If you have previous knowledge before enrolling in a language course for the first time, then please consider the following:
two years of HS language study corresponds to one semester
at MC. For example, if you have studied a foreign language for 4 years
at the HS level, then you should consider a third semester class for
enrollment.
if you grew up with Spanish in the home, if you understand
and respond using it, then you should enroll in Spanish 10. Spanish 10
is the counterpart of Spanish 1 for the Spanish speaker. Spanish 10
does not presuppose any formal training in the language.
if you are not disposed to take another class at MC thanks to previous study here or abroad, you can consider taking a credit-by-exam test. You need to obtain a credit-by-exam form from Admissions & Records, obtain the permission of one of the three full-time Spanish instructors (this is your choice), then collect the signatures listed on that form. The cost for this exam is $25. Keep in mind that the grade you will receive is a final one; in other words, if you receive a D or F, you are not able to improve this grade by taking the class instead. The best indicator of your success on a challenge exam is if you successfully have taken a higher level class, and then wish to challenge a lower level language course. Keep in mind that this exam is only administered during the first month of the fall and spring semester. It is not a recourse for lack of planning, when you suddenly realize you are short of units.
If you have no previous knowledge of a language, then obviously you would enroll in a first semester course (1-level courses) or Spanish 10 if you speak Spanish at home.
If you have taken a language course at MC, and plan to take more, then do so in subsequent semesters, that is, as soon as possible. Retention of material decreases drastically the longer you wait between language courses.
If you have taken a Spanish course at MC, and are confused as to what course to take next, then please consider the following diagram:
This is not a perfect system, since non-native speakers and native speakers will be joined in Spanish 3, but every effort will be made to accommodate both student populations in the 3rd semester course. In any case, if you major in Spanish, you will have to enroll in 20 units of Spanish, which would comprise Spanish 1-4 or Spanish 10, 11, 3, and 4.
Further questions? Click here 
and send an e-mail.
Return
to Caroline's Home Page
Last updated on 7-31-01 by Caroline Kreide