If you are planning to continue with the language you have previously studied in high school, you must complete the appropriate language placement. It is recommended that even if you are planning to study a new language at Willamette, you should take the placement in the language you are currently studying. This strategy will allow you the greatest flexibility when planning your schedule and making future course decisions.

As a general rule, two years of high school study in a language are roughly equivalent to one year of college-level study in that same language. Of course, the strength and emphasis of individual high school language programs vary greatly, so that placement is necessary to assign students to the level of study that is appropriate. If you have studied a language in high school, but still wish to start out in an entry-level course in that language, it is still necessary that you complete the placement.

If you need to complete placement, please carefully review the instructions that follow to determine what kind of placement activity is required for your intended language. The placements are meant to measure your language level as of this moment and to help you find the best level for beginning your study at Willamette. You should not use language texts or dictionaries as aids, for this will result in inappropriate placement and you will find it difficult to complete the course at your assigned level. Foreign language placements levels are effective for two semesters, after which you must retake the placement before enrolling for your first semester in a foreign language. All online language placement are now available. Please read the instructions carefully for accessing and completing the online placements.

If you have a first or home language other than English, you may be able to fulfill this requirement based on your proficiency in your home language. Contact advising@willamette.edu to discuss this option.

Classical Languages (Ancient Greek or Latin)

Placement for classical languages is highly individualized since these languages are the least frequently taught in high schools. Students who have classical language backgrounds must contact one of the following faculty members prior to registering for classes so that a determination of their placement can be made.

Chinese

Placement in Mandarin Chinese is highly individualized, given that few students arrive at Willamette having previously studied this language. Students who have studied Chinese must contact the following faculty member prior to registering for classes:

French

The French placement process is available online. The placement must be completed before course registration begins. (Willamette username and password are required access the placement.)

French placement

German

The German placement process is available online. The placement must be completed before course registration begins. (Willamette username and password are required access the placement.)

German placement

Japanese

The required placement for those students who have previously studied Japanese consists of a one-hour placement test with a brief listening exercise. It is designed for students with two years or more of high school Japanese. There are two sections to the test, the second being for advanced students seeking placement above the second-year level. Students are encouraged not to use texts or dictionaries during the test for it may lead to erroneous placement. The required placement testing is available online. You must complete and return this placement before you can register in the language. (Willamette username and password are required access the placement.)

Japanese placement

Russian

Students who have any background in Russian language and who would like to take Russian language courses in the fall must complete the online language placement prior to registering for classes, so that a determination of their placement can be made. (Willamette username and password are required to access the placement.)

In addition to taking the online exam, please submit a handwritten essay written in Russian (10-12 sentences) in which you tell us about your background in the Russian language. Why are you interested in Russian? Where have you studied Russian and for how long? Please email an image or pdf file of the essay to sbishop@willamette.edu or send a hard copy to Prof. Sarah Bishop, Ford Hall, Willamette University, 900 State St. Salem, OR 97301.

Please do not consult outside resources (for example, dictionaries, textbooks, family members) when taking the online test or writing the essay.

Once we have received your online exam score and your handwritten essay, we will contact you with your placement information.

Russian placement

Spanish

The Spanish placement process is available online. The placement must be completed before course registration begins. (Willamette username and password are required access the placement.)

Spanish placement

Willamette University

First Year Students Advising Materials

Address
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6573

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