TURN YOUR CAPS LOCK OFF!!!!
Have you checked the fuses? Faulty stalk maybe? Wiper motor died?
Forget the alternator, the wipers would still run from the battery
May be worth trying a BSI reset but usually it's more than one circuit that goes wrong so I wouldn't be so sure.
The rain sensor has to shine light on the windscreen glass to detect light scatter from the rain pattern on the glass (apparently!)

1996 406 1.8LX Got a bad case of hydro lock!
1996 406 Executive 2.0 Turbo XU10J2TE No longer hangin' on in there

1997 Honda CB500V
2003 Volvo V40 1.8 GDi SE killed by a nutter in a beemer 5 series
2008 Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X
"Always look on the bright side of life, dedo, dedo dedodedo"