Appendix II: Foreign Language Requirement

Course of Study:

All students must demonstrate foreign language proficiency at the 12-credit level or its equivalent. In each language a required course sequence (12 credits) is offered: Elementary I and II (2 three-credit courses or 1 six-credit intensive course) and Intermediate I and II (2 three-credit courses or 1 six-credit intensive course). The Elementary three-credit courses are usually numbered 10100 and 10200 and the Intermediate three-credit courses are usually 20100 and 20200 (except that the Spanish for Native Speakers sequence is SPAN 10500, 10600, 20700, and 20800; intermediate Greek is GRK 11000 and GRK 20200 or 20300; intermediate Latin is LAT 11000 and LAT 20100, 20200, 20300, or 20400). The intensive six-credit courses are usually numbered 10300 and 20300 (except for: GRK 10700; and LAT 10700). Intensive courses are not offered in all languages. Students may earn credit for the first semester foreign language course (level 10100) without completing the second course, only once.

Partial Exemption: Students may be exempted from one or more classes towards the requirement of 4th-semester proficiency by virtue of taking an appropriate placement exam. Students who wish to continue studying a language they have previously learned elsewhere (in high school, while abroad, at home, etc.) must first take a placement exam with the appropriate foreign language department. The results of the placement may exempt students from having to take courses below the level at which they are placed.

Complete Exemption: Students may be exempted from having to take any classes towards the requirement of 4^th-semester proficiency by virtue of:

1. Successful completion of high school courses. Students who have successfully completed 4 years of one foreign language in high school should apply for an exemption with the Coordinator of Academic Appeals; an official high school transcript is required. Students who have passed a language Advanced Placement Test of the College Board with a grade of 5, 4, or 3 should contact the Office of Admissions.

2. Passing at least one advanced college foreign language or literature course that has a 4^th-semester level prerequisite in that language.

3. Competency demonstrated through a Hunter-approved proficiency examination. To arrange for an examination contact the appropriate department office; if the language in question is not taught at Hunter College contact the dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.

4. Presentation of foreign secondary school documentation. Students who have graduated from a high school outside the United States in which the language of instruction was other than English may be exempted from the foreign language requirement upon presentation of a high school or secondary (equivalent) transcript and/or diploma.

5. Presentation of foreign university documentation. Students who present appropriate evidence that they have completed one or more semesters of full-time study at a college or university outside of the United States in which the language of instruction was other than English may be exempted from the foreign language requirement. Native speakers of English who participated in a study-abroad program or a program specifically designed for foreigners may be exempted from the foreign language requirement if they provide sufficient evidence of their proficiency in the foreign language.

Note: an exemption from a language requirement does not yield any credit unless the exemption is based on successful completion of college courses

Students entering Hunter College as freshmen will take an introductory language course for their World Cultures and Global Issues requirement. Remaining courses needed to attain fourth semester proficiency will be taken as part of the Hunter Focus. After this goal has been met, students should begin concentrated study in an area outside their first major.