Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting

PLACEMENT, ADVISEMENT, AND  STUDY OPTIONS

Throughout the academic year, the Center for Foreign Languages and Translation offers courses in more than 25 languages. At every level, the emphasis is on the language as a vehicle for direct, immediate communication. A broad range of schedules and course formats is designed to meet a variety of interests and needs. Individual and small group instruction are also available.

Select courses based on your previous experience with the language you have chosen to study. See Language Course Levels for detailed information on course content. For placement advisement during inperson registration, call (212) 998-7247. After the first class session, students who have placed themselves incorrectly may change to an appropriate level, space permitting, by calling the department.

Note: Self-placement tests in French, German, Italian, and Spanish are available on our website at scps.nyu.edu/placement.tests.

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS
Textbooks and materials are chosen carefully. Those that best meet needs, interests, and goals of our student body are selected. Required textbooks are listed according to course number and are available at Shakespeare & Co., 716 Broadway at Washington Place. Tuition fees do not include textbooks and other instructional materials. Specific information on textbooks and materials is given under individual language headings.

ENHANCE YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING
Registered students have the opportunity to learn from direct TV broadcasts of news, documentaries, and other programs from the countries whose languages they are studying. The broadcasts are available via the SCOLA satellite system and can be watched on any personal computer connected to the Internet. SCOLA is a nonprofit educational organization that receives and retransmits television programming from around the world in native languages. SCOLA also provides weekly Web-based lessons based on actual newscasts in a number of languages. The Avery Fisher Center (AFC) General Video/DVD collection and the Avery Fisher Center Electronic Foreign Language Reserves at Bobst Library at NYU also offer the following services:

• Lists of AV material by language.
• Foreign language videos available for viewing in the AFC or the classroom.
• Reserve material placed by instructors for classes.

Students can practice their listening and speaking skills by accessing the audio material that accompanies their textbooks as streaming audio files. The service is available 24 hours a day through a password- protected page. Passwords are provided to registered students at the AFC

FOR YOUR CORPORATE NEEDS
For small groups of people, we offer convenient schedules and formats at the location of your choice. Meeting times are arranged by appointment. Groups must already be formed since NYU cannot provide the service of matching people with similar needs and time/location requirements. Call (212) 998-7030 for more information.

FOR PEOPLE WITH UNUSUAL SCHEDULES
If the set times of your regular courses do not suit your schedule, you may be interested in one of the following modes:

Private Instruction in Foreign Languages: Individual (X27.9991)
Dates and hours to be arranged.

Please note that while you can begin individual private instruction at any point during the semester, you must complete it within three months of registration. Private instruction can be applied toward a certificate. For more information, call (212) 998-7171 before you apply. Private sessions may only be rescheduled when instructor is given 24 hours notice.

Private Instruction in Foreign Languages: Small Group (X27.9992)
Dates and hours to be arranged.

Please note that private instruction for small groups is for already-formed groups seeking instruction; NYU does not form the groups. While you can begin private instruction at any point during the semester, you must complete it within three months of registration. For more information, call (212) 998-7171 before you apply. Private instruction can be applied toward a certificate. Private sessions may only be rescheduled when instructor is given 24 hours notice.

HOW TO DETERMINE LANGUAGE COURSE LEVELS

Level I and II Courses
Designed for beginners who need to acquire the basic language skills for functional and practical proficiency, Level I courses introduce pronunciation, vocabulary, useful expressions, and the fundamental grammatical notions that allow communication. Level II courses build upon basic knowledge, introduce the student to more grammatical structures, and provide opportunities for expanding the range of one’s conversational ability.

Level III and IV Courses
A continuation of Levels I and II, these courses help you improve your conversational ability by focusing on real situations and modes of interaction. Level III and IV courses have a more formal approach, and emphasize the formation of correct speaking habits. Classes are slightly more advanced, and involve a wider range of topics, as well as the lexical and grammatical means to discuss them.

Level V Courses
The material from Levels I through IV is reviewed and refined with emphasis on conversation in preparation for advanced courses.

Advanced Courses
If you are able to engage in simple conversations on uncomplicated subjects, enrollment in the advanced courses is appropriate. You continue to refine grammar and develop your vocabulary for more natural speech. Readings from magazines and newspapers, short stories, videos, and films are included. Course content changes every semester so that classes may be repeated to fulfill certificate requirements.

SPECIALIZED FORMATS AND TOPICS

Accelerated I and II Courses
If you have previously studied a language and want to review the basics, or if you have a strong knowledge of a cognate language, accelerated courses allow you to steep yourself in the process. Each session is packed with twice the amount of material as a regular course. Be prepared to devote some time to homework. Accelerated courses are offered in French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. Complete schedules can be found under the language headings. Accelerated courses count as one course toward the certificate program.

Accelerated II and III Courses
If you have completed a Level I course and are ready to move faster, this is the course for you. Here you build upon your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. You acquire the basic tenses, expand the range of your idiom, and improve your communication skills. This course is available in Spanish and French only, and counts as one course toward the certificate.

Accelerated III and IV Courses
If you have a solid knowledge of language basics (essential vocabulary, verb forms, and basic tenses), accelerated Level III and IV courses introduce the challenge of intermediate functions. You focus on expanding your vocabulary, having simple conversations, and learning new grammatical structures. Accelerated Level III and IV courses are an efficient way for once-fluent speakers to get back up to speed or to rekindle a dormant interest. This course is offered in French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. Complete schedules can be found under the language headings. Counts as one course toward the certificate.

Intermediate Conversation
If you have completed Level IV, or if you have a comparable level of proficiency with knowledge of the basic tenses and an everyday vocabulary, this course is for you. Focus on oral communication and build and expand your vocabulary. This course is offered in French, Italian, Mandarin, Turkish, and Spanish, and counts as one course toward the certificate.