Foreign Language Placement Tests and Class Registration
- Where can I take the language placement test?
The format of these tests varies. French, Chinese, German, Tagalog, Japanese and Spanish tests are available online at http://www.usfca.edu/languageplacementtest/. Arabic, ASL, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Russian and Swahili must be taken on-campus. Please contact Shanley Jacobs, Program Assistant in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at sbjacobs2@usfca.edu or 415-422-2802 to make arrangements.
- What is the foreign language requirement to graduate?
All candidates for the Bachelor’s degree in the College of Arts and Sciences whose native language is English must complete a foreign language requirement. Arts majors must complete the requirement by satisfactorily completing 12 units or the equivalent thereof in a language. Science majors must complete the requirement by satisfactorily completing 8 units or the equivalent thereof in a language. Students must receive a C- in their language courses to advance to the next level. However specific majors and minors may also require additional semesters of language study. Please check with the appropriate department or program.
- Who should take a language placement test?
All students who have either taken a specific foreign language prior to coming to USF or were raised speaking a language they would like to continue studying must take the placement test. Students who enroll in a language class without taking the test will be asked to leave until they do so.
- Do I need to take the placement exam even if I’ve never studied the language before?
If you have never studied the language you are planning to sign up for or did not speak it at home, you do not need to take the placement test. You may then enroll in the First Semester course (101) of that language.
- What if I’m not very good at languages and did not do well before?
Can’t I just enroll in First Semester?
If you have studied that language before you must first take the placement test and enroll in the level that has been assigned to you upon completing the test.
- My placement score doesn’t really reflect my abilities. Can I take the test again?
The placement test can be taken the one time. If you take the test again, only the first score will be registered.
- My placement score seems too low. Can I try to test out or be placed into a higher level?
Yes. You will need to contact the coordinator of the language you are studying to schedule an appointment for an in-person written and oral evaluation of your language abilities. The evaluation should take around 20-25 minutes.
- I took the Advanced Placement (AP) language and/or literature exam in high school. Do I get any credit?
If you scored a 4 or 5 on the AP language exam, you are automatically exempted from Third Semester (201) and therefore satisfy your foreign language requirement. If you plan to continue studying the language at USF, please contact the Coordinator or Director of that language. If you scored 4 or 5 in the AP literature exam you are automatically exempted from Fourth Semester (202) and, depending on your level of proficiency, you may also receive credit for another 200 elective. We strongly recommend that you contact an MCL adviser for that language to determine which course might be the best fit for you.
- I took the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam in high school. Do I get any credit?
If you scored 4-7 in the Higher Level exam you are automatically exempted from Third Semester (201) and therefore satisfy your language requirement. If you would to continue studying the language at USF you please contact the Coordinator or Director of that language to determine which course might be the best fit for you.
- I was raised speaking a foreign language at home. Which class should I take?
If you would like to continue studying the language you must first take the placement test to determine your proficiency level. If you test out of Third Semester, you must schedule an appointment with the coordinator or director of that language for an in-person evaluation so s/he can verify your score. The coordinator will then recommend the best course for you to take.
- I was raised speaking a foreign language at home and never took any formal classes or took classes for non-bilinguals. Should I just enroll in 101 (First Semester), 102 (Second Semester) or 201 (Third Semester)?
If you would like to continue studying the language you must first take the placement test to determine your proficiency level. If you test out of Third Semester, you must schedule an appointment with the coordinator or director of that language for an in-person evaluation so s/he can verify your score. The coordinator will then recommend the best course for you to take.
- I am originally from a country where a language other than English is spoken. Do I still have to take a foreign language class to fulfill my graduation requirement?
If you studied up to 8th grade in another country where a language other than English is spoken and have transcripts from the classes you took, you automatically test out of the 3-semester language requirement and do not need to take any additional language classes. You do however have to produce the necessary documentation so that the language requirement can be officially waived. If you do not have any transcripts, and the language you speak is offered at USF, then you must take the language placement test to determine your proficiency level.
Students proficient in any language not offered at the University of San Francisco who believe they might qualify for a language waiver should contact the appropriate Embassy (or Consulate General) and provide supporting documentation of proficiency. Validation of school transcripts, which should be equivalent to an eighth grade education, may also be obtained at these locations. Questions or concerns should be directed to Shanley Jacobs, Program Assistant in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at sbjacobs2@usfca.edu or 415-422-2802.
- I speak a foreign language that is not offered at USF. Can I get credit for that language?
