Foreign Language Requirement
Policy for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences: Students must demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language at the second-semester level. This is accomplished by completion of second-year high school foreign language, through course work at the university level, or by examination. Students using high school credit to satisfy the proficiency requirement at UCD must receive a grade of C- (1.7) or higher in the final semester of the second-year course. Students using college-level transfer credit or coursework at UCD to satisfy the proficiency requirement must receive a grade of C- (1.7) or better in the second-semester college-level course.
Proficiency Testing
Students may also show their level of proficiency by taking a computerized placement/proficiency exam offered in the Modern Languages computer lab in Plaza Bldg 115. The languages tested are French, German, and Spanish; students wishing to show proficiency in other languages should consult the Department of Modern Languages for documentation. Students may take an exam only once per semester.
Student Placement in Lower-Division Language Courses
| High School Background: | Course Number/Level to Take: |
|---|---|
| No language courses or background | 1010 |
| One year of high school | 1020 |
| Two years of high school | 2110 |
| Three years of high school | 2120 |
| Four years of high school | Upper-division courses |
However: High school programs vary substantially, and the above levels may not be appropriate for all students. Departmental advisors will be happy to speak with any student who feels unsure about his or her placement (303-556-4893). Alternatively, computerized placement exams are available (see above).
Prior College Courses
Students wishing to enroll in a lower-division course that does not directly follow their last completed college course in the regular sequence should consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Department of Modern Languages prior to enrollment.
Proficiency Gained in Other Settings
Students who have achieved some proficiency in a foreign language through other means than academic courses should also consult with an appropriate faculty member of the Department of Modern Languages prior to enrollment. This is especially important for native and heritage speakers.
Earned Credit (AP, IB) and CLEP tests
Please see the Modern Languages departmental web page for course equivalencies. The Department does not award credit based on CLEP tests, although a CLEP score of 50% will satisfy the proficiency requirement.
Major, minor, certificate, and licensure advising:
| Spanish | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Last names A-F | Ibon Izurieta | 303-556-4008 | |
| Last names G-O | Devin Jenkins | 303-556-2848 | |
| Last names P-Z | Donald Schmidt | 303-556-3443 | |
| General, Licensure | Kathleen Bollard | 303-556-2572 | |
| French | |||
| All students | Diane Dansereau | 303 556-2760 | |
| German | |||
| All students | Carsten Seecamp | 303-556-3444 | |
| Tim Phillips | 303-556-8465 | ||
During the summer, some advisors may not be available. Students should call the office (303-556-4893) if you have trouble reaching the person listed above. (All e-mail addresses are firstname.lastname@cudenver.edu).
Programs in Modern Languages
The Department of Modern Languages offers majors and minors in Spanish and French, a minor and certificate program in German, and language instruction in Chinese and Latin. We also offer five courses (in English) that satisfy the CLAS core requirement for the humanities:
| CNST 1000 | China and the Chinese |
| FR 1000 | Introduction to the Cultures of the French-speaking world |
| GER 1000 | Germany and the Germans |
| RUSS 1000 | Russia and the Russians: Life, Culture, and Arts |
| SPAN 1000 | Introduction to the Cultures of the Spanish-speaking world |
Language of Instruction: Spanish and French are taught entirely in the target language;German and Chinese use some English in the beginning-level classes. Latin is taught in English.
Tutoring: Free drop-in tutoring is available in the Modern Languages department and is strongly recommended. The schedule is available on the departmental website. Students may also schedule tutoring at other times through the Learning Resource Center (North Classroom 2006).
Study Abroad: Any foreign language course a student is considering and/or taking must be cleared by an advisor in the Modern Languages department prior to leaving for Study Abroad.
Chinese and Latin: Guaranteed second-semester availability. There is only one cohort a year for these languages. That is: Beginning I is offered only in the fall, Beginning II in the spring.
