Modern Language Requirement & Placement Testing at Marywood University

Marywood’s Modern Language Requirement is aimed at fostering elementary through advanced levels of proficiency in a modern language so that students can communicate effectively in the target language in professional and social contexts. As such, the modern language requirement is a 3-6 credit requirement depending on scores received on the online Modern Language Placement Exam. 

Students are strongly encouraged to continue study of the same language begun in high school, and to begin language study early, ideally in the freshman year, and not later than the sophomore year. Placement tests are available in French or Spanish. Students who have studied a modern language other than these and who intend to continue in these languages should contact the Modern Language Program. 

• Students who place beyond Intermediate level II (212) on the Modern Language Placement Exam in French or Spanish will take only one 3 credit course to meet the requirement. Please note, Marywood offers courses beyond the 212 level only in Spanish. For advanced level courses in French, students may take those courses at the University of Scranton through our cross-registration agreement with them or take a department approved advanced level course elsewhere and transfer it in. Students must have transfer courses approved by the Modern Language Program at Marywood before they begin the course.
• All other students will take two 3 credit courses at either the elementary or intermediate level depending on the score received on the modern language placement test. Please note, the two elementary or intermediate level courses (101-102; 211-212) must be completed in the same language. 
• NOTE: Placement scores are valid for one year after taking the test. 
• 1-Course Option for Bilingual Students:

1. Native speakers of a commonly taught modern language may take 1 course beyond the 212 level in that language to complete the language requirement. They may also take and pass an advanced level CLEP exam in that language to complete the requirement. 
2. Native speakers of a lesser taught modern language may find that no CLEP exam or advanced level college course in that language exists. In this case the student may take 1 upper level course taught in the English language from any discipline provided that the course has cross-cultural content. NOTE: This course cannot simultaneously fulfill any other requirement of the core curriculum. 
3. Should it be determined that a heritage speaker of another language would benefit from additional English language study, then Language 101 and 102 would be required to fulfill the modern language requirement.
4. Any student wishing to begin study of a modern language not previously studied must take 2 elementary level courses (101 and 102) in the new language in order to fulfill the modern language requirement.

Students required to take a placement exam:

• All incoming first-time, first year students who have previously studied either French or Spanish should take the placement test in the language previously studied. 
• Students who speak one of these languages at home and intend to enroll in a course in that language. 
• Students who took the language placement exam more than one year prior to registering for their courses. 
• Transfer students who have previously studied French of Spanish. 

Students not required to take a placement exam:

• Students who bring in AP, IB or CLEP credits equivalent to the 6 credit 101-102 course series, the 6 credit 211-212 course series, or a 3 credit course above the 212 level. 
• Students who wish to begin a new language not previously studied.
• Students who have never studied a modern language previously.
• Non-international students who have studied Arabic, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian. A placement exam is not yet provided in these languages. Students with previous experience in these languages who intend to continue study should consult the Modern Languages Program.

How to Prepare:

WebCAPE Placement tests are currently available for French, Italian and Spanish. Marywood students can access the test online and take it at any computer or mobile device with an internet connection, including your home computer. The test is an adaptive test, meaning that the questions are staged to get progressively more difficult as you demonstrate various skills. Don’t get discouraged; the test is designed to place you according to the skills you have, so it will take you back and forth in ranges of difficulty until it lands at the level at which you are most comfortable and successful. The test will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes to complete. 

Do not study for the test, do not use notes, books, dictionaries, or get outside help to take the test. If you get help or use restricted materials, or purposely answer incorrectly, you will place yourself in a course unsuitable for you. You do not want to place yourself into a course above your skill level.

Interpreting Your Score:

After you complete the test, the WebCAPE system provides you with a final score immediately. Please save and print your score for your records. Your score along with its language course equivalent will also be sent automatically to both the Modern Language Program and the Registrar’s office. The Registrar will upload the score into your student portal, where it can be viewed by both you and your advisor. 

NOTES: 

1. You may not enroll in course levels above or below the language placement indicated, or you will risk taking courses that will not fulfill the University Modern Language requirement. 
2. Placement test results are only honored for the year in which the test is taken. Students not enrolled in language study one year after taking the placement test must retake the test in order to ensure continued accurate placement. 

How To Take The Test: 

1. Click on the link here https://webcape.truenorthtest.com/link/3b1dc37b93 to arrive at the WebCAPE dashboard. 
2. You will see a variety of exams available in Spanish and French.
3. Please only choose the exam for the language that you have previously studied.** 
4. Once opened, you will complete the pre-exam questionnaire and take the test.
5. Scores and corresponding placement will be automatically generated after the test and sent to the Modern Language Program, the Registrar, and your advisor. 

**If the wrong test is selected, please exit and choose the appropriate test from the dashboard.