4. World Languages
Learning another language encourages engagement with other cultures and enhances one’s ability to participate meaningfully in local, national, and international settings. Advanced proficiency in a second language also deepens one’s understanding of multiple world views and historical perspectives. Elon’s language requirement represents the first step towards acquiring the level of proficiency that the Department of World Languages and Cultures provides. Courses offered help students: engage with and understand other cultures, both contemporary and historical; grasp the interaction between language and culture; advance critical, analytical and writing skills; and develop sufficient proficiency in a second language to interact on a professional level with people who speak that language.
To fulfill the requirement, students must meet one of the following:
- Complete a language course numbered 1020 or higher at Elon, or receive transfer or study abroad credit for the same;
- Place into a language course numbered 2000 or above upon arriving at Elon, using a Department of World Languages and Cultures approved placement instrument;
- Score 4 or 5 on an AP language exam or similar exam.
In order to ensure consistent treatment of all students, each student must take the language placement test by October 1 of their first full year at Elon. Students are allowed two attempts.
Note: The language requirement to qualify for invitation to join Elon’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa is more rigorous than the Elon Core requirement. To be considered for Phi Beta Kappa membership, students must meet one of the following foreign language stipulations:
The student must have credit for a 2020-level foreign language course or have placed beyond 2020.
The student must have completed course work in a language for a fall or spring semester abroad in a country in which that same language is a primary mode of communication AND either 1) have prior credit for a 2010-level foreign language course in the same language, or 2) placed into 2020 in the same language before the semester abroad.