Language Houses
The Language House Program is an academic, non-credit, living-learning program under the jurisdiction of the offices of the Associate Dean for its academic nature and the Dean of Students for its residential nature. The administrative support of the program is provided by a faculty director, a student coordinator, and an academic budget. The program was instituted in 1972 to enhance the linguistic and cultural atmosphere on campus. For more information, please contact Michel Rocchi (rocchi@pugetsound.edu).
Objectives
- To provide a setting where members speak and improve their target language in a living-learning situation.
- To engage program members in a cultural approach where the music, arts and the full ethnic variety of the target culture and its traditions are explored and experienced.
- To actively involve the campus community in foreign language and cultural activities, as well as interact in the campus life as a program and as individual members.
Criteria for Selection of Language House Members
I. Specific
- Commitment to program and to language study (independently or in the classroom.)
- Language(s) spoken and at which level (potential for improvement and active interest in more than one language.)
- Activities requiring extensive use of time other than Language House activities.
- Projected academic goal for the year.
- Compatibility with other members.
II. General
- Previous participation in Language House programs or Foreign Language events.
- Diversity of background: major, age outside interests.
- Personal characteristics: maturity, responsibility, openness and flexibility.
- Interest in universals--thinking in global terms.
- Some travel experience or goal as a helpful motivation.
- Commitment to developing a community spirit within the program.
