FAQs

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Questions:

  1. If I enter UW-L with previous language study can I receive credit for it?

  2. What about Advanced Placement credit?

  3. How do I choose which level course to take? 

  4. Will lower level language courses count toward my major (or minor)?

  5. What if the class I want is filled? Can I get an override?

  6. How do I go about declaring the major or minor in Modern Languages?

  7. Is study abroad a requirement for all majors?

  8. Can I waive the reentry course required after study abroad?

  9. What alternatives are there for me when I need a course to graduate and it is not offered my last semester at UWL?

  10. How do I register for Independent Study courses?

  11. Can I skip a course in the 100-200 sequence?

  12. What can I do with a degree in Modern Languages?
     

Answers:

  1. If I enter UW-L with previous language study can I receive credit for it? 
    A student may receive credit for the first UW-L modern language course he/she is enrolled in and retroactive credit for all of the prerequisite courses he/she “skipped” in order to take the upper level course. The Department of Modern Languages does not offer an exam to establish retroactive credit. Instead a student may receive retroactive credits provided a grade of “B” or better is earned in the student’s first university course in a particular language. This is the department’s method of rewarding students for their high school language classes or for previous language learning prior to college. 
     
  2. What about Advanced Placement credit?
    For credit and placement based on AP language and literature tests please refer to the department  AP policy document. (pdf format)
     
  3. How do I choose which level course to take? 
    All new students must take the UW System Placement Test in order to determine the appropriate class level of a language previously studied.
     
  4. Will lower level language courses count toward my major (or minor)?
    No; all major and minor requirements must be met from courses in the 300-400 level.  For more information on Modern Language majors and minors, and for specific requirements in each program follow the link to majors/minors
     
  5. What if the class I want is filled? Can I get an override?
    If a class is full and you want to gain access you must contact the course instructor with your request.  You may also contact the Program Assistant in 315 Graff Main Hall for information about being placed on a waiting list.
     
  6. How do I go about declaring the major or minor in Modern Languages?
    Students who want to major or minor in French, Spanish or German Studies must apply in the office of the College of Liberal Studies at any time throughout the year with the exception of the registration period.  College Office: 227 Graff Main Hall.  Phone: (608) 785-8113 or 8116
     
  7. Is study abroad a requirement for all majors?
    While study abroad is required only for German Studies Majors it is strongly encouraged for all students.  (Education students with Modern Language majors OR minors are also required to have a study abroad experience.)
     
  8. Can I waive the reentry course required after study abroad?
    A student pursuing a major in French, German or Spanish may earn up to 66% of the credit hours for the major requirement at an approved foreign study site. Thirty-four per cent of the credit hours must be earned at UW-L. The student is required to take at least one 3-credit course in the language after returning from the country of study.  A student has the right to petition this policy. In this event, the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages shall appoint a committee to evaluate the case in terms of the following criteria: 

    1. Proficiency examinations (oral and written).

    2. Evaluation of the student’s performance prior to the study experience in the foreign country.

     The Committee shall submit its findings to the Department Chair who will in turn report to the student concerned.
     

  9. What alternatives are there for me when I need a course to graduate and it is not offered my last semester at UWL?   
    Some possibilities include a correspondence course through UW Extension, an online course from another university, a summer course, transfer of a course from another college or university, or a substitution (if appropriate) of another similar course and an independent study. All of these alternatives require close consultation with an instructor and should be reviewed by the language sectional chair.
     
  10. How do I register for Independent Study courses?
    To register for any French, German or Spanish Independent Study course you must choose a professor to work with and complete the Independent Study request form with information about your research plans, texts to be used and a study timeline.
    You may download the above link to print the pdf file or pick up a copy on the rack outside the Modern Language Office in 315 Graff Main Hall.
     
  11. Can I skip a course in the 101-202 sequence?
    While this is not encouraged, occasionally students may be able to skip a course in the 101-202 sequence by learning the material on their own.  This should be done only after careful consideration of the issues and in consultation with the instructors involved.
     
  12. What can I do with a degree in Modern Languages?
    Visit the Careers section to discover the many ways modern languages can be used in the job market.