Frequently Asked Questions
What levels of a language are offered each quarter?
The levels offered each quarter for the languages in our Introductory Program are shown below. For languages offered through the Heritage Program, please check each individual language page or contact the Language Office.
Arabic:
- 1A/AX - Fall
- 1B/BX - Winter
- 1C/CX - Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall
- 1E/EX - Winter
ASL:
- 1A/AX - Fall, Spring
- 1B/BX - Fall, Winter
- 1C/CX - Winter, Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall, Spring
- 1E - Winter
French:
- 1A/AX - Fall, Spring
- 1B/BX - Fall, Winter
- 1C/CX - Winter, Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall, Spring
German:
- 1A/AX - Fall
- 1B/BX - Winter
- 1C/CX - Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall
Italian:
- 1A/AX - Fall
- 1B/BX - Winter
- 1C/CX - Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall
Portuguese:
- 1A/AX - Fall
- 1B/BX - Winter
- 1C/CX - Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall
Spanish:
- 1A/AX - Fall, Spring
- 1B/BX - Fall, Winter
- 1C/CX - Winter, Spring
- 1D/DX - Fall, Spring
How do I know what level I should be in?
Where and how do I take the placement test?
If you are an enrolled UCSD student you may take the take the online placement test for French, German, Italian or Spanish. If you are not an enrolled student, you can take the paper version of the placement test in the Language Lab.
Exceptions: Students who have Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores or IB exam scores in Language and/or Literature should not take the placement exam in that language. Their placement is based upon the AP or IB exam results. Check with your academic advisor or the language program advisor for assistance.
Do I have to take the level I placed in?
To get credit you must take the level you placed in. If you wish, you may take the next level higher than your placement, but you cannot go down to a lower level.
How do I enroll in a language class?
How do I add a language class?
To add a class during the first two weeks of the quarter, you must have the instructor's permission.
How do I drop a language class?
I am on a waitlist, so will I get into the class?
Students who are on a wait list have first priority to add the class if and when there is space available. Be sure to attend the class from the first meeting day. The instructor will give you detailed information at that time. There is no guarantee of enrollment being on a waitlist, but in general, we will be able to find a class for you. The automated waitlist procedure does not apply to Language Program classes once the quarter has begun.
Should I take 1D/DX or Literature 2A?
Students who are planning to continue studying the language or its literature may want to take Literature 2A. To discuss your particular situation, please contact your academic advisor or the language Academic Coordinator.
I've never been in the Language Program before, so what do I do to get started?
Be sure you are enrolled in both parts of the course, e.g. 1A (conversation) and 1AX (analysis). Attend the first class and read your course syllabus for details. For more information and instructors' office hours, please go to the website for the language you are studying.
Why is there a strict attendance policy and what is it?
Success in learning a language is dependent upon frequent practice and review, rather like playing a musical instrument - there are no shortcuts. Your success in learning to communicate in a new language depends largely on the number of hours of communicative experiences in that language. For this reason, you are expected to attend all classes and to participate in classroom activities. Further information may be found in the syllabus for each course for the language you are studying.
How do I check my grades?
Can I drop off my homework for my grammar/conversation class at the Language Office or Language Lab?
No, the Language Office & Language Lab do not accept responsibility for students' grammar / conversation class homework.
Where is my instructor's office and what are their office hours?
You can get this information on your class Canvas, or posted on the 3rd floor bulletin board across from AP&M 3016, or from the Language Lab front desk.
(Note - Instructors are only available in their offices during the times specified.)
Who is the person in charge of the language I am studying?
Please refer to the list of Academic Coordinators and Lecturers for the language you are studying.
Where are the Language Lab and Language Office located on the UCSD campus?
The Language Lab and Department offices are located on the Muir College Campus in the Applied Physics & Mathematics building (AP&M). The Language Program office is located in AP&M 3101, and the Language Lab is in AP&M 3432A. (See UCSD Map) / (See Muir Campus Map)
What are the Language Lab hours?
The Language Lab is typically open Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm during regular academic quarters. Each quarter's schedule can be found at the Language Lab Website.
I've never been to the Language Lab. What can I do there?
All course textbooks, audio and video materials are on reserve in the Language Lab for on-premises use only. In addition, computers are available for individual work. The Language Lab has many self-instructional resources for grammar, pronunciation, and conversation. Please feel free to ask for assistance at the service desk. For more information about the facilities, please visit the Language Lab Website.
Can I check out reserved books or multimedia materials from the Language Lab to use at home?
No, materials must be used in the Lab. The Language Lab is a reference facility. Copyright agreements prohibit copying of most electronic and print media. However, these materials may be purchased at various online services or in campus bookstores.