How do I get out of a foreign language requirement in college?

Question

I’ve taken Italian 101 two times, then got a C in 102. After 7 years out of school, I’ve gone back and started over with Spanish. I got a C+ in 101 and traveled to Mexico to fulfill my 102, 103, and 104 requirements. But I just found out I failed 103 and 104.

I know a considerable amount in other subjects and can get A’s in things like advanced econometrics. But, I’m beginning to think that I’m simply unable to learn a foreign language – even though I attend every class, participate actively, and do all of the homework.

Is it possible for me somehow bypass the requirement? Where do I start? I attend Ohio State University.

Thanks for all the suggestions. My problem with retaking the classes or changing is that I hope to graduate at the end of this next quarter.

Answer 1

How to get out of requirements at Ohio State? Simple: play football.

Joking aside (and I don't like Michigan either), you can try petitioning the department of your major. Your advisor can probably help with this process, and help you make sure that your petition has the best possible chance of being approved.

Answer 2

Whether or not you need foreign language classes depends on the requirements of your major program. There are some bachelor's degrees that don't require you to pass foreign language classes. At the university where I work, for example, B.A. degrees require foreign language and B.S. degrees require more math classes. So if there is a B.S. degree available in your major, you might be able to complete the major requirements without needing to take additional language classes. However, you might still have a minimum GPA requirement for graduation, and your GPA will be affected by your grades in these classes. Talk to your advisor in your major department and he/she will tell you what you can do on this.

I highly doubt that you are unable to learn a foreign language. Language classes are different from other classes. You might have a better experience if you take the classes through a community college because the teachers who teach at community colleges are more likely to be people who have chosen language teaching for their profession, not relatively inexperienced TAs who may or may not want to teach the language later. It's best to take from someone who has a Master's degree in linguistics or language teaching, if possible. You might also be able to do the class by independent study, such as BYU Independent Study, whose credits will often transfer to many colleges and universities (elearn.byu.edu). You'll have to work closely with your advisor if you choose to take classes at another college to replace the failing grades you've received at Ohio State.

So, in summary, ask your advisor this question.

Answer 3

Don't beat yourself up. Everyone has failed a class in college. Just retake them and you will do a load better the second time around. I do not think that you will be able to bypass the requirement, but that however, depends on the University that you attend. I know that in my University that there is no way to bypass it. I am in sign language right now. Maybe you should look as a different, less complicated subject, like sign language. You already know the language, you just need to know the signs (most are really easy). Good Luck to you and Happy Holidays.

Answer 4

I don't personally know the requirements for OSU, but I would definitely suggest you speak with your counselor. There might be a test-out exam you can take, or they might simply accept the C grades you earned.

Most schools have a limit that must be reached in order to get credit, say passing with a 2.5. If you got a 2.0, you might not get the credit. But experience also counts. For example, native speakers may get out of it because of their mastery of the language. And lastly, most schools have time limits for acceptance of classes. For example, taking it 7 years ago might just be too long ago, but if it was 3 years ago, it might be acceptable.

Either, way check with your counselor and/or your dean because they'll be in the best position to explain things to you.

Answer 5

Does OSU have any language classes that are structured differently? I took three semesters of Spanish and then transferred a couple of times. When I finally got around to my last semester, I was able to take a reading for comprehension class. I aced the class, despite the fact that according to the placement test I needed to repeat a couple of semesters, because my reading skills were much better than my conversational skills. Its worth investigating other options, rather than repeating several semesters. Good Luck!

Answer 6

You need to talk to a councilor; every school is different. I got out of the req by taking 4 years of language in hs but I'm not sure what Ohio State's policy is.

This is completely unrelated, but I hope you guys beat the Gators.

Answer 7

By finishing the classes. You have invested this much time and know the basics of the language. Spanish and Italian are similar in some regard and you have finished the spanish it sounds like. Speak with Italians. Listen to the language. Listen to Italian music.

Answer 8

You start be retaking 103 and 104. You can't get out of the requirement. It is a requirement to make sure you learn something about other cultures. Get a tutor to help you.

Answer 9

How about French or German. I found French very straight forward and German is supposed to be easier to learn because English and German both come from Germanic whereas the others come from Latin.