Language Requirements at WKU
Why should I major in a Modern Language?
Gain communication skills and cross-cultural understanding.
Increase job opportunities.
Learn about art, history, literature, and even science.
Have questions or just want to talk about your options?
Contact Dr. Alex Poole, Department Head, alex.poole@wku.edu
Two credits (or equivalent) of High School language in a single world language satisfies the WKU Proficiency requirement. Students who have taken one semester of a world language in high school have NOT fulfilled the world language requirement. They should discuss placement options with Academic Advising and Retention or the Modern Languages department.
Students can fulfill the world language requirement by completing with a grade of “C” or better 101 and 102 of one (1) of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish.
These languages offer full semester beginning courses, and may sometimes also bi-term courses. The bi-term format means you enroll 101 for the 1st half of the semester and 102 for the 2nd half of the semester. These courses meet daily and allow you to complete a full year of language in a single semester.
101 Targeted Proficiency Level upon completion: Novice Mid
• I can understand some everyday words, phrases and questions about me, my personal
experiences, and my surroundings.
• I can understand familiar words, phrases, and simple sentences.
• I can interact with help, using words, phrases and memorized expressions.
• I can answer simple questions on very familiar topics.
• I can provide basic information about myself and my intermediate surroundings, using
words, phrases, and memorized expressions.
• I can provide some basic information on familiar topics in lists, phrases, often
using memorized expressions.
102 Targeted Proficiency Level upon completion: Novice High
• I can understand some ideas about familiar topics expressed in phrases, simple sentences,
and frequently used expressions.
• I can understand the main idea in short conversations, messages, and announcements.
• I can understand some ideas from simple texts that contain familiar vocabulary.
• I can exchange information about familiar tasks, topics, and activities.
• I can handle short social interactions using phrases and simple sentences.
• I can write descriptions and short messages to request or provide information on
familiar topics using phrases and simple sentences.
Students can fulfill the world language requirement by passing one of the following exams. Scores also indicate appropriate placement for those with previous language study.
AP Exam: Students can fulfill the world language requirement by achieving a 3 or better on the AP exam.
STAMP Test: Students can fulfill the world language requirement by achieving a 3 or better on the STAMP test. Results are valid for one (1) year. Click here
AAPPL: Click here to learn more about the test.Click here to learn about minimum scores and reporting requirements.
CLEP: Students may fulfill the language requirement by achieving a score of 50-57 on this exam.
Departmental Exam: Students may fulfill the language requirement by passing the departmental exam.
Verified Credit: With "Verified Credit", the Department of Modern Languages grants up to 6 hours of university credit for previous knowledge of a language if you enroll at a higher level than 101 and earn a C or better. Fees will apply.
If, for example, based on 3 years of high school language you are ready for a 201 course, and you earn a C or better, you could get credit for 101 and 102 in that language.
Do you need to complete a Colonnade requirement? Would you like to continue to study a language? Please review the information below.
If you wish to register for a course in Arabic, Chinese, or Russian and you already have some knowledge of the language, whether through study or life experience, you must schedule an appointment for an oral and reading interview to assess your correct level. The results of this interview will indicate to you the course level for which you are eligible to register.
For more information about Chinese language placement interviews, please email Dr. Ke Peng at ke.peng@wku.edu.
For more information about Russian language placement interviews, please email professor Katya Myakshina at ekaterina.myakshina@wku.edu .
Avant Language Placement Test
The results of this examination will indicate to you the course level for which you are eligible to register.
- This is an online placement test that you purchase.
- You will need listening and recording capability to complete the placement test.
- You may take the exam from home.
- Contact Modern.Languages@wku.edu to purchase the exam.
- After purchasing, you will need a test code & password. You may 1) bring your receipt to the Department of Modern Languages in HCIC 2039 and receive a code & password, or 2) email your receipt and your WKU ID (800#) to Modern.Languages@wku.edu to receive a code & password.
- When you begin taking your placement test you MUST enter your WKU ID (800#).
- Within 14 days after you complete the placement test, you will receive an email with your score. Your score will appear in TopNet under "Test Scores and Course Eligibility".
- Your score will be valid for 1 year.
- If you are not pleased with the results and wish to retake the placement test, you must wait 30 days before doing so.
|
AVANT Placement Scores |
|||
|
Score |
Proficiency |
WKU |
Placement |
|
2 |
Novice-Mid |
101 |
102 |
|
3 |
Novice-High |
102 |
201 |
|
4 |
Intermediate-Low |
201 |
202 |
|
5 |
Intermediate-Mid Intermediate-High |
202 |
300 level |
|
6 |
Advanced |
400 level |
See advisor for test-out placement |
If you wish to register for a course in Japanese or Korean, and you already have some knowledge of the language, whether through study or life experience, you must contact the Modern Languages office at modern.languages@wku.edu.
International students from non-English speaking countries can receive a waiver from the International Student Office.
Submit passing test scores on any of the exams described in “Credit by Exam.”
Provide evidence of the completion of the 8th grade, or equivalent, or higher in which the primary language of instruction was not English. Complete the second page of this waiver form and submit for review and potential approval.
Provide other documentation (tests, diplomas, other official documents) that demonstrates language abilities. Complete a waiver form and submit to the registrar for review and potential approval.
For more information:
For more information, contact the Academic Advising and Retention Center by e-mail Academic.Advising@wku.edu or phone 270-745-5065
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