Foreign Language Placement, Assessment, Alternative Credit, and Waivers

Overview

Students are encouraged to register for the highest level language course in which they will be successful. By starting your language study in a course appropriate to your existing knowledge and proficiency level, you may be able to complete your , translation major, , or foreign language requirement with fewer courses than required for students with no language experience, saving you time and money as you progress towards graduation. You may also take advantage of one or more of 91�ֿ�'s .

Foreign language placement recommendations are based on several factors including, but not limited to: your prior experience with the language whether formal or informal, prior coursework for which you have received academic credit, placement test or placement assessment results, and your academic standing. Our goal is to place you in the most appropriate course based on your knowledge and experience with the language you plan to study. Placement recommendations are advisory. If you feel your recommended placement is incorrect, you should speak with your academic advisor, your current language instructor, or email the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies Undergraduate Coordinator at MCLS@kent.edu. We will assist you with registering for the correct course and with making adjustments to your planned academic schedule. Students who place higher than Elementary I in a language may be able to receive university credits for their previous language knowledge as outlined in the section of the 91�ֿ� Catalog. Before pursuing any of the options for alternative credit, it is recommended that you consult with your academic advisor to verify your eligibility and to confirm how the credits will apply to your program.

American Sign Language Placement

If you plan to study ASL at the 91�ֿ� Stark Campus, please contact Jennifer Hall (jhall6@kent.edu) to schedule an appointment.
If you plan to study ASL at any of the other campuses please contact mcls@kent.edu.

Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish Placement

91�ֿ� offers WebCAPE 2.0 Placement assessments in these six languages. To take one or more of these assessments. Log in to your Flashline account. Go to the Placement Assessments area in the Student Resources dashboard WebCAPE Placement Assessments are used for placement purposes only. If you place above the first course (Elementary I) in your planned language of study and would like to receive academic credit for prior knowledge, visit the page in the 91�ֿ� Catalog.

WebCAPE 2.0 Placement Assessment Cutoffs
	Elementary I	Elementary II	Intermediate I	Intermediate II	Contact MCLS@kent.edu
Chinese	000-249	250-349	350-449	450-599	600 or higher
Italian	000-180	181-269	270-319	320-449	450 or higher
German	000-229	230-319	320-369	370-499	500 or higher
Russian	000-199	200-299	300-399	400-499	500 or higher

Spanish Placement:

Years learning Spanish in grades 6-12	CAPE score	Placement
0-1		SPAN 18201
2	Less than 180	SPAN 18201
2	180 or more	SPAN 18202
3	Less than 270	SPAN 18202
3	270 or more	SPAN 28201
4	Less than 270	SPAN 18202
	Between 271-350	SPAN 28201
	350 or more	SPAN 28202
5 or more	Less than 450	SPAN 28202
5 or more	450 or more	Contact MCLS

French Placement:

Years learning French in grades 6-12	CAPE score	Placement
0-1		FR 13201
2	Less than 160	FR 13201
2	160 or more	FR 13202
3	Less than 240	FR 13202
3	240 or more	FR 23201
4	Less than 240	FR 13202
	Between 240-299	FR 23201
	300 or more	FR 23202
5 or more	Less than 400	FR 23202
5 or more	400 or more	Contact MCLS

The tables above are general guidelines and students who wish to drop one level should be allowed to do so. Students who believe they can start at a higher level should be evaluated by the Department of Modern & Classical Language Studies, please contact mcls@kent.edu to learn more about the evaluation process.

Placement in Other Languages:

Write to MCLS@kent.edu from your 91�ֿ� email account.

Outcomes Assessment Exams

All students pursuing a major in the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies must complete one or more outcome assessment exams prior to graduation. Students should contact their language faculty advisor one semester prior to their graduation term to make arrangements for completing the assessments. Students who need to complete the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test or ACTFL Oral Proficiency test can find information here on our ACTFL Instructions page.

Foreign Language Requirements

Foreign language requirements are determined by your program of study, not by the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies. The requirements for your program are described in the 91�ֿ� Catalog. In most cases, your foreign language requirement will be a proficiency requirement, meaning that the requirement can be met by successfully completing the highest course in the requirement or another course above that level. If you place higher than Elementary I in a foreign language or ASL, this means you may be able to complete your requirement with fewer courses than students with no foreign language or American Sign Language experience. If you place into Elementary II or higher in your planned language of study, you should consult your academic advisor and the 91�ֿ� Catalog or contact the MCLS Undergraduate Coordinator at MCLS@kent.edu to explore the best options for completing your language requirement.

Foreign Language Proficiency Waiver

In some cases, students with knowledge of a foreign language or American Sign Language may be granted a proficiency waiver as outlined in the 91�ֿ� Catalog. For more information please see: 91�ֿ�'s .

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