What is the foreign language requirement?
The department requires that you demonstrate “reading knowledge” of two foreign languages, or a superior proficiency in a single language. You can demonstrate reading knowledge passing a reading examination (which consists of a translating a passage with the help of a dictionary), by passing (with a grade of B or higher) an upper-division literature course in the original language, or by petitioning to have previously done work accepted that meets the above criteria. (It is probably in your best interest to choose the “S/U” grading option for your language classes, as a grade of “Satisfactory” indicates that you have done work of at least “B” quality.) The departmentally approved languages are French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Latin, but you may petition the Graduate Committee to allow other languages. You must petition to test in other languages or if you want to pursue superior proficiency. The first language requirement must be satisfied during the first two years in the program
The student must demonstrate second-year proficiency in a second language. Usually, the requirement is met by successfully completing the 100- and 200-level language courses or by placing into the third year on the language proficiency test. Students who want certification of second-year proficiency in a language that is not taught at MSU will need to find a professor who is fluent in that language and ask for verification of second-year proficiency from that professor. Such verification should then be sent to the Department of English for our records.
The Foreign Language Requirement is part of the Yale College distributional requirements for all undergraduate students. These requirements are in place to ensure that all students have a broad exposure to important liberal arts disciplines. For specific information, read the Foreign Language Requirement page of this Guide or consult the Yale College Programs of Study for the complete guidelines.
At Oswego, every student must complete the equivalent of the second semester of a college-level foreign language course to meet one of the general education requirements. This may be satisfied through work in high school — high school study of another language through Regents Level 4, or high school study of two other languages through Level 2 in each. For more information, consult the General Education requirements page. Return to top.
