Second Language Placement
Second Languages
To complete the Core Language requirement, a student must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to successful completion of the 201 level (Intermediate I).
Proficiency may be demonstrated by placement exam or by completing courses at Xavier with a passing grade.
All students must take a placement test to determine placement in a language they studied prior to enrolling at Xavier.
Students are not required to continue at Xavier with the language they started in high school. Students should nonetheless take the placement test for their high school language as part of their Road to Xavier experience in case they decide to study their high school language at some future date.
Students with four years of formal language instruction in high school will not be placed lower than LANG 102, regardless of their placement test score. Many students with three or more years of high school language place higher.
If a student enrolled in a course believes they have been placed inaccurately, they should speak with their instructor as soon as possible to determine whether an in-person, oral assessment is required. Some students require time to adjust to college-level language learning. We can support them with additional tutoring to facilitate the transition to Xavier, allowing them to retain placement in a course appropriate to their experience with a language prior to admission.
Xavier offers the following languages:
- American Sign Language
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
- Spanish
The following numbering is used for clarity and consistency with standard numbering at U.S. American institutions:
- LANG 101: Elementary I
- LANG 102: Elementary II
- LANG 201: Intermediate I
- LANG 202: Intermediate II
Please note that not all levels of all languages are offered every semester. You should plan enough time to complete your Core Language requirement before your planned graduation date.
Students who studied a language not offered at Xavier and who believe they meet the proficiency standard are asked to document proficiency through an external testing service. Interested students should contact the Chair of the Department of Classics and Modern Languages for important details.
International students with formal education in a language other than English may request that their language requirement be waived. They should work with their academic advisor to complete a Substitution/Waiver form and indicate the language in which they are proficient in the field “Rationale for Request.”
Domestic heritage speakers of a language other than English are asked to complete placement tests. We recognize and affirm the value of informal education in any language and work to document proficiency through placement whenever possible. Please contact the Chair of the Department of Classics and Modern Languages for assistance if you do not see a placement test for your language.
Placement above LANG 201: Some students will be placed at the 202 level or above. While they satisfy the Core requirement by placement, students with this level of proficiency on entry should consider carefully with their advisors how a minor or a second major in their language could prepare them for a broad range of academic and professional opportunities in the US and abroad.
Advanced Placement through the AP Exam varies by score and language. Students who anticipate receiving AP Credit, but have not yet received their scores, should register for the class following the courses for which they will likely receive credit, regardless of their placement score in Road to Xavier. For example, if you anticipate receiving AP Credit for LANG 201, you should register for LANG 202.
Transfer Students should also register for the next class in a language sequence regardless of placement test score. Transfer students may not retake a course level for review, even if there has been a gap in study; Xavier does not offer credit for the same course twice. Students concerned about their current skill level should meet with faculty to develop a review or tutoring plan to support them in reactivating prior learning and continuing at the next appropriate level.
Please contact the Chair of the Department of Classics and Modern Languages with any questions.