Modern Language Requirement (ML)

Given the importance of language in permitting communication and understanding in an increasingly interconnected and interactive world, students must demonstrate proficiency in at least one modern language other than English.

 

Completing this requirement at the College level: This requirement may be met by successfully completing a course numbered 103 in either Spanish, French, Arabic, or Mohawk or by successfully completing any single 200-level language course within the Department of Modern Languages.

Exceptions: Students whose native language is not English or who have completed the requirement during high school (see below) are exempted from this requirement. 

Completing this requirement at the High School level: If a student completes at least four years of a modern language at the high school level, which is one year past the Regents exam, or they have earned a score of 3 or higher on an advanced placement language examination they have already completed this requirement and no further modern language classes need to be taken while at SUNY Potsdam.

Which ML course should I take?
The following guidelines and suggestions are provided to assist you in choosing the most suitable course level to begin at to complete the ML requirement. Consult with the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages should you have further questions.

                                               
 

Years of High School Study

  		 

SUNY Potsdam Course Number

 

  None  

  101  

  One Year (designated 1 or I)  

  May Elect 101 or 102  

  Two Years (designated 2 or II)  

  May Elect 102 or 103  

  Three Years (designated 3 or III)  

  May Elect 103 or 203  

  Four Years (designated 4 or IV)  

  Modern Language Requirement Completed  

  • Students with four or more years of French or Spanish who wish to continue their study of that language should elect a 200 level course in consultation with the chair of the Department of Modern Languages.

  • Students with previous knowledge of a modern language which is not taught at Potsdam should consult with the chair of the Department of Modern Languages to discuss ways in which the requirement may be fulfilled.

Taking courses at St. Lawrence University:
Through Associated Colleges, students may take language courses at St. Lawrence University which may partially or completely fulfill the Modern Languages requirement at SUNY Potsdam. For more information, please consult with the chair of the Department of Modern Languages. 

Transfer students who have completed fewer than 45 semester hours of college-level course work prior to matriculating at SUNY Potsdam are subject to the modern language proficiency requirement as indicated above. 

Transfer students who have completed 45 or more semester hours of college-level course work prior to matriculating at SUNY Potsdam must complete one course in a given modern language sequence for every two semesters of full-time enrollment at SUNY Potsdam until graduation or until the proficiency has been met.