Second Language

Students must attain at least Intermediate Proficiency in a foreign language

0 - 8 credit hours | Coursework for each student varies, and for many students, fulfilling this Foundation entails one to two semesters of classes, depending on placement exam results. Some students utilize test credit. SMU Abroad also offers exciting opportunities each summer for immersion.

 


students in classroom

The Value of Second Language

Second-language learning is a multi-faceted intellectual endeavor that promotes enhanced written skills, improves linguistic comprehension in both the native and target language and fosters cross-cultural communication and understanding across distances and more than 2,500 years of history. A second-language study has direct cognitive benefits in domains outside of communication; research has shown that learning a second language improves cognitive function, problem-solving, memory, and creativity. Students analyze diverse perspectives on identity and improve their pattern recognition faculties, making them more adaptable to changing world challenges.

Select from among the 11 classical and modern language offered at SMU!


Classical Language

  • Latin 

  • Classical Greek


Signed Language

  • American Sign



Modern Language

  • Arabic

  • Chinese

  • French

  • German

  • Italian

  • Japanese

  • Russian

  • Spanish


Student Learning Outcome

Communication - Students will demonstrate an ability to discern meaning in the target language in familiar contexts. 
Culture - Students will demonstrate cultural competence in the target culture.

 

Requirements Details

SMU students fulfill the Second Language Requirement by demonstrating Intermediate Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding a second language. Students can achieve this in the following ways: 

 

  • Start a new language

2 SEMESTERS- 1401 & 1402

Students can start a new language they have no prior experience in and successfully complete the first semester level (1401) and second semester level (1402) of a language at SMU.

  • Continue in a language with prior experience

COMPLETION OF 1502/1402 OR ABOVE

Students can take the SMU placement exam if they have prior experience in a language. Those who place into and successfully complete a second semester level (or above) will satisfy their Second Language Requirement with that one course.

  • Take an SMU designated Proficiency Test

$195 FEE, SCORE OF INTERMEDIATE-MID OR ABOVE REQUIRED

For languages taught at SMU, students who place into 4th semester on the placement exam can take the SMU designated proficiency test.

For languages not taught at SMU, students can take the ACTFL OPI exam. Information: www.SMU.edu/OPI

  • Present an appropriate score on a recognized second language exam

EXAM MUST BE TAKEN PRIOR TO MATRICULATION AT SMU

  • 4 or 5 on AP exam
  • 5, 6, or 7 on IB HL exam
  • Demonstrate an existing proficiency in a language other than English

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International Students from a non-English-dominant country can provide high school transcripts from a non-English-medium high school.

  • Take Pre-Approved Coursework Elsewhere

MUST HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL FROM WLL DEPARTMENT

Students can petition to take their language coursework at another accredited four-year institution. The petition must be submitted and approved in advance.

 

Students will:

Communication

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of form, vocabulary, and narrative in the target language.
  2. Discern meaning from learned vocabulary and form in the target language in order to create an accurate and idiomatic translation.
  3. Write short passages in the target language using level-appropriate vocabulary and form.

Culture

  1. Engage in cross-cultural analysis.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how and why target cultures changed over time.

Courses in this category:

  1. Are characterized by a consistent and active grammatical analysis of the target language by students and the instructor.
  2. Utilize secondary content as a vehicle for language instruction.
  3. Introduce students to political, social, and historical contexts from which the focal texts emerge.
  4. Utilize audio-visual material and authentic material to promote proficiency in the target language.
  5. Promote not only reflection about the target language or culture but also active metacognition on the part of the student.
  6. Require students to read and write in the target language.
  7. Include an assessment assignment that requires students to demonstrate each of the skills in the Classical Language Assessment Rubric. This assessment assignment should be a translation exercises of varying length and complexity.

Students will:

Communication

  1. Demonstrate appropriate verbal control of form, vocabulary, and fluency in the target language.
  2. Manipulate and vary learned vocabulary and expressions in the target language in order to orally express diverse aspects of personal experience.
  3. Maintain conversation in the target language by asking and answering questions.

Culture

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the target culture in English or the target language.
  2. Engage in cross-cultural analysis in English or the target language.

Courses in this category:

  1. Are characterized by a consistent and active use of the target language by students and the instructor.
  2. Utilize secondary content as a vehicle for language instruction.
  3. Socialize students into the target culture.
  4. Utilize multi-modal material, authentic material, and non-verbal cues to promote proficiency in the target language.
  5. Promote not only reflection about the target language or culture but also active metacognition on the part of the student.
  6. Require students to read and write in the target language.
  7. Include an assessment assignment that requires students to demonstrate each of the modes in the Modern Language Assessment Rubric. This assessment assignment should be one of the following: an objective exam, an essay question on an exam, an essay, or a research paper.