Please include your 901 number, an explanation of your language background, and contact the appropriate representative below to arrange to take a language placement test:
French: Dr. Eric Migierner or Dr. Nancy Stump
German: Dr. Christopher Dolmetsch
Spanish: Register for Spanish Placement test by clicking here All Spanish placement tests are arranged by Dr. Christina Huhn and taken online in the language lab, using the university's course management software. The exam tests grammar, listening, reading and writing , and speaking (upper levels only).
Students with 2 -3 years of high school language: are encouraged to enroll in 112. Most students with this background need a good review of basic material. Students with particularly strong backgrounds can request a placement test if desired
Students with 3 years or more of high school language should take a placement test.
Students with transfer credit from other universities should first consult the department to determine how courses taken elsewhere align with Marshall's course sequence, and then take a placement test if necessary.
Native and Heritage speakers can vary greatly in language ability and MUST take a placement test designed for Heritage/Native speakers. Provided they demonstrate appropriate language skills, native and heritage speakers will likely begin their study at the 204 or 305 level. As all language students need the academic exposure and study, regardless of level. Native and Heritage speakers may not test out of all grammar courses. Native/Heritage speakers placement will be determined based on language skill. Fluent Native speakers may NOT enroll in 100 level courses.
Students MAY NOT place above 204 unless they are native/heritage speakers, or have taken the courses elsewhere (transfer student, international study, language courses in their home country, equivalent experience, etc.) This stipulation is to assure that no student “skips” too many courses – experience and contact with the language is as important as placement location.
It is possible to earn a maximum of SIX (6) hours credit based upon performance on the placement test plus the grade earned in the next course in the language sequence. Credit is only given AFTER completion of the course in which the students enroll.
Example:
A student who takes a placement exam and demonstrates appropriate skills at the 203 level and enrolls in 204 will receive SIX credits (no grade) for 102 and 203 once he/she has passed 204 with a grade of B or better.
A student who takes a placement exam and demonstrates appropriate skills at the 203 level and enrolls in 204 will receive THREE credits (no grade) for 102 and 203 once he/she has passed 204 with a grade of C or better.
Once you have completed the course, you willneed to contact Edna Cole, Smith Hall 711, to complete the appropriate paperwork to recieve this credit.
Note: taking a language course below your level of language skills is not in anyone's best interest, and students are encouraged to take full advantage of their language skills to advance in our Language Program.
These exams are used as a general measure of student competencies. The exams are not connected to individual courses, but rather are given periodically in the various course sequences, and following Study Abroad. Students will be notified and must take the exams to the best of their ability, but the exam scores do not affect course grades. Your instructor will notify you when these exams arise.
For students who are native speakers of foreign languages other than Spanish, French, German, Japanese) and documented learning challenges only:
To request a foreign language waiver, contact the Department Chairperson.
