Wright State University | College of Liberal Arts | Modern Languages Make a Gift

Department of Modern Languages' Tips for Students at Wright State University

  1. Placement:

    Your high school language classes will save you time and money if you are wise enough to:

    1. Take a language as soon as you begin your university career (If you don't, you might forget your language, lose your self-confidence, and end up wasting your time in French, German, Spanish, etc. 101).
    2. Place yourself as high as you can. Follow these rules for placement:
      1. 1 year in high school = 1 quarter in college; French, Spanish, German 1 = 101, French, German, Spanish 2 = 102, etc.
      2. If you have taken three years of French, Spanish, German, you are strongly advised to place into FR, GER, SPN 201. Why?
        1. 201 is an intermediate review course, which begins with the present tense.
        2. 201-203 all require the same textbook (Saves you money).
        3. At WSU, if you earn a C or higher in a language course over 101, you can buy back credit hours for the course(s) you skipped! (Speeds up graduation).
        4. Example: you take FR 201 in your freshman year. After earning a C or higher, you may buy back credit for FR 101-103 at $25 per credit hour (cheap).
          1. This gives you three extra classes (and 12 credit hours) on your transcript!
          2. Conclusion: the higher you place, the less time and money you waste.
      3. Placement exams. Check the department's web page for details regarding placement exams.
        Should you need advice on placement, write to the section head of the language in question directly; if in doubt, the Chair of Modern Languages (Stefan.pugh@wright.edu) can forward your request to the appropriate person.
      4. Department of Modern Language professors will be happy to unofficially advise all students expressing an interest in a language major or minor (supplementing your university college advisor).
      5. One of us will become your official college advisor after you are accepted into the College of Liberal Arts and have declared your French, German or Spanish major or minor.

  2. Quick and handy French, German or Spanish minor

    Only 32 credits (8 classes)

    1. 201-203 = 12 credits
    2. Any combination of 5 classes at 300 or 400 level = 20 credits
    3. Study abroad classes count

  3. Fun and fulfilling language major:

    68 credits in French, Spanish or German, 12 credits in related courses

  4. Majors and minors

    are often combined with studies in English, History, Business, Communications, Engineering, ESL, other languages (e.g., French and German, German and Spanish). Given the global economy, knowledge of a language can give you theedge in today's competitive job market.

  5. Study Abroad:

    1. Wright State has many opportunities for earning credits while living or traveling abroad (for all of the programs listed below, please consult the UCIE website or faculty in the relevant language).
    2. University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC): a very popular program, for example in the beautiful Southwestern city of Pau, on the edge of the Pyrénées or Salamanca University in Spain.
      1. All levels accommodated (beginning through advanced)
      2. Possibility of studying for one year, one semester (longer than a quarter); one or two 5-week summer sessions
    3. ISA Study Abroad
    4. Exchange Programs
    5. Strasbourg = summer program. European Union theme. All levels welcome.
    6. 2-3 week Ambassador Programs to France, Spain, Chile, Costa Rica and Austria, led by faculty; China to be added probably in 2009.
      1. Professor led trips to France (every summer), Spain (every other summer), and Austria. 4 credits, three weeks.
      2. Professor led trips to Paris, Costa Rica, Chile during Wintersession. 4 credits, two-three weeks.
325 Millett Hall
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
Tel: (937) 775-2641 | Fax: (937) 775-2820
E-mail: modern_lang@wright.edu

Last Updated March 5, 2010