Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Saint Joseph's have a language requirement?
All incoming students are placed into a language course. Before graduation, students must complete two semesters of language study at the intermediate level or above.

Can I place out of a language if I take the AP exam in high school?
Students who receive a 4 on the AP exam are awarded three credits at the intermediate level; a score of 5 on the AP exam earns six intermediate-level credits. AP credit does not allow students to fulfill the language requirement, however. It does permit students to place into a higher level course in order to complete the two semester obligation. Many students who begin in Conversation and Composition or Selections in Literature decide to continue their language studies in order to complete a major or minor.

How am I placed into a language course?
Students beginning a language they have not previously studied are automatically placed into the beginning-level courses (1011). French, Spanish, and German students continuing their studies after high school take the online placement exam the summer prior to matriculation at Saint Joseph's. The score on the placement exam, the number of years of language study, and performance in high school are all taken into account when placements are determined. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Latin students take placement tests during the first week of classes.
Students who believe that the class into which they have been placed will be too easy for them can transfer into a more advanced course during the add/drop period. Conversely, students who feel that the course in which they are enrolled is too advanced can transfer into another level. Any student considering changing his or her language class is strongly encouraged to speak to the instructor as soon as possible. Remember, however, that students attending class on the first day frequently feel that the course will prove to be too easy or too difficult. If a student has taken the placement test seriously and has completed it to the best of his or her abilities, he or she is most likely in the appropriate course.

Can I wait to start my language classes until the spring semester?
Language courses are taught in two-semester sequences at Saint Joseph's. The first course of the sequence is ONLY offered in the fall, whereas the second course is offered exclusively in the spring. Waiting to begin fulfillment of the language requirement is highly discouraged, as the more time one is away from a language, the more challenging it is to begin study again.

What if I studied one language in high school and want to study another at Saint Joseph's?
Students who choose to study a different language to fulfill the requirement have two options. They may either complete four semesters of courses (1011/1021 and 1211/1221) or opt for the intensive, three-semester program for beginners (1011/1021/1031). All beginning-level courses meet for four hours a week and are worth four credits; intermediate- and advanced-level courses meet for three hours a week and are worth three credits.

Does Saint Joseph's have study abroad programs?
Saint Joseph's students who wish to study abroad have a variety of choices. Participating in programs that Saint Joseph's sponsors (such as the summer program at the Université Laval in Québec; the spring semester in Strasbourg, France; the year in Marburg, Germany; and the year in Madrid, Spain) allows students to receive credits for all of the courses they take as if they were taking them at Saint Joseph's. Students may receive credit for taking part in other study abroad programs contingent upon departmental approval. In addition to possibilities for spending extended periods of time abroad, students also have the opportunity to go on study tours. These tours last from one to three weeks and take place around the world. In summer 2002, for instance, Spanish students are travelling to Cuba to study Cuban culture and literature.

Can I practice speaking a language outside of class?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. There are several language clubs at Saint Joseph's, including the Spanish Club, the Italian Club, the German Club, and the French Club. These associations sponsor film viewings, outings (such as a trip to a restaurant or to the opera), and activities such as language tables so that students can practice their skills and meet people who share their interests.