How do I meet the CAP Honors language graduation requirement?
What if I have a language question about the CAP Honors program that isn't answered here?
UIS students may elect to study one (or more) of the following six languages: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
If you have never studied a second language before, or if you wish to study a language that is new to you, you will simply register for a beginning section of the desired language. Our classes, which are taught by native speakers, emphasize speaking and understanding and are limited to six students per section, so you'll have lots of personal attention.
The teachers and staff of Modern Languages share the goal of providing an excellent, well-rounded academic preparation for our CAP Honors graduates. We are keenly aware of the importance to our students' future of being able to communicate in at least one language other than their native language.
The
geographic isolation of the United States makes it difficult for many
of us to comprehend the extent to which we Americans are limited by
speaking only one language.
It's so easy to get a false sense of security when someone who has just returned from a trip to a foreign country says to you, "Everybody can speak English."
We need to keep in mind that unless it's their national language, English is not going to be the language that people in other countries are speaking to each other. Whether on business or vacation, the ill-prepared American abroad often lives in a sort of linguistic and cultural isolation.
UIS has resolved that Capital Scholars Honors graduates will not be limited to the "English only" tour option in life. We want them to take advantage of the individual benefit that second language use and international familiarity can provide.
Sometime before graduation, usually at the end of the second year of the CAP Honors program, and after you've completed four semesters of language study, you'll take a written and oral proficiency exam in your chosen language.
If you've studied one of the commonly-taught languages (such as French, German, and Spanish) you'll be asked to demonstrate oral capabilities in the intermediate-mid range of proficiency on the ACTFL-FSI scale (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages-Foreign Service Institute).
Briefly, this means that you'll be able to ask as well as answer questions, handle survival situations (such as finding medical assistance), and conduct yourself with some degree of cultural appropriateness.
The level of oral proficiency expected in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Russian is intermediate-low on the ACTFL-FSI scale. This means that you'll have appropriate language skills to navigate in the target culture: communicate personal messages, find a room in a hotel, order a meal, and the like.
If you have already begun the study of one of the languages that we offer and wish to continue in that language, you must take an online diagnostic test that will assess your reading, writing, and comprehension. The test results will help us place you in the most appropriate course.
The online test may also serve as the first step toward demonstrating language proficiency. If your test results show that you already possess excellent reading, writing, and comprehension skills, we will arrange for you to take the final level of testing which includes an oral exam.
You start by filling out the Modern Language Information Form. If you elect to continue in the study of a language you have previously studied, and need to take the online assessment test, we will send you the URL for the testing site and a password as soon as we receive your completed form.
Again, if you will be studying a language that is new to you, you do not need to take the test. You will simply register for the course when you come to Summer Orientation. In either case, your prompt response to the Information Form will help us help you to plan for fall semester classes.
Then, please, contact our office.
