How to Choose the Correct Foreign Language Class

Welcome to foreign language classes at Genesee! Learning a foreign language is exciting, challenging and opens a world of opportunities for you. In order to get the most out of your studies it is important to choose the correct class level. Failure to register for the correct class will lead to having to change classes during the first week of school when class choice is limited.

Placement in foreign language courses is based on prior experience in the language. If you have studied language in high school, follow the guidelines below or consult the instructor to choose the correct course.

The chart below applies to both Spanish and French courses. The 101 courses are designed for the true novice. If you have had two or more years of high school foreign language and the time elapsed since you completed your high school language study is two years or less, then 101 is not the class for you. If you have four or more years of high school foreign language do not register for 101 without permission from the instructor regardless of the gap in your studies.

In the fall semester of 2008 we will be offering two accelerated hybrid (part on-line) courses. Accelerated Spanish 101 will be offered during the first eight weeks of the semester and accelerated Spanish 102 during the last eight weeks. If feel you fall between the 101 and 102 or 102 and 201 courses consider registering for the accelerated version of the lower course. For more information contact Kathy Kimber, Associate Professor of Spanish at kakimber@genesee.edu.

• Seventh and eighth grade together usually count as one year.
• Do not count elementary school Spanish.
• Time elapsed since successful completion of high school study is not more than two years. If the time elapsed is more than two years your placement may depend on other factors - consult the instructor.

The above chart provides guidelines for placement. If you have questions regarding placement, seek additional advisement either from the advisement office (343-0055 ext 6262) or from the instructor of the course in which you are registered. Final decision on placement in a foreign language course remains the instructor's responsibility.