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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 How to Determine Language Course Levels below for detailed information on course content. For placement advisement during the in-person registration, call (212) 998-7171. 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. Only those that best meet the needs, interests, and goals of our student body are selected. Required textbooks are listed according to course number and are available at Shakespeare and 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.

PRACTICE IN OUR LANGUAGE LABRATORY
If you are enrolled in our foreign language and court interpreting classes, take advantage of our state-of-the-art digital Language Laboratory. Listen to digitalized recordings at individual stations and practice by recording and re-recording your pronunciation. The lab is located at 48 Cooper Square, 2nd floor. Lab schedules vary each semester. For the current lab schedule, call (212) 998-7171. Please bring proof of course registration.

Students of Italian may listen to the tapes of Oggi in Italia on the Web from their home computers, 24 hours a day, provided the computer has an audio card. To log on, obtain a password from the Avery Fisher Center of Bobst Library (Washington Square South, 2nd Floor). Please bring proof of course registration or a valid NYU ID card. Copies of tapes can only be made when we have permission from the publisher; the Avery Fisher Center of Bobst Library provides this service at no charge. Please bring a blank tape and a valid NYU ID card.

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/$900
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/$745
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 to 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 an emphasis on conversation in preparation for advanced courses.

Advanced Courses
If you are able to engage in simple conversations on uncomplicated topics, 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. 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, and Spanish. Complete schedules can be found under the language headings. This course counts as one course toward the certificate.

Combined Level Courses
Level I and II combined courses are beginner courses that combine two semesters of study into one. They are taught in the target language as much as possible, immersing the student in vocabulary and structures used in everyday situations. You quickly master simple questions and answers about matters encuntered in daily life. These courses, offered in French and Spanish, meet twice a week to encourage faster progress. Each combined-level course counts as two courses toward the certificate program.

Weekend Intensives
Twelve meetings of three hours each provide thorough and systematic instruction in the basics of a foreign language with time for extensive practice. Attention is devoted to the development of correct linguistic habits with an emphasis on the ability to communicate effectively. These courses are particularly recommended in the study of more difficult languages. Courses are available in Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Verb Review: Tenses and Moods for Accurate Communication
Accuracy in the use of verb tenses and moods distinguishes the casual language user from the accomplished one. These short courses review the basics of tense formation and tense sequence through practice and examples. In each individual language, special emphasis is given to the areas that cause the most common problems. Ideal for intermediate or advanced students interested in mastering effective oral and written communication, these courses are offered in French and Spanish. They do not count toward the certificate.

Introductory Immersion Weekend
Weekend language immersion courses allow you to prepare quickly for a trip abroad, get a distinct feeling for the flavor of a language, and give you the opportunity to see if you would like to continue with more serious study. Acquire some basic grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. Courses are taught in a relaxed atmosphere and are available in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Does not count 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, and Spanish and counts as one course toward the certificate.
 

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The Business of Translation

In the Spring of 2007, the translation program at NYU-SCPS presented "The Business of Translation".

Watch videos from the event


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