Foreign Languages

Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities in government, business, health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications, and social service. Learning a language is not just learning grammar and vocabulary, it is learning how to function in another culture. A person who knows another language can work successfully with many more people in many more places. An employer will see you as a bridge to new clients or customers. No matter what career you choose, if you have learned a second language, you will have a distinct advantage over those who are monolingual.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY
The University offers a minor in Mandarin Chinese (CHI), 100-level courses in Spanish (SPA), and, periodically, 100-level courses in French (FRE). For the Chinese minor requirements, consult the Chinese section of the catalog.

Placement
Placement exams are offered to freshmen and transfer students during admissions events and during Orientation. For all other students, including transfer students and those who did not take the placement exam as freshmen, they will be offered twice per year: once in August and once in January. The following rules will help students and advisors understand which placement exam a student should take.

WHO SHOULD TAKE WHICH PLACEMENT EXAM?

Students who are not native/heritage speakers of the language can fulfill the Global Perspectives requirement by completing the 101-102 sequence (six semester hours) in Spanish, French, or Mandarin Chinese without taking a placement exam.
Students with prior experience in Spanish, including native/heritage speakers, must take a placement test in order to determine the appropriate level of study.
Students with prior experience in Mandarin Chinese should contact Dr. Ye Li (yli@coker.edu) to arrange a placement exam.
Students who studied French, German, or Latin in high school may take a written placement exam to try and exempt the non-native language requirement. This exam is offered twice per year, usually at the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters.
Students who have studied American Sign Language (ASL), or who have learned it without formal study, may attempt an in-person exemption exam. Contact the Foreign Language program coordinator for details.

French
Coker University does not offer French classes on a regular schedule.

Students who wish to fulfill the non-native language requirement by taking equivalent classes during an approved study abroad program may do so. Contact the Foreign Language program coordinator for details.

Courses at the 100-level are designed to teach basic skills necessary for communication and to introduce some cultural information.

Spanish
The courses listed aim to provide a comprehensive program of study that will enable the serious student to attain a useful fluency in the Spanish language and a broad understanding of the culture, civilization and literature of Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latinos. Courses at the 100-level are designed to teach basic skills necessary for communication and to introduce some cultural information. Courses at the 200-level expand and develop both language skills and cultural expertise. To enroll in a 200-level course a student must have completed the 101-102 courses or demonstrated proficiency at that level by means of transfer credit or a placement test.