Foreign Language Requirement
University Studies requires a student obtain proficiency through the 201-level in a language previously studied or the 102-level in a second foreign language not previously studied.
Students will demonstrate proficiency by completing a course at the 201-level or higher in a language previously studied or at the 102-level in a second foreign language. Waivers may apply - please review the UNCW Catalogue and see below.
French, German, Latin, or Spanish
Students who have taken French, German, Latin, or Spanish in high school or students who grew up in a French, German, or Spanish-speaking home, must take a placement exam in that language if they wish to continue in that language.
Other Languages
Placement in American Sign Language, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, or Russian is done through consultation with the Department of World Languages and Cultures. Students who have studied in a language other than those offered at UNCW may enroll in the beginning level of any class without taking a placement exam.
Supplementary Foreign Language Credit
Students who complete (with a grade of "C" or better) a French, German, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, or Spanish course numbered 201 or higher (excluding 209, 210, 211, and 212) and who have received no AP credit, transfer credit, and no prior credit at UNCW in that language, shall be granted supplemental credit as follows:
- For completion of a 200-level course, the student will receive 3 credit hours for the prior course in the sequence. For completion of SPN 215, the student will receive 3 credit hours for SPN 201.
- For completion of a 300 level course in French, German, or Latin, the student will receive 6 credit hours for 201 and 202.
- For completion of SPN 303, the student will receive 6 credit hours for SPN 202 and SPN 302.
- For completion of SPN 302, the student will receive 6 credit hours for SPN 201 and 202.
- For completion of SPN 315, the student will receive 6 credit hours for SPN 201 and 215.
This credit may be used to fulfill University Studies requirements.
Students with previous foreign language credit through AP, CLEP, or Transfer, may choose to take the UNCW placement exam for their respective language if they feel they can perform at a higher level than the courses that they are transferring.
If a student has successfully completed or is registered in a 200-level course (excluding literature and culture classes taught in English), she or he may not take for credit (either concurrently or subsequently) a 100-level course in the same language.
If a student has successfully completed or is registered in a 300- or 400- level course, she or he may not take for credit (either concurrently or subsequently) a 100-level course or a course numbered 201 or 202 in the same language. Exceptions to this rule may be granted under special circumstances and with special permission from the instructor of the course(s) and the department chair.
Waiver of Requirements
Students who prefer to waive the language requirement rather than take a 300-level course and receive supplemental credit must demonstrate written-language proficiency. Students should make an appointment for the waiver examination and subsequent assessment with the Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures. This waiver does not grant academic credit.
Contact
For more information regarding the Foreign Language Requirement, contact Dr. Derrick Miller at millerd@uncw.edu or 910.962.4095.
Other questions? Please contact Dr. Don Bushman.