At Drew, all students are required to demonstrate proficiency through the intermediate level in one foreign language. Students should take the language placement exam in Spanish before registering for courses if they are continuing with a language started in high school or if they speak the language at home. It is highly recommended that the sequence of language courses be completed consecutively.
Language Placement Exams
The language placement exam is taken by students who have not fulfilled the Drew language requirement and are not beginning the language at the 101 level.
Proficiency in Spanish may be demonstrated by any one of the following ways:
- Successful completion of Intermediate Spanish (SPAN 201) at Drew;
- A score of 680 or higher on the SAT II Spanish test;
- A score of 4 or 5 on the Spanish (language or literature) Advanced Placement examination;
- Placement beyond SPAN 201 on the language placement examination.
The language placement examination is offered at four different times during the academic year:
- At the Summer Orientation for incoming first-year and transfer students (in July)
- At Orientation in the beginning of the fall semester (in late August)
- During advising weeks in the fall semester (in early November)
- During advising weeks in the spring semester (in early April)
Placement test can be taken only once, and a picture ID will be required to take it.
To take the placement test, please contact:
Mónica Cantero-Exojo (Language Coordinator)
Brothers College 206
[email protected]
973-408-3662
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
A student receiving a score of 4 or 5 on the Spanish Advanced Placement examination (language or literature) will have completed the equivalent of SPAN 201 (four Drew course credits) and is considered to have fulfilled the college’s general education requirement.
Students wishing to continue their language studies at Drew are still required to take the Spanish placement exam to determine the appropriate course with which to begin their studies.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses
Spanish Language & Literature A or Spanish Language B [SL]
A score of 5 or better in either Language A (Spanish) or Language B (Spanish) earns the students four credits (the equivalent of SPAN 201) and is considered to have fulfilled Drew’s language requirement. Students wishing to continue their language studies at Drew are still required to take the Spanish placement exam to determine the appropriate course with which to begin their studies.
Spanish Language & Literature A or Spanish Language B [HL]
A score of 5 or better in either Language & Literature A or Language B grants the student eight credits toward the completion of a minor or major in Spanish. The student should take the Spanish placement exam to determine appropriate courses for completion of the minor or major.
Spanish Language ab initio [SL]
The student should still take the Spanish placement exam to determine appropriate courses for completion of the minor or major.
Spanish for Heritage Learners
The Spanish Department offers two Spanish classes for heritage learners. These classes can