Foreign Language

Placement for Foreign Language Courses

American Sign Language (ASL)

• If the student has never studied ASL before they should start with 101.
• If a student:
  • took two to five years of ASL in school
  • got an 85 or higher on the New York State regents exam, or equivalent
  • took ASL 102 and 203 for dual credit

They should contact the ASL adjunct coordinator, Michael Weingart (mweingart@monroecc.edu), for a language assessment to ensure that they meet the measurable course learning outcomes for certain ASL courses.

Foreign Language

How much the student remembers, and length of time since last studied are factors in successful placement. In every case, the student should have a good command of the grammar topics and communication outcomes covered in the preceding course. Please refer to the specific course description for details.

• 101 level is recommended if the student
  • never took or studied the language before
  • took some language in school but:
    • didn’t do well
    • took it several years ago
• 102 level is recommended if the student
  • successfully passed Level III (three years of the foreign language) in high school
  • got an 85 or higher on the New York State regents exam, or equivalent
  • has permission from the instructor
• 203 level is recommended if the student
  • successfully passed Level IV (four years of a language) in high school
  • is a native or heritage (raised in US but speaks the language at home) speaker
  • has permission from the instructor
• 204 level is recommended if the student
  • successfully passed Level V (five years of a language) in high school
  • is a native or heritage (raised in US but speaks the language at home) speaker
  • has permission from the instructor

SPA 111 and SPA 112 are two credit conversation courses that can be taken concurrently with SPA 101 and SPA 102 respectively to develop oral fluency, especially for students transferring to four-year institutions.  They aim at providing the student with the opportunity and the environment where the language is spoken freely under the instructor’s guidance and example.  Live discussions and media are used to stimulate participation and dialogue.

Student may contact the department chair, Cristina Rowley (crowley1@monroecc.edu), for a language assessment to ensure that they meet the measurable course learning outcomes for certain foreign language courses.

Study of a Foreign Language Beyond the Level Offered at MCC

Thanks to reciprocal agreements with area colleges, there are opportunities for full-time MCC students to take an advanced-level foreign language course at four-year colleges in the Rochester area.  Please review our Cross-Registration information for details, or contact the chair of the department, Professor Cristina Rowley (crowley1@monroecc.edu).

Credit by Examination

CLEP Exam

Students who wish to receive credit for Spanish, French or German may consider the CLEP exam. The student receives MCC credit based on their score.  The Brighton Campus testing center offers this exam (not the department).  For more information, students may visit MCC’s information about CLEP.  Students are responsible for the cost of the exam.

ACTFL’s Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

The department offers the ACTFL’s OPI to MCC students who know a language that is not offered by the department or a language for which there are no advanced courses.  The student receives MCC credit based on their score.  Students should contact Dr. Cristina Rowley (crowley1@monroecc.edu).  Students are responsible for the cost of the exam.

Study Abroad

Short term:  MCC faculty offer short term On Location Courses for credit.  These courses are offered in the spring semester and travel takes place during a College break or during the summer.

Semester and year long: MCC students can participate in any of the programs offered through the SUNY International Program.

For more information contact our Study Abroad Advisor: Christina Lee (clee40@monroecc.edu), Coordinator, Global Education, Global Education & International Services.

Online Courses

SPA 101, SPA 102 and ASL 101 and 102 are currently offered online. Students are expected to have basic computer skills, understand the intensity of reading and writing entailed in an online course, be able to manage your time to complete assignments in a timely manner, understand where to locate resources, and know how to navigate the course management system called Brightspace.  For more information, visit online learning information for students

Frequently Asked Questions about Foreign Language Study

• If I have never studied a language before, or want to start a new one, where should I start? Start with a 101 course (along with 111 for Spanish) in the language you would like to try.
• I took two or three years of a language in school, and did pretty well. I got an 85 or higher on tests. What should I take? You should start in a 102 class, as 101 would be too basic for you. A 101 course would probably be a waste of time and you would probably be bored.
• I took some language in school, but I never learned it very well and it has been a while. I think I forgot most of what I learned in school anyway. You are probably on the line between 101 and 102.  We would recommend 101 for you.  This will ensure that you have a good command of the grammar topics and communications outcomes covered in 101 before taking 102.
• I took four or five years of a language in school, I liked it or did really well. I may even be thinking of continuing on. What should I take? Try a 203 level. At this level, most of the material will be taught in the target language, and more advanced grammar and texts will be studied. At the 204 level, students will even read short stories in the language.
• What is usually required in terms of languages? Check with your advisor or your department, or with the school or program you would like to transfer to or take at MCC. For teachers in New York State, two semesters are generally required (through 102) and Geneseo requires three (through 203 – unless you have an AS or AA degree before transferring). Languages are also required or useful for other programs, such as International Business or Human Services. Anyone in a program with a global/international focus would be well-served by taking a language at least through the intermediate level.

Keywords: Foreign language, foreign languages, foreign language placement, foreign language courses, foreign language credits

Updated March 2023