How do advisors determine my foreign language placement?
Your foreign language placement is determined by how many years of that language you studied between the ninth and twelfth grades.
- 0-1 year studied = 103 (Introductory level).
- 2-3 years studied = 115 (Advanced-introductory level). However, if the last year you studied that language was your sophomore year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into 103.
- 4-5 years studied = 215 (intermediate review level or higher). However, if the last year you studied that language was your junior year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into 115.
- AP scores of 3 = Enroll in 215. Once 215 is passed with C+ or better, you have completed the Area VIII requirement. If your grade is C or lower in 215, you must take 216.
- AP scores of 4 or 5 = Fulfills the two Area VIII requirements.
- College Credit Programs refer to admission guidelines.
- CLEP credits = refer to admission guidelines.
- Transfer students = see appropriate Associate Dean.
What if I think I belong in a different level of language instruction?
This would be very rare given the accuracy of our placement process. In this very unusual situation, you would need to make a formal request, no later than the end of the first week of classes, to have your placement adjusted. Your request must be made to your instructor who, if she/he agrees, will help you with the appropriate paperwork.
All foreign language students will fill out an information form on the first day of class that asks about previous language study experiences. Be sure to answer the questions as accurately as possible, and remember to turn it in to your instructor.
At the beginning of each semester is a one-week add/drop period. The one-week period is essentially three class periods in which you must actively participate to the best of your ability. Before the fourth class period, the instructors will inform you whether you will remain in that level. It is important that you participate as much as possible during this one-week period to help instructors accurately evaluate your abilities. It is a combination of your demonstrated skill level during this time and the information that you provide on the first day of classes that will ensure you are enrolled at the proper level.
What are the criteria that you use to evaluate students for appropriate course level?
We expect participation in all activities:
- Conversational skills: speaking and listening comprehension
- Writing activities
- Reading activities
- All homework assigned
In the unusual circumstance that I find myself in the incorrect language level, what is the proper procedure for changing levels?
Before the end of the first week of classes, talk to your instructor about whether or not you need to switch levels. If yes, you need to obtain a Course Registration Permit and verify that your instructor has forwarded your name to the Chair of Department of Modern Languages. The Course Registration Permits are available in the Office of Student Records or in the Modern Languages Office in CT 1012. Make sure you have filled it out correctly, and then get it signed by both the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and the Director of Academic Advisement. You MUST take care of the Course Registration Permit as soon as possible or you will not be officially registered in the new course.
What should I do with my book if I get changed to another level?
We recommend that you do NOT buy your book during the first week of classes. Your instructor will provide you with any copies of material necessary for classes during that time. After the first week of classes, when you know your permanent level, you should buy your books.
Native Speaker: Native speakers of languages other than English are exempt from the AS VIII requirement if they are able to provide documentation of their native speaker status. Examples of documents include, but are not limited to, a school diploma received from a country where the language of instruction is not English or an internationally recognized examination certifying language abilities.
Why is it to my advantage to be placed into as high a level as possible?
The higher the level you start in, the greater the chances that you can achieve a reasonable degree of fluency in that language, thus making you more marketable when you graduate.
Also, already being able to speak at least a little of a language makes Study Abroad in a non-English-speaking country a more feasible option. The more of a language you know, the more opportunities for Study Abroad you will have.
Department of Modern Languages Main Office
Department Secretary……………… CT 1012
Lisa Zuchlewski
Phone: 716-888-2835
zuchlewl@canisius.edu
French Section
Eileen M. Angelini, Ph.D. ………….. CT 1011
Chair, Department of Modern Languages
Phone: 716-888-2829
eileen.angelini@canisius.edu
French Adjunct Faculty………………CT 1010
Phone: 716-888-2893
German Section
Peter Böhm, Ph.D….……………….CT 1014
Phone: 716-888-2327
boehmp@canisius.edu
German Adjunct Faculty……………CT 1010
Phone: 716-888-2893
Spanish Section
La Verne Seales-Saley, Ph.D…….…CT 1015
Phone: 716-888-2837
sealesl@canisius.edu
Margaret Stefanski, Ph.D…………..CT 1106
Phone: 716-888-3736
stefansm@canisius.edu
Julia Wescott, Ph.D. ……….……CT 1013
Phone: 716-888-2838
wescottj@canisius.edu
Spanish Adjunct Faculty…………..CT 1010
Phone: 716-888-2893