Our Department equips students with language proficiency as it introduces them to the multicultural nature and historical evolution of literary and other texts in the target languages. Our courses provide opportunities to comprehend, interpret, and practice linguistic skills through oral and written exercises and assignments. Through a judicious selection of required courses and electives that include literature, history, and the arts, students acquire an increasing commitment to the mission of the University. We thrive to provide tools to foster transcultural understanding as the basis for mutual respect, global harmony and social justice.

Major and Minor Requirements

Students can declare a major in French/Francophone Studies, Modern Languages, or Spanish, or a minor in French/Francophone Studies, German, Italian, or Spanish, at entry to the University, through the Office of Admission. Students wishing to declare a major/minor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures after admission to LMU must meet with a professor from that particular program. A Change of Program form will be signed by the chairperson, provided that the student has a minimum LMU GPA of 2.0 (C).

Lower division language courses (100-200) may not be challenged by exam. Students may be exempt from these courses by placing above that level through the LMU online Placement Exam for Chinese, French, German, or Spanish, and by professor evaluation for Italian and Japanese. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in all lower division language courses to major or minor in those languages.

Students with significant course credit in a language from high school or college will not be allowed to enroll in the 101 course of that language.

The department offers lower division language courses (100-200) in Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino which satisfy the language requirements for the Asian and Pacific Studies major and minor.

Language Placement Exam

The online WebCAPE Placement Examination measures your language skills in Chinese, French, German, or Spanish so that you may be placed in the appropriate level of coursework in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

Your score is used for language placement advising purposes and does not become part of your permanent record.

FAQ

When do I need to take a foreign language exam?
You need to take this exam ONLY...

If you have taken Chinese, French, German, or Spanish language courses in any educational setting (for example, at a high school or community school or at another university if you are a transfer student) AND you wish to continue taking classes in these languages during the first three semesters at LMU.
If you have taken AP language and/or literature courses in the above languages.
If you are interested in a minor or major in the above languages so that you can begin at the appropriate level of coursework immediately.
If you plan to take language or literature courses in a study abroad program in a country where Chinese, French, German, or Spanish are the language of instruction: Summer, semester, and year-long study abroad programs sometimes require previous foreign language study.
If you are a heritage speaker who has learned the language at home and wishes to take language or literature courses in Chinese, French, German, or Spanish.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have NEVER studied Chinese, French, German, or Spanish and wish to do so, you would sign up for the 101 level course in that language. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the summer before entering LMU, please wait until you return to take the language placement exam.

Where do I take the exam?
You take the exam online. Go to the link: http://webcape/byuhtrsc.org/?acct=lmu.

How long does the exam take?
The text takes approximately 20 minutes.

Can I use books such as a dictionary? Should I guess at the answers?
It is TO YOUR BENEFIT that you answer the questions honestly and without the support of notes, textbooks, parents, or friends: doing otherwise will be considered cheating. In addition, the score will likely place you at a level of coursework above the appropriate one based on your experiences and academic studies.

How do I get my score? Does my advisor get it?
Your score will be displayed at the end of the exam. Your score and placement will be provided to your advisor. You are strongly encouraged to print or write it down and e-mail it to your assigned advisor.