BTAA CourseShare for Instructors
CourseShare is a program established and managed by the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) to share course offerings in less commonly taught languages among member universities.
Degree-seeking students at Northwestern, both undergraduate and graduate, can enroll in language courses through the CourseShare Program, provided the language is not taught at Northwestern. CourseShare is available only during regular academic quarters (i.e., Fall, Winter and Spring) but not during the summer months.
In collaboration with the Office of the Registrar, the Language Resource Center coordinates the enrollment of Northwestern students in CourseShare courses.
Participating Universities
Current BTAA CourseShare member institutions include:
- Indiana University
- Michigan State University
- Northwestern University
- Ohio State University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Purdue University
- Rutgers University - New Brunswick
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Iowa
- University of Maryland
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
The following universities will join CourseShare soon:
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Oregon
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Northwestern Faculty
I’m an instructor interested in teaching through CourseShare. What should I do?
If you are interested in opening your language classes to students from BTAA member institutions, please indicate your interest by submitting a request form.
BTAA CourseShare Hosting Interest Form
Can I offer non-language classes through CourseShare?
No. CourseShare is designed specifically for less commonly taught languages (LCTLs). Northwestern faculty may open their existing LCTL courses to students from member institutions.
What is the teaching modality in CourseShare?
You will deliver your language class in a hybrid format—Northwestern students attend in person, while non-Northwestern students join via Zoom. The Media and Design Studio (MADS) and the Language Resource Center (LRC) will assist you in setting up your classroom with the appropriate technology.
Most member institutions operate on a semester system. How does that work for us at Northwestern?
Students joining your class will follow the Northwestern academic calendar.
- Students seeking a Fall semester course will enroll in Fall quarter.
- Students seeking a Spring semester course will enroll in Winter and Spring quarters.
You will submit grades through CAESAR, just as you do for all Northwestern students in your class.
How many students will join my class remotely?
You may specify the number of students you are willing to accept through CourseShare. You can cap the number of remote students to maintain a class size that supports high-quality instruction consistent with Northwestern standards.
How do non-Northwestern students access Canvas and/or Microsoft Notes?
Once your course is established in the BTAA CourseShare Program, Northwestern’s Office of the Registrar will enroll non-Northwestern students in your class via CAESAR. Once enrolled, students will gain access to Canvas, Microsoft Notes, or any other online tools used at Northwestern.