--- Forwarded Message from Sharon Scinicariello <[log in to unmask]> ---

Hello,

The University of Richmond does not have a concept of 'lab hours'.
Richmond students do have required--and scheduled--face-to-face
practice sessions with undergraduate language assistants.  When I did
work at a school which required audio/video work in the lab as the
fourth credit hour, it was extremely difficult to draw the line
between this work and homework.  We didn't have the personnel to do
monitored practice sessions in the lab, which would have made it
easier to make the distinction.  With so much practice materials
available on line, I think it would be extremely difficult to monitor
independent 'lab hours' .

This year Richmond 'decoupled' class time and course credit, i.e.,
students are expected to spend 10 - 13 hours/week for one unit of
credit (generally one course), but the faculty member (with the
students?) can decide how that time is divided between in-class and
out-of-class work.  This has not really affected the language and
literature courses, but it has meant less debate about seat time and
more about what students need to do to learn.

Best,
Sharon


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