Dear Foreign Language Student,

Whether or not you plan to study a foreign language beyond what is required for the CORE, we hope you will have a very successful and rewarding experience with us!  Below are some typical questions that a Freshman or other new student might have regarding the foreign language requirement.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS:
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    What does the foreign language requirement in the JCU "Core Curriculum in the Liberal Arts" mean for me?

    Which languages are offered at JCU?

    Which language should I myself take?

    I picked a language I have never studied before. How should I enroll?

    I want to continue studying the language I studied in high school. How do I know at which level, or in which course, to enroll?

    What is the foreign language placement test like?

    Who will "place me" in the foreign language, and how?

    I'm scared! Can't I just start at the 101 level, no matter what my high school foreign language experience?

    What is the difference between 101 and 101R?

    I have college level credit for foreign language from another college or university. Must I still take the JCU 2 semester language requirement?

    I took AP in high school - can I get JCU foreign language credit?

    My family speaks another language at home (other than English) and/or, I have lived extensively in another country. Can I get JCU academic credit for this?

    OK, - no "academic credit" - but what if my family speaks another language at home (other than English) and/or, I have lived extensively in another country. Can't I just be "exempt" from the language requirement?

    I already speak one of the foreign languages offered at JCU at home (or I have lived extensively where that language is spoken). Should I still take the placement test in that language?

    I think I was placed too high (or too low)! Must I enroll at the level of placement?

    Help! It is now fall semester, I went to the first day of class, and I am sure my placement is incorrect! What can I do?

    Which is the best academic year for completing my foreign language requirement?

    What about Majors, Minors, or Concentrations?

    Whom can I contact for more information and/or additional help?

ANSWERS TO TYPICAL QUESTIONS:

    What does the foreign language requirement in the JCU "Core Curriculum in the Liberal Arts" mean for me?

A liberal education consists of 2 parts: a Core curriculum (usually completed in your Freshman-Sophomore years) and a study in depth of a major field (usually completed in your Junior-Senior years). As part of your "Core," you must take one year (2 consecutive semesters, same language, at level of placement) of a foreign language that provides the basic tools for understanding another culture, its language, and its literature.

    Which languages are offered at JCU?

In the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures, we offer the following: Asian Languages (Chinese, Japanese), Classical Languages (Greek, Latin), German, Romance Languages (French, Italian, Spanish), and Slavic Languages (Russian, Slovak). Two consecutive semesters of any one of these languages will fulfill the foreign language requirement.

    Which language should I myself take?

Naturally, you should take the language that interests you the most! For some, this may be a continuation of the foreign language they studied in high school. Others may want to try something new!

    I picked a language I have never studied before. How should I enroll?

Enroll in the course numbered ___101. (Not ___101R - see below.)

    I want to continue studying the language I studied in high school. How do I know at which level, or in which course, to enroll?

During your summer orientation, you will take a number of "placement tests" in various subjects, including English, math, and the foreign language you studied in high school. The purpose is to "place you" at the appropriate level (for foreign languages - 101R, 201, 232, or 300/301).

    What is the foreign language placement test like?

In general, it is a multiple choice test that has been developed by a nationally accredited testing service. It is 99.999% accurate and reliable for our purposes in placing you at the appropriate level! You will be escorted, as part of a group of students who have all studied the same foreign language in high school, to a JCU classroom. You will have about one hour to take the test, but most students finish earlier.

    Who will "place me" in the foreign language, and how?

Actual professors from the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures both administer as well as evaluate the placement test results. Before you begin the test, you will be asked to complete a language background questionnaire. (The placement test itself is machine scored - so there will be no errors.) Afterwards, the professor in charge will place you accordingly, based on your foreign language background and experience, as well as on your placement test score. You will get your results the very next day, when you meet with your orientation advisor. Your advisor will help you choose all your courses and sections (= days& times the courses meet) for your fall semester.

    I'm scared! Can't I just start at the 101 level, no matter what my high school foreign language experience?

It's natural to be apprehensive about foreign language study at the college level! But, trust us - for example, if you placed at the 200 level - you would be very bored at the 100 level! Bored students tend to slack off, then midway through the semester, find themselves in trouble! IMPORTANT! If you have had 4 years (= 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade), you cannot be placed lower than the 200 level of that same language!

    What is the difference between 101 and 101R?

If you already have some exposure to the language you wish to study and you place at the 100 level, you must enroll in 101R (if an R section is offered in that particular language). 101R is "review," and 101 without the "R" is generally for true beginners, with no previous exposure to that language. However, there is no difference in books, materials, or grading standards for 101 or 101R! It is merely that the teacher takes "no previous exposure to this language" into account at the very beginning of the semester. Soon, there is no difference whatsoever in the teaching methodology, and all students are mixed together once they advance to the 102 level.

    I have college level credit for foreign language from another college or university. Must I still take the JCU 2 semester language requirement?

Your transfer credit will be evaluated by the JCU Registrar. Ask your advisor if you need to take additional language courses. If you do, you must enroll at the next higher level if you wish to continue in that same language to complete your language requirement. For example, if you receive transfer credit for the equivalent of 201, you must then enroll for 202 here at JCU. You cannot enroll in a lower level course such as 102 and receive credit for that same language.

    I took AP in high school - can I get JCU foreign language credit?