Students proficient in any language not offered at the University of San Francisco who believe they might qualify for a language waiver should contact the appropriate Embassy (or Consulate General) and provide supporting documentation of proficiency. Validation of school transcripts, which should be equivalent to an eighth grade education, may also be obtained at these locations. Questions or concerns should be directed to Shanley Jacobs, Program Assistant in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at sbjacobs2@usfca.edu or 415-422-2802.
- Can I transfer language credits from another college or university?
USF generally accepts all college-level courses completed at regionally accredited institutions for transfer. Once your official transcript has been processed, talk to the appropriate coordinator or director to make sure you enroll in the right class.
- Who should I contact for questions related to ASL, Arabic, Hebrew, Swahili or Tagalog?
For questions related to ASL, Arabic, Hebrew or Swahili courses, please contact the Co-Director of Language Programs, Professor Suda (sudak@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions related to Chinese courses?
For questions related to Chinese language, please contact the Coordinator of Chinese, Professor Li (zli2@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions related to Japanese language courses?
For questions related to Japanese language courses, please contact the Director of Japanese Studies Professor Nagata (nagatan@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions related to French language courses?
For questions related to French language courses, please contact the Coordinator of French, Professor Motyka (mjmotyka@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions related to German courses?
For questions related to German courses, please contact the Coordinator of German, Professor Hoelsher (shhoelscher@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions related to Spanish language courses?
For questions related to Spanish, please contact the Coordinator of Spanish, Professor Schell (kschell@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions related to Greek, Italian, Latin, Portuguese or Russian courses?
For questions related to Greek, Italian, Latin, Portuguese or Russian, please contact the Co-Director of Language Programs, Professor Schell (kschell@usfca.edu).
Tutoring and Other Services for USF Language Students
- I heard that there are weekly conversational tutorials in addition to my regular class time for First and Second Semester language courses. What does this involve?
All First and Second Semester language students at USF are required to attend 10 weekly one-hour conversation sessions, which will begin around Week 4 or Week 5 every semester. You will be able to schedule the sessions around your own personal schedule. You will receive more information from your instructor.
- I need a language tutor. How do I find one?
Peer tutors are available to students who need extra one-on-one help in addition to the help they will receive during instructor office hours. Peer tutors can assist students in improving study skills. They will, of course, not proofread homework or edit papers. In order to schedule an appointment, please contact the Learning & Writing Center: Cowell Hall, Room 215; 415-422-6713; www.usfca.edu/lwc
- I have an officially documented learning disability from Student Disability Services (SDS) and would like a language tutor. Are there any specialized language tutors that can help me?
If you have, or suspect you have, a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and either Student Disability Services (x6876), or the Disability Related Services office (x2613) as early as possible in the semester. There are available French and Spanish language tutors there who are specialized in learning differences and free.
Student Employment
- I would like to be a foreign language conversation tutor. What do I need to do?
In order to be a French, Italian or Spanish conversation tutor, you must take the two-unit course French/Italian/Spanish 216 (“Foreign Language Methodology”), which is only offered during Fall Semester. While enrolled in this course, you will give two unpaid weekly conversation sessions and will be paid for any available additional weekly sessions. Upon successfully completing the course and pending your work performance, you may be hired the following semester and will be compensated for all of the weekly sessions you give. Please go to the following link for the application information:
http://www.usfca.edu/templates/as_mcl_home.aspx?id=2147493712
For all other language conversational tutoring positions, go to the link above and fill out the application forms. You will soon be contacted by the coordinator of the language you wish to tutor.
- I would like to be hired as a peer tutor (i.e., work one-on-one with students who need additional help). What do I need to do?
Since we expect our peer tutors to understand how the language courses are run at USF to better serve our students in need of assistance, all tutors must have taken at least one language course at USF and be recommended by their instructor in order to be eligible to work as a peer tutor. If you are currently enrolled in a language course at USF and want to be a tutor, please notify your instructor so s/he can recommend you be hired. All potential peer tutors must be recommended by a USF language instructor.
Majors and Minors
- How do I declare a major in French, Japanese or Spanish?
To declare a major in French, Japanese or Spanish you must pick up the Change of Academic Program form at the Dean's office, the Registrar’s or the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (KA 328). This form needs to be signed by the department Chair of your new major and by the Dean's office, and then turned in to the Registrar's.
- How do I declare a minor in Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish?
To declare a minor in Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish you must pick up the Change of Academic Program form at the Dean's office, the Registrar’s or the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (KA 328). This form needs to be signed by the department Chair of your new major and by the Dean's office, and then turned in to the Registrar's.
- How do I declare a major in CMPL (Comparative Literature Major)?
To declare a major in CMPL you must pick up the Change of Academic Program form at the Dean's office, the Registrar’s or the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (KA 328). This form needs to be signed by the department Chair of your new major and by the Dean's office, and then turned in to the Registrar's.
