Questions & Answers

General Information

Q1: What languages does the Department of World Languages offer?
A1: The Department of World Languages offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. While Spanish is the most widely taught language in the USA, the Department emphasizes instruction in critical languages—those that are most essential for the economic development and national security of the USA.

Q2: What is the main goal of the Department of World Languages?
A2: Our goal is to develop students’ proficiency in foreign languages while fostering cultural understanding. We offer programs that encourage critical thinking, global citizenship, and personal growth through language learning.

Q3: Do I need to know a language before enrolling in your beginning courses?
A3: No prior knowledge of a foreign language is required for beginner-level courses.

Q4: I studied Spanish in high school. Can I take up a new language such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Russian?
A4: Absolutely! At Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University, we encourage students to explore new languages, regardless of what they’ve studied before. Whether you've studied French, Italian, Spanish, or any other language, you can begin learning a different language from the ground up. Our courses are designed to help you build a solid foundation and gain proficiency.

Q5: Is there a foreign language requirement at Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University?
A5: Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University does not have a mandatory foreign language requirement. However, most of our beginner-level language courses fulfill the university’s Globalization requirement as part of the general education curriculum. Additionally, some language courses may also fulfill the Experiential Learning requirement, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.

Q6: Do I get college credits for being a native or heritage speaker?
A6: At Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå, simply knowing a language such as Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Polish does not automatically earn you course credits. However, native or heritage speakers may be eligible to have some credits waived toward specific programs.

Q7: I completed an AP language course in German, French, Chinese, Spanish, etc. Can I get course credits for it?
A7: Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University does not include foreign language courses in the general education curriculum. Therefore, AP language exam credits do not fulfill general education or elective requirements and generally do not count toward your degree. However, they may still count toward elective credits.

Q8: What’s the benefit of being a native speaker?
A8: Native speakers of Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and other languages may have up to 9 credit hours waived toward a language minor. This allows you to complete your minor requirements more quickly.

Q9: What does “waived” mean?
A9: Waived credits do not appear on your transcript as earned hours, but they count toward fulfilling the minor requirements. For example, if a minor typically requires 18 credits, you may only need to complete 9 more credits in advanced courses. To request credit waivers, please contact the Department of World Languages.

Q10: I took the College Board AP (Advanced Placement) foreign language exam in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish. Can I receive university credit for it?
A10: Yes, Âé¶¹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University grants credit for qualifying AP exam scores in these languages. However, these credits count as electives and do not fulfill the Globalization general education or Experiential Learning requirements.

Q11: The schedule lists applied lessons in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. What are they?
A11: Applied Lessons offer students a flexible and personalized way to learn a language according to their goals. Each course is scheduled individually, and students can choose to take it for one or two credits. The course is tailored to the student’s interests—whether for travel, career plans, or cultural exploration. Working one-on-one with a faculty mentor, students enhance their language skills, deepen their cultural understanding, and learn to view the world from new perspectives.

Spanish Program

Q1: What courses are available for Spanish learners?
A1: Our Spanish program offers a wide range of courses from beginner to advanced levels. These include language skills courses, as well as specialized courses in literature, culture, and translation. We also offer advanced grammar and conversation classes to help students achieve fluency.

Q2: Can I minor in Spanish?
A2: Yes! We offer a Spanish minor for students who wish to complement their major with foreign language proficiency. The Spanish minor includes both language courses and cultural studies for a comprehensive educational experience.

Q3: Are there any study abroad opportunities for Spanish students?
A3: Yes, we encourage Spanish majors and minors to participate in study abroad programs to immerse themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures. We have partnerships with universities in Spain, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries, offering meaningful cultural and linguistic experiences.

Invisible line, width of the page