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Modern Language Waivers

Students must complete two semesters modern language study as part of the Core Curriculum but if a student demonstrates a language skill comparable to beginning language I & II – the modern language requirement will be fulfilled.

The diversity of the Augsburg student population allows for a variety of possible modern language waivers & tests. Students take the appropriate language testing determined by their language background.

French, German or Spanish Placement Test

 

Register for Spanish, French, or German Placement Test

 

  • These are the three modern languages we offer beyond beginning language I & II, therefore we have placement tests available.
  • You do not receive credits for this test, simply a placement.
  • If you place at Intermediate Language I or above, you are waived from the modern language requirement.

Suggestions for preparing for the French, German or Spanish Placement Test

BEFORE:

  • Set up a Duolingo.com (free) account and practice for several days.
  • Give your several adequate time: ideally 45 minutes.

DURING:

  • Be aware the test uses a progressive format, with questions that get harder as you go along. This is normal and don’t let it shake your confidence.

AFTER

  • Sign up for the language course that corresponds to your score.
  • Retaking the test to get a better score is NOT allowed.

International Students

 

If you graduated from a high school abroad in which all instruction was in a language other than English (international schools with curricula in English do not count), your high school experience may demonstrate the proficiency necessary to exempt you from the Augsburg language requirement. To request an exemption through this option, you must provide a certified copy of your high school transcript, with an official translation into English, to the chair of the Languages Department.

OR

If you have taken the TOEFL or IELTS, make sure that your scores have been submitted to Augsburg. The requirement will be waived.

Other Languages

 

For languages where waivers and tests are unavailable, follow the steps below:

  1. Identify a reviewer for your language and obtain approval from the LCS Department Chair.
    1. Potential reviewers may include, but are not limited to:
      1. A leader of a local community organization such as a cultural institute, church, etc.; or
      2. A leader of a professional organization such as a business, or governmental organization; or
      3. A university professor that offers this language at their campus and can verify your language skills; or
      4. A consulate/embassy.
      5. Student organizations and family members are NOT valid sources for obtaining this verification.
  2. Record a 4-5 minute video in your non-English language that explains your experiences learning and connecting to that language and culture and how it ties you into the global community. Clearly state your name, Augsburg ID#, and the date of the recording in your video.
  3. Share the video with the identified reviewer and request written documentation (on letterhead, or via email) from that reviewer (acting as a professional resource) explaining how you are proficient in that language. The letter must be in English or accompanied with a translation.
    1. The reviewer must be a native speaker of the language.
    2. The reviewer must explain in the letter how they are qualified to assess your language skills.
    3. The reviewer must comment on the following:
      1. Grammar (poor; fair; good);
      2. Vocabulary (poor; fair; good);
      3. Comprehensibility/Pronunciation/Fluency (poor, fair; good);
      4. and Quantity and Quality of Communication (poor; fair; good).
  4.  Include your FULL NAME, your Augsburg ID# and the date on ALL documentation and correspondence. The video and reviewer response must be turned in together to: Department Chair, Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies. The Department Chair will then forward all verified documentation with a decision to grant the waiver or not to the Registrar to be included in the student’s record.

*The LCS Department asks that the student who attempts this waiver take pride in the process and their ability and that they complete the task with integrity and without assistance. It also encourages those seeking this type of language waiver to share their video with their linguistic community as a record of their ability.

Language Testing FAQ

Can I take an American Sign Language test for placement or credit?

The Language & Cross-Cultural Studies department offers an in-person department exam that will give you transcript credit for ASL 101 or 102. There is not a placement test for ASL. The fee is $100 per credit or $400 per course, which comes to $800 if you want transcript credit for both ASL 101 and 102. If your intention is simply to satisfy the Augsburg language requirement, you would need to take (and pass) only the test for 102 ($400). Please contact the Languages Department chair if you are interested in pursuing this option.

Can I take a Latin placement test?

Yes, please contact Michael Kidd if you are interested in pursuing this option.

Can I retake any of the placement tests?

Language: You are not allowed to retake the Spanish, French, or German Placement Test. You can retake the Language Testing International test however it will cost you money because Augsburg pays for only the first test.