- Who should I contact for questions about my Comparative Literature major and minor?
For questions related to Comparative Literature, please contact Professor Mairesse (mairesse@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for any questions related to CMPL?
For questions related to the Comparative Literature major and minor, please contact Professor Mairesse (mairesse@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions about my Chinese minor?
For questions related to the Chinese minor, please contact Professor Li (zli2@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions about my French major and minor?
For questions related to the French major and minor, please contact Professor Bouwer (bouwer@usfca.edu), Professor Mairesse (mairesse@usfca.edu) or Professor Motyka (mjmotyka@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions about my German minor?
For questions related to the German minor, please contact Professor Hoelscher (hoelscher@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions about my Japanese major and minor?
For questions related to the Japanese major and minor, please contact Professor Nagata (nagatan@usfca.edu) or Professor Roddy (roddys@usfca.edu).
- Who should I contact for questions about my Spanish major and minor?
For questions related to the Major or Minor you contact one of the following professors: Professor Hodoyán (kahodoyan@usfca.edu), Professor Lange-Churión (langechurion@usfca.edu), Professor Schaffer (schaffer@usfca.edu) or Professor Urrutia-Jordana (urrutia@usfca.edu).
Study Abroad
- What do I do if I want to study abroad?
Visit the Center for Global Education located on the 5th floor of University Center. You can also reach them at (415) 422-6848 or studyabroad@usfca.edu. Familiarize yourself with the Center for Global Education’s site. They have useful information for all stages of the process. It will remain a valuable resource once you are abroad. If you’d like to continue honing your language skills while studying abroad, be sure to talk to your language professor or to an adviser. http://www.usfca.edu/Global_Education/Get_Started/Study_Abroad_Application_Procedure/
- Will studying abroad affect my schedule for graduating in four years?
Studying abroad will not necessarily affect your graduation date, but, as always, please check with your advisor about the programs in which you are interested to make sure in advance what courses will fulfill various USF requirements so that you can stay on track.
- Which USF Study Abroad programs would allow me to improve my proficiency in a foreign language?
ARABIC:
- Morocco (Rabat) – America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (Amideast)
CHINESE:
- China (Beijing) – Loyola University Chicago The Beijing Center
- China (Hong Kong) – Hong Kong Baptist University
FRENCH:
- Burkina Faso – Santa Clara University Reading West Africa Program
- France (Lille) – Université Catholique de Lille
- France (Paris) – Boston University Paris INTERNSHIP
- France (Paris) – Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises
- France (Paris) – American University in Paris
GERMAN:
- Germany (Berlin) – Freie Universitat Berlin
ITALIAN:
- Italy (Rome) – Loyola University Chicago The Rome Center
Italy (Milan) – Universita Catolica del Sacro Cuore
JAPANESE:
- Japan (Kyoto) – Ritsumeikan University
- Japan (Tokyo) – Sophia University
PORTUGUESE:
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Brazil (Porto Alegre) – Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul
SPANISH:
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Argentina (Córdoba) – Universidad Católica de Córdoba
- Chile (Santiago) – Universidad Alberto Hurtado
- Colombia (Bogotá) – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
- Colombia (Cali) – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
- Costa Rica – John Carroll University
- Nicaragua (Managua) – Universidad Centroamericana
- Spain (Barcelona) – Universitat Ramon Llull Institut Quimic de Sarriá
- Spain (Bilbao) – Universidad de Deusto
- Spain (Madrid) – Universidad Pontificia Comillas
- Uruguay (Montevideo) – Universidad Católica del Uruguay
TAGALOG:
- Philippines (Manila) – Ateneo de Manila University
- How do I know which courses to take abroad?
The Center for Global Education will have materials available for all the study abroad programs. After consulting the materials, meet with the adviser and language instructor or coordinator so that you can decide together which courses will best suit your needs. The Petition to Enroll at Another Institution will list the courses approved by USF before your departure. http://www.usfca.edu/uploadedFiles/PEAI%20Form%202011%281%29.pdf
- Will I be able to register for classes if I’m studying abroad?
Yes. Make sure to consult with your adviser who will approve the courses for which you are planning to enroll abroad.
- Do I need to keep my syllabi and assignments from the courses I took abroad?
It is always a good idea to keep ample documentation in the event that your transfer credits need to be re-evaluated. Keep copies of syllabi, assignments, reading lists, etc.
USF Residency Requirements
- What is the residency requirement (44 unit rule)?
All students must take at least 44 units in residency at USF. Within the 44 units you must complete 16 upper division of the major at USF. For a minor, at least half of the units must be completed at USF.
