Instead of a lone professor at the front of a classroom, SLAP provides a mentorship collective including faculty who are professional language acquisition specialists, native-speaker language partners and research assistants, as well as specialists in language and culture. A key part of the collective is the language technology specialist who helps students develop their ePortfolios.

Personal Attention

Each course group has no more than five students. In addition to the language course, each student new to SLAP also gets personal attention in the one-credit Language Learning Strategies course, in which students learn to be more effective language learners. Students also meet regularly with their language coordinator throughout the semester.

International House

SLAP students have the opportunity to live in International House (aka French House). Please contact the Office of Residence Life for more information.

Language Learning Strategies

All students new to SLAP enroll in the one-credit Language Learning Strategies course, where they can expect to become more reflective and intentional learners, to observe cross-cultural differences, to improve relevant technology skills, and to receive additional guidance in the first semester of language learning at Sage.

ePortfolio (Mahara)

All students develop an "electronic portfolio" (ePortfolio), using Mahara, documenting their language learning process and progress, including audio clips, video clips, writing samples in the target language, and reflective writing. Students are taught all the tools and techniques they need to complete this project in the Language Learning Strategies course.

Application Process (Now Accepting Applications for Fall 10 and Spring 11)

We are offering French, Mandarin Chinese, Italian, and Russian as well as the one-credit Language Learning Strategies course. Students who are interested must apply for entrance to the program. Application does not imply admission to the program. All applicants will be contacted for a brief interview.

Please note that this program is only available to students at Russell Sage College and the Sage College of Albany. It is not available through the Hudson-Mohawk Consortium. Students who are not RSC or SCA may take courses in SLAP if they pay regular Sage tuition.

Watch our SLAP Ad!

For more information

Send email to:

Dr. David A. Salomon, Chair, Department of English and Modern Languages, salomd@sage.edu