Yes! But you must have taken the actual AP Tests, and, your scores must have been reported to the Registrar. For French, German, and Spanish, a score of "3" or higher will give you: credit for 201-202, 6 academic credits, and completion of your foreign language requirement. A score of "3" or higher in Latin will give you: credit for LT 232, 3 academic credits, and completion of 1 of the 2 courses for the language requirement. (Once you finish your language requirement, you can still continue with your language study, for elective credits, or apply them toward a major, minor, or concentration - see below.)

    My family speaks another language at home (other than English) and/or, I have lived extensively in another country. Can I get JCU academic credit for this?

No, sorry! JCU gives language credit only for AP ("Advanced Placement") Program of the College Board).

    OK, - no "academic credit" - but what if my family speaks another language at home (other than English) and/or, I have lived extensively in another country. Can't I just be "exempt" from the language requirement?

Only those students born and raised -- and schooled through their 17th year (which usually means they also have the equivalent of a high school diploma) -- in another language area or country are allowed an exemption. All others must complete the one year (2 consecutive semesters, same language) of a foreign language. This is the requirement established by the JCU CORE Committee.

    I already speak one of the foreign languages offered at JCU at home (or I have lived extensively where that language is spoken). Should I still take the placement test in that language?

Yes, you should. It is quite probable that you will place in the 300 (advanced) level of that language. If you enroll in that language, you will have the opportunity to perfect not only your speaking but also your reading and writing skills. If you don't wish to do this, then you must enroll at the appropriate level of a different foreign language. (Look at it as an opportunity to enrich yourself with knowledge of yet another language!)

    I think I was placed too high (or too low)! Must I enroll at the level of placement?

Yes, you must. You and/or your advisor cannot arbitrarily change the level of placement when you register for your language courses. For example, if you enroll at a lower level than the level of placement, you risk losing Core credit for the course. (You can always "audit" the lower level course, but it will not count for credit, nor for completion of your foreign language requirement.)

    Help! It is now fall semester, I went to the first day of class, and I am sure my placement is incorrect! What can I do?

First - relax! - and give it some time! You are in a new college environment, and you have a new and unfamiliar teacher, who may already be speaking in the target language. You are surrounded by the unfamiliar faces of your new classmates - but - it is quite likely that a large number of your classmates are feeling just as scared as you! Just give it some time - you will be amazed how quickly and easily things settle down!

If you have concerns, GO IN PERSON TO SEE & TALK TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR, as soon as possible! Students are often delighted by how much this helps! (On the first day of class, you will be given your instructor's regular office hours & location, or you can make an appointment.)

However, if after the first few days of the semester (or really anytime), you are truly uncomfortable with your class, section, or placement, and you are sure that things will not get better, please see the Assistant to the Chair of the CMLC Department first (see below for additional contact information). We can help you!

    Which is the best academic year for completing my foreign language requirement?

In general, most students choose to complete their language requirement during their Freshman year, when previous language study (such as during high school) is still more "fresh" in their minds. Some complete it during their Sophomore year, and a few during Junior or Senior year. However, please note! - no matter in which year you choose to complete your requirement, you must still enroll at the level of placement. For example, if you placed into 300 level during the summer orientation before your Freshman year, you cannot wait till your Senior year and enroll in 100 level! You must always enroll at your level of placement! That is why we urge you to complete your language requirement early in your college career, along with your other "Core" courses.

    What about Majors, Minors, or Concentrations?

The CMLC Dept. offers majors and minors in French, German, Spanish, and Classical Languages. These are described on p. 166 (Classical Languages), p. 216 (French), p. 220 (German) and p. 313 (Spanish) of the Undergraduate Bulletin. Not only do certain courses count toward a major or a minor, but they fulfill your language requirement as well! "Concentrations" are interdisciplinary and are described on pp. 81-88 of the Undergraduate Bulletin. Concentrations that may be of interest to you if you enjoy foreign language study might include: Africana Studies, Catholic Studies, East Asian Studies, International Business, International Economics & Modern Language, International Studies, Italian Studies, Latin American Studies, and Modern European Studies.

    Whom can I contact for more information and/or additional help?

CMLC DEPT. CHAIRPERSON: Dr. F. Komla Aggor Office: O'Malley Center 133 216   397-4716 faggor@jcu.edu
GENERAL INFORMATION, CMLC DEPT. SECRETARIES: Mrs. Elssy Lawrence lawrence@jcu.edu Mrs. Liz Thelen ethelen@jcu.edu Office: O'Malley Center 134 216   397-4371 cmlang@jcu.edu	CMLC DEPT. ASSISTANT TO THE CHAIR: Dr. Marvin Richards Office: O'Malley Center 138 216   397-4725 mrichards@jcu.edu
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES, OFFICE OF ASSISTANT DEANS: Elaine F. Hocevar Assistant Dean ehocevar@jcu.edu Diane T. Campbell Assistant Dean dtcampbell@jcu.edu Office: Administration Building, 1st floor, B 216   397-4211	JCU ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER: Dr. Ernest DeZolt Associate Dean for Student Services & Academic Advising dezolt@jcu.edu Dr. Sophie Kus-Patena Assistant Dean for Academic Advising skuspatena@jcu.edu Office: Administration Building, 1st floor, B 216   397-4219