Faculty of Arts & Science
Modern Languages

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The Placement Policy is designed to place students in a language course appropriate to their background and level of language competency and fluency. The Placement Policy aims to create the best possible learning environment for all students.

Students who are enrolling for the first time in French, German, Japanese or Spanish at the University of Lethbridge should note the following:

1. Students must enroll in courses for which they have the prerequisite listed in the University Calendar. In addition, in order to confirm their enrollment in French, German, Japanese and/or Spanish 1000, 1100 or 1500, students must complete the Student Information Form and, if required, the Placement Test.
2. Students who have knowledge of a second language that is not recognized on their official transcript must take the Advanced Placement Test in order to be placed at the appropriate level. For example, students who have spent some time in a second language environment, or whose first language is the language being studied, must contact the appropriate First Year Language Coordinator regarding the taking of this test. (See section D below)
3. The Department of Modern Languages reserves the right to place students in the language course appropriate to their level of language competency and fluency. These decisions are final.
4. Providing misleading or false information at any stage in the Placement process will be considered an instance of academic dishonesty for which there are serious consequences. Please see the “Student Discipline Policy – Academic Offences” section in the University of Lethbridge Calendar.

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A. Placement in Beginners’ Courses: 1000 & 1100

Students without any high school credit in a language should take the 1000 (Beginners’ I) and 1100 (Beginners’ II) courses in French, German, Japanese and/or Spanish. These courses are for students with little or no knowledge of the language.

Students with some high school credit in a language, but with less than the Alberta 30 level course or equivalent, must take the Placement Test to determine whether they should enroll in the 1000 or in the 1100 language course.

Students who have been awarded matriculation level standing (Alberta 30 or equivalent, excluding immersion and francophone programs) in a language must enroll in the corresponding intermediate level course (e.g. Spanish 1500) if they wish to receive credit.

However, students who were awarded matriculation level standing (Alberta 30 or equivalent) in the second language five or more years prior to their resumption of study of this language may take Beginners’ courses (1000 and/or 1100) for credit.These students must apply to the relevant First Year Language Coordinator by the third day of university classes if they wish to receive credit for Beginners’ courses.

Note:The grades from courses taken without credit are included in the student’s grade-point average. Courses taken without credit may not be used to fulfill the University of Lethbridge General Liberal Education Requirement, and may not count toward the number of courses required for a degree.

B. Placement in 1500 courses

Students with Alberta high school matriculation in a language (French, German, Japanese or Spanish 30 or equivalent, not including immersion and francophone programs) must enroll in the corresponding 1500 course. In order to confirm their enrollment in French, German, Japanese and/or Spanish 1500, students must complete the Student Information Form and, if required, the Placement Test.

Students who have received credit for 1100 are not required to take the Placement Test provided they enroll in 1500 within 12 months of completing 1100, but they must complete the Student Information Form.

A student who receives a failing grade on the Placement Test must withdraw from the 1500 course and register in the appropriate course (1000 or 1100). (See note above.)

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C. French Immersion & Francophone Education

Students with credit for French Language Arts 30 (French Immersion), Français 30 (French for francophones) or equivalent must register in one or more of French 2001, 2200, 2300 or 3450. These students are not required to write the Placement Test.

D. Advanced Placement

Students who have knowledge of a second language that is not recognized on their official transcript must take the Advanced Placement Test in order to be placed at the appropriate level. For example, students who have spent some time in a second language environment, or whose first language is the language being studied, must contact the appropriate First Year Language Coordinator regarding the taking of this test.

Students applying for Advanced Placement must note the following:

1. Students must contact the appropriate First Year Coordinator by the third day of University classes in the Fall and Spring semesters.
2. Advanced Placement in the 1100, 1500 and 2000 level courses is granted by the appropriate First Year Language Coordinator.
• Advanced Placement is based on a test and/or an interview.
• In order to receive Advanced Placement a student must obtain a B grade or higher on the test and/or   interview.
3. Advanced Placement in 3000/4000 level courses is granted by the instructor, with the approval of the Chair. Students may be required to write the Advanced Placement Test.
4. A student who successfully completes the course in which Advanced Placement was granted may not subsequently take for credit the lower level courses waived.
5. No credit is assigned for courses waived by the Advanced Placement.

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E. Transfer Students

Students who have been awarded transfer credit for second language courses at other post-secondary institutions should consult with the Department Academic Advisor to ensure that they are enrolled in an appropriate course.

F. Placement Test Procedures

Placement procedures (Student Information Form and Placement Test) will be carried out at the first class meeting of all 1000, 1100 and 1500 level courses.

Students absent from the first class meeting must contact the appropriate First Year Coordinator by the third day of University classes to arrange for Placement procedures in order to ensure proper course load by the add/drop deadlines.

For students seeking advanced placement, see section D above.

WHEN IN DOUBT, STUDENTS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC ADVISOR