Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

MLL FAQs for students

Placement test

How do I register for a language course?

  • For Spanish and French, you must take our placement test (see question below).
  • For other languages, you can start at the 101 level if you do not have prior knowledge of the language. If you do, please take the placement test.

 

What is the placement test and where do I take it?

  • It is a regular language test that evaluates your language knowledge in order to place you in the course that is a better fit for you.
  • Placement tests are administered at the Modern Language Center (NB 7.64). No appointment is needed. Opening hours and contact information are available here: https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/modern-language-center-0

 

When do I get my placement test results?

  • You’ll get an email in 3-5 business days.

 

I didn’t do as well as I thought I would on the placement test. Can I retake it?

  • No, you cannot retake the placement test.

 

Language course sequences

Can I take two courses of the same language at the same time? For instance, can I take SPA 101 and SPA 102 in the same semester?

  • You cannot take two Introductory or Intermediate language courses (101, 102, 201, 202, 111, 112, 211, 212) at the same time. They can only be taken one per semester and in the following order:
    • 101→102→201→202 or
    • 111→112→211→212
  • You can take two or more SPA upper level courses (above 212) at the same time, with some exceptions. Check with your major/minor/certificate advisor.

 

What is the difference between regular SPA courses and SPA courses for Heritage Students? For instance, SPA 101 and SPA 111?

  • Regular SPA courses are designed for non-Spanish Speaking students. Heritage courses are designed for Spanish-speaking students (at different levels of proficiency).
  • They are two separate “tracks”, but no track is easier. They address the specific needs of each type of students.
  • It is crucial for students to take the placement test to be placed in their track.

 

Language Exemption and Credit Transfer

I am exempt from taking a foreign language. Do I get credit for it?

  • No, you must still fulfill your Gen Ed credits in the same category with courses outside of the language for which you are exempt.

 

I took language courses in another school. Am I exempt from the language requirement? Do I get credit for them?

 

I took AP, CLEP or other external language exam. Do I get credit for it?. 

 

Spanish Major

What should I do if I want to do a Spanish major?

  • If you have not taken any Spanish courses yet, take the placement test first.
  • Decide which concentration you’re interested in and make an appointment with its advisor to create a learning plan:
  • Declare the major: Fill out this form and submit it to Jay Express

 

What are the prerequisites for the Spanish major?

  • You must have completed SPA 102 or 112 (or equivalent placement test result) to start taking courses towards your Spanish major.

 

Do I need to take the placement test if I have SPA credits from other school/exam/AP?

  • It depends. Check with your advisor.

 

How long does the Spanish Major take?

  • A minimum of three semesters AFTER you complete the required language course sequence (SPA 201 and 202; or SPA 211 and 212)

 

If I place out of one or more courses in the required language course sequence, do I get credit for those?

  • No, you still need to complete 36 credits. You will need to take Spanish electives approved for the major until you reach 36 credits.

 

Can I do a double major?

  • It depends on your other major. Check with your Spanish major advisor.

 

I took Spanish courses in another school. Do I get credit for them?

  • It depends on the course. Check with your Spanish major advisor.

 

Spanish Minor

What should I do if I want to do a Spanish minor?

  • If you have not taken any Spanish courses yet, take the placement test first.
  • Make an appointment with your minor advisor to create a learning plan:

 

What are the prerequisites for the Spanish minor?

  • You must have completed SPA 102 or 112 (or equivalent placement test result) to start taking courses towards your Spanish minor.

 

Do I need to take the placement test if I have SPA credits from other school/exam/AP?

  • It depends. Check with your advisor.

 

How long does the Spanish Minor take?

  • A minimum of two semesters AFTER you complete the required language course sequence (SPA 201 and 202; or SPA 211 and 212)

 

If I place out of one or more courses in the required language course sequence, do I get credit for those?

  • No, you still need to complete 18 credits in the minor.

I took Spanish courses in another school. Do I get credit for them?

  • It depends on the course. Check with your Spanish minor advisor.

 

Certificate programs in Legal Translation and/or Interpretation

What is the difference between the three certificate programs?

  • The Certificate program in Legal Translation is 18 credits and focuses on translation (written)
  • The Certificate program in Legal Interpretation is 18 credits and focuses on interpreting (oral/spoken)
  • The Certificate program in Legal Translation & Interpretation is 24 credits and covers both areas (written and spoken translation).

 

What should I do if I want to do a Certificate in Legal Translation and/or Interpretation?

 

What are the prerequisites for the Certificate Programs?

  • You must have completed SPA 202 or 212 (or equivalent placement test result) to start taking courses towards your Certificate Program.

 

Do I need to take the placement test if I have SPA credits from other school/exam/AP?

  • It depends. Check with your Certificate advisor.

 

I don’t know which Certificate Program is best for me. Which one should I pick?

  • Pick the one you think you’d like. Since the courses in the first semester are the same for all students, you will be able to change once you’ve experienced a bit of both translation and interpretation.

 

How long do the Certificate Programs take?

  • A minimum of three semesters. Please note that they can only be started in Fall semesters.
  • The certificate courses follow a strict sequence:
    • Fall 1: SPA 230, SPA 231 & SPA 250
    • Spring 1: SPA 330, SPA 333 & SPA 340
    • Fall 2: SPA 435 & SPA 440
    • Spring 2: no courses needed

 

What do I do if I’m graduating soon?

  • No worries! You can graduate before completing their Certificate (if you meet graduation requirements) and finish the missing Certificate courses after graduation.

 

Do I need to take a final exam to receive my Certificate?

  • No, but you need a 3.0 GPA in the certificate courses to get your Certificate.

 

Can I work in the courts with this Certificate?

  • No, the New York State Unified Court System requires all their interpreters to pass their own exam. Our certificate courses will prepare you to take it.

Who can I contact if I need more information?