Frequently Asked Questions

What levels of a language are offered each quarter?

The levels offered each quarter for the languages in our Introductory Program are shown below. For languages offered through the Heritage Program, please check each individual language page or contact the Language Office.

Arabic:

1A/X - Fall
1B/X - Winter
1C/X - Spring
1D/X - Fall
1E/X - Winter

ASL:

1A/X - Fall, Spring
1B/X - Fall, Winter
1C/X - Winter, Spring
1D/X - Fall, Spring
1E - Winter

French:

1A/X - Fall, Spring
1B/X - Fall, Winter
1C/X - Winter, Spring
1D/X - Fall, Spring

German:

1A/X - Fall
1B/X - Winter
1C/X - Spring
1D/X - Fall

Italian:

1A/X - Fall
1B/X - Winter
1C/X - Spring
1D/X - Fall

Portuguese:

1A/X - Fall
1B/X - Winter
1C/X - Spring
1D/X - Fall

Spanish:

1A/X - Fall, Spring
1B/X - Fall, Winter
1C/X - Winter, Spring
1D/X - Fall, Spring

How do I know what level I should be in?

You need to take the placement test or check with your college advisor.

Where and how do I take the placement test?

If you are an enrolled UCSD student you may take the placement test for French, German, Italian or Spanish online at: https://lang.ucsd.edu/llp/. If you are not an enrolled student, you can take the paper version of the placement test in the Language Lab.

Do I have to take the level I placed in?

To get credit you must take the level you placed in. If you wish, you may take the next level higher than your placement, but you cannot go down to a lower level.

How do I enroll in a language class?

You may enroll online before the first day of class.

How do I add a language class?

To add a class during the first two weeks of the quarter, you must have your instructor's permission.

How do I drop a language class?

To drop a class during the first two weeks of the quarter you may use WebReg. No signature is required to drop a class.

I am on a wait list, so will I get in the class?

Students who are on a wait list have first priority to add the class if and when there is space available. Be sure to attend the class on the first meeting day. The instructor will give you detailed information at that time. In general, we will be able to find a class for you. The automated waitlist procedure does not apply to Language Program classes once the quarter has begun.

Should I take 1D/1DX or Literature 2A?

Students who are planning to continue studying the language or its literature may want to take Literature 2A. To discuss your particular situation, please contact your adviser or the Academic Coordinator.

I've never been in the Language Program before, so what do I do to get started?

Be sure you are enrolled in both parts of the class, e.g. 1A (conversation) and 1AX (grammar). Attend the first class and read your course syllabus for details. For more information please go to our Language Program Website.

Why is there a strict attendance policy and what is it?

Success in learning a language is dependent upon frequent practice and review, rather like playing a musical instrument-there are no shortcuts. Your success in learning to communicate in a new language depends largely on the number of hours of communicative experiences in that language. For this reason, you are expected to attend all classes and to participate in classroom activities. Further information may be found in the syllabus for each course at our Language Program Website.

How do I check my grades?

Students should contact their instructors for grade information.

Can I drop off homework for my grammar / conversation class at the Language Office or Language Lab?

No...
Our Language Office & our Language Lab does NOT accept the accept the responsibility of student's grammar / conversation class homework.

Where is my instructor's office and what are their office hours?

You can get this information online, or posted on the 3rd floor bulletin board across from AP&M 3016, or from the Language Lab front desk.

(Note - Instructors are only available in the offices during the times specified.)

Who is the person in charge of ASL / French / German / Italian / Spanish and how do I contact him or her?

Please refer to our Language Program Instructors and Coordinators. At the top of the page are the E-mail addresses to the Academic Coordinators of each language that is contained in this program.

Where are the Language Lab and Department office located on the UCSD campus?

The Language Lab and Department offices are located on the Muir College Campus in the Applied Physics & Mathematics building (AP&M). The Language Program office is located in AP&M 3101, and the Language Lab is in AP&M 3432A. (See UCSD Map) / (See Muir Campus Map)

What are the Language Lab hours?

The Language Lab is typically open Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm during regular academic terms. The time schedule can be found at our Language Laboratory Website.

I've never been in the Language Lab before, so what can I do there?

All course textbooks, syllabi, audio and video materials are on reserve in the Language Lab for on-premises use only. In addition, computers are available for assigned quizzes and grammar review. The Language Lab has many self-instructional resources for grammar, pronunciation, and conversation. Please feel free to ask for assistance at the service des For more information about the facilities, please refer to the Language Laboratory Website.

Can I check out reserved books or multimedia material from the Language Lab to use at home?

No, materials must be used in the Lab. The Language Lab is an essentially a reference facility. Copyright agreements prohibit copying of most electronic and print media. However, this material may be purchased at various online services, or in campus bookstores.