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Language Placement Exam

Why should I take it?

The Modern Languages Placement Exam is used to determine what course level students should take for their foreign language course. The test is designed to determine the appropriate course level for students continuing their previous study of French, German or Spanish.

All students majoring in programs in the College of Arts and Sciences (except the BSW - Social Work) are required to have competency in a language at the 102 level. In the College of Visual and Performing Arts only the BA in Art and Art History are required to have competency in a language at the 102 level. Some programs, e.g. English, also require students to complete a 201-level course in a foreign language. 

If you have not yet declared a major, but are considering a major in any of the programs in the College of Arts and Sciences (except Social Work), you should take the Language Placement Exam. The Placement Test will determine whether you should enroll in the very beginning class (French/German/Spanish 101) or a higher level. 

Course credit for prerequisites

Students may obtain credit for Elementary French, German or Spanish (French 101 and/or 102; German 101 and/or 102; Spanish 101 and/or 102) and Intermediate French, German or Spanish (French 201, German 201, Spanish 201), upon completion of the appropriate course with a grade of "B" or higher. Credit will not be given for courses for which university credit has been awarded previously. No grade is assigned to this credit. A grade is received only for the courses taken at Winthrop. This program has the benefit of allowing students to graduate sooner and save money, because students do not need to enroll in one or more lower-level courses. For more information, click here.

When and Where

The placement exam is normally given to incoming freshmen and transfer students during their June orientation sessions in the language lab, Kinard Hall, room 307.  The next scheduled Placement Exam is Friday, January 8, 2010 between 12:30 and 1:30 in 307 Kinard. 

Any individual wishing to take the placement exam at any other time during the school year should contact the department chair, Dr. Kenneth Gordon at (803) 323-2534. The test typically takes 20-30 minutes, but you should plan for up to 60 minutes. 

Format

Winthrop University uses WebCAPE (Computer Adaptive Placement Exam). The test is given online and is adaptive, meaning that it is different for every person who takes it. It is designed to get easier if you are doing poorly, and harder if you are doing well. The test is multiple-choice, and typically takes 20-30 minutes, but you should plan for up to 60 minutes. 

Test Results

Placement exam results are available to students immediately after finishing the exam, and student's advisors will have have access to their placement scores as well, prior to registration during orientation.  Depending on your score, you will be advised to enroll in the 101, 102, or higher level of the language course that you plan to take.

Transfer Credit, CLEP or Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

To verify that your credit will satisfy your language requirements, please contact the appropriate college academic advising area:

For additional information concerning the Language Placement Test, contact Dr. Kenneth Gordon, Chair, Department of Modern and Classical Languages at 803-323-2534, or your academic advisor.

Last updated 10/21/2009