The Language Proficiency Requirement

The study of a second language is important for a number of reasons:

The ability to communicate with people from another culture is valuable.
Learning other languages vastly increases one’s own understanding of his or her native language and of language in general. Our culture is flooded with examples of people trying to persuade or mislead by taking advantage of the weak understanding people have of their own language.
The study of languages provides insight into other cultures and cultural differences, which is very valuable in political and economic terms on a global scale.
Within a more immediate framework, languages require structured learning that will improve study skills. In the longer term and in a more profound sense, it can result in a deeper understanding of vocabulary and meaning. It can lead to rigorous studies of topics such as those of texts in the original language throughout many disciplines, and thus form a foundation and a touchstone for the liberal arts as a whole.
Employers value candidates who have knowledge of foreign languages; language study will give our graduates an advantage in the international job pool.

Two semesters of college-level language courses in the same language are required with the following exceptions:

Students with prior experience in a foreign language may test out of one or both semesters of language through successful completion of the language proficiency test, generally completed during the admissions process.
Bilingual students should consult with the English and Modern Languages Department.
Non-native English speakers will fulfill the language requirement through successful completion of ESL classes or testing out of ESL through the proficiency exam administered by the Director of English as a Second Language.

If a student has started a language not offered by Marietta College and they wish to continue in that language, alternative acquisition options such as study abroad or consortial coursework may be utilized for completion of the requirement.

Students who complete language courses at the 200-level or above may apply the credits to the Civilization & Culture distribution requirement.