Foreign language proficiency

Proficiency at the second-year level (e.g. for students completing B.A.) may be demonstrated in the following ways:

  1. Students with no previous knowledge of the foreign language are advised to complete first and second year in the language of their choice (through course 203).
  2. Students who already possess the necessary ability may demonstrate proficiency by:
    1. Registration in a course numbered 203 or higher and completion of it with a grade of at least D- (or pass). Note: Foreign Languages and Literatures Department courses taught in English, such as literature in translation and certain linguistics courses, are not acceptable for this purpose.
    2. Taking an examination, for credit:
      1. In French, German, or Spanish, the only languages for which it is available, by passing the national CLEP test (College-Level Examination Program) with a score of 60 or higher. This will earn a maximum of 12 credits for second-year language. Students who did not have the Advanced Placement Program available to them in high school may also meet the requirement and earn credit by passing the AP test (available in French, German, or Spanish) with an appropriate score. See PSU Bulletin for more information.
      2. In other languages currently taught in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, by passing a departmental examination with a score high enough for second-year level credit. A maximum of 15 credits may be earned through such an exam. Credit by exam fees apply.
    3. Taking an examination, not for credit: In any language for which the department of Foreign Languages and Literatures has a qualified examiner, the student may demonstrate competence by passing either a written or an oral test, at the examiner's option. There is no charge for such a test, and no credit will be granted.
  3. Students who completed their secondary education in a language other than English are considered to have met the second-year proficiency requirement. Such students may not enroll in first- or second-year courses in the language in which they received their secondary education, nor may they earn credit by examination for such courses. (Some programs extend this restriction to enrollment in upper-division language courses. Please consult the department.)