Summer Language Workshop/FLAS LORs

[BerenErchamion]

I just completed my first term of study in my Ph.D. program.  I'm in the process of preparing to apply for a summer language program (I'm a bit behind on language requirements because I didn't develop an interest in my field until late in my undergrad career, and at any rate my undergrad institution did not offer any relevant languages--and the need to work summers in order to be financially sound as an undergrad precluded any summer language work then).  The program itself does not require LORs, but FLAS does.

 

As a relatively new graduate student, I'm kind of at a loss to as to who I should be asking for letters.  I'm taking a language class right now (which I absolutely excelled in) and will probably ask my professor for that class for a letter.  My adviser hasn't actually seen my work (he didn't teach any graduate classes this past term), though he understands my research interests pretty well and can certainly write a letter that speaks to those.  For the third letter, however, I'm wondering if, at this early stage, I'd be better served by asking one of my professors from one of my other classes (which I did well enough in, certainly, but not absolutely stellar) or my undergraduate language professor.

 

I plan to discuss this with my adviser when I return next week, but I was hoping for other input and more recent experiences as well.

[Carthage32]

You should ask the FLAS coordinator at your school what kinds of letters they expect.

 

I applied for a language program last summer (not FLAS), and their requirement was two letters from professors and one from a language teacher.

 

I think having one from your adviser is almost necessary because he/she can put into context why this language work is needed for your research. It's also my feeling that it looks somewhat odd if you're applying for funding as a grad student and your adviser isn't one of your references.

 

For what it's worth, I was also told that, if possible, I shouldn't use undergrad references unless absolutely necessary because programs are more interested in seeing referees talk about your graduate-level work and skills. 

[nescafe]

I know less about FLAS (my school didn't have it), but I can strongly suggest that you ask your adviser for a letter anyway. If you submit an application without a letter from your thesis adviser, the search committee is going to wonder why. It's the norm for fellowships across the board in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

 

And your adviser likely knows more about your work than you know. They do, after all, read the application materials for incoming students, and very often give the approval for the admit. I bet your grad profs have also told your adviser about you as well. The point is, your adviser can attest to your level of competence whether you've been in their classroom or not. If you're truly concerned about the lack of relationship there... this is a great opportunity to address that!

 

I would avoid asking someone from your undergraduate institution to write for you. Unless there truly is no one else.