BTAA CourseShare
Language courses taught at other Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions are available for UI students to take for credit online. Students register for these courses just like regular courses. Grades and credits are reported on the student’s home university transcript. There are no additional fees. For more information on this program, click the link below or contact CLCL Director Claire Frances (claire-frances@uiowa.edu).
Mango Languages
Mango Languages is an interactive online resource providing audio tutorials to practice reading, listening, and speaking in over 70 different languages, including specialty courses like medical Spanish. You can gain free access to this language-learning platform with a public library card –from the Iowa City Public Library or often your hometown– so go get a library card today! Afterwards, you can log in here with your ICPL card!
Directed Independent Language Study
The CLCL can hire native speakers for private lessons. These speakers are not trained tutors and so work with them is largely driven by the student themselves. To that end, the CLCL maintains a page with resources for independent language learnings. You can find anything from dictionaries to online courses to cultural information for more than 70 languages. If you are interested in private lessons, e-mail the CLCL (dwllc-clcl@uiowa.edu).
Do CourseShare classes fulfill the College's World Language Requirement?
No. Unfortunately, at this time, CourseShare courses do not fulfill the College's World Language Requirement.
How and when do I connect with the CourseShare instructor?
You will initially work with the course instructor to determine whether you're in the right level. If there are concerns at this time, those will be addressed. Shortly before the CourseShare course begins, registered students will receive an e-mail from the allied university (often from the registrar's office) about the process for accessing course resources, including the course site.
Where can I access space and technology on campus to support me during this course?
The CLCL has various spaces that are available for student use. In particular, we recommend the CLCL study rooms. These rooms can be booked regularly throughout the semester for online courses.
Can I receive University credit for completing a Mango course?
No. Unfortunately, Mango courses are not affiliated with the University and are solely meant for independent study. Therefore, they cannot be used to gain University credit.
Where can I work on a Mango course that I've decided to pursue?
Mango courses are online resources so they can be completed anywhere. However, the CLCL is a great place to study and has various spaces available for study use. We often recommend the CLCL study rooms because they can be booked regularly throughout the semester and are quiet places to focus.
Who teaches these courses and where can I find additional resources if necessary?
Mango courses are used for independent language learning and, as such, there is no teacher. However, if you're struggling, the CLCL might be able to get access to resources or native speakers to help you. Consider the Directed Independent Language study option (on this page) or consult our page of language learning resources.
Can I get University credit for working with a native speaker on private lessons?
No. Unfortunately, native speakers hired through the CLCL are solely meant for independent study. Therefore, they cannot be used to gain University credit.
Where do the native speaker and I meet for lessons or conversations?
Private lessons can be conducted wherever you and the native speaker decide. However, the CLCL is a great place to meet and has various spaces available. We often recommend the CLCL study rooms because they can be booked regularly throughout the semester and are often quiet.
How was my private tutor trained before working with me?
The CLCL puts out an on-campus ad to see if any native speakers want to work with you to practice language skills. We cannot guarantee this will be a skilled language instructor or tutor. This is meant to be a way to assist your independent language learning. If you are interested in taking a course with a skilled instructor, consider the BTAA CourseShare (on this page).