FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about foreign language courses at RIT

 

Q: I took a foreign language X in my high school (or a college from which I transferred), and would like to continue taking it at RIT.  What shall I do?

A: Please contact the professor of our 10 languages BEFORE you register.  You need to take the placement test, which takes about an hour. 

 

Q: My advisor told me that since I took two years of language X in high school, I can start from the level Y at RIT.

A: In each institution, the curriculum and level of foreign languages are designed uniquely.  Only the faculty of Dept of Foreign Languages that teach the language can tell the most appropriate level that you can start.

 

Q:I cannot take the next level because of the reason X.  Can I skip the next level and take the two levels beyond? (I can study the textbook myself)

A: You cannot skip the level.  No self-study replaces the 40 hours of college instruction, and there is so much more beyond textbook that you must master before taking the next level. 

 

Q: I would like to take a language X, but I will have a conflict just one day in a week with another course I need to take.  If I study hard, and come to your office hours, can I still take the course X?

A: No.  No office-hour meeting, extra handouts, or self-study replaces a full hour of instruction in class.  Also teachers are not to give individual makeup sessions on a regular basis.

 

Q: I speak a little language X, but do not know how to write at all.  So I would like to start from Beginning I.

A: Beginning I course is designed for a truly non-native speaker that does not know speaking or writing.  Please see the professor for placement.  If necessary, the grading criteria will be adjusted upon the placement evaluation to balance the skills expected to develop in a course.

 

Q: If I test out of Beginning I by placement exam, does that mean I test out of Arts of Expression?

A: No.  Arts of Expression is a course that a student needs to take on campus.  If you are placed into a level higher than Beginning II, you need to take other kinds of Arts of Expression course.