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Undergraduate Catalog 2007-2008

Foreign Language Placement

Correct placement in foreign language courses is an important consideration for UB students and for teachers of foreign languages.

Students who have successfully completed three years or more of language study in high school (or the equivalent) or have passed a Regents comprehensive exam should not take a beginner-level course in that language (normally numbered 101 or 191).

Intensive review courses numbered 104 in Spanish, French and German are intended for students who wish to relearn the basics rather than move immediately into an intermediate-level language course, numbered 151/152 or 193/194. Courses with the 104 designation satisfy the General Education language requirement. Students capable of entering intermediate or higher level classes straight from high school should be encouraged to do so, and to consider this training as an important step toward study abroad and internationalization of their studies.

For other languages, students who have passed a Regents exam may begin their language study at UB with a second-semester course (numbered 102 or 192) but should consult with advisors and instructors to determine proper placement. Please note: Students may not receive credit for either 101/191 or 102/192 courses if they receive credit for a 104 course in the same language.

Students fluent in a language other than English or whose primary/secondary education was conducted in a language other than English should not take first- or second-year courses in that language.

If questions remain, students are urged to confer with their academic advisors.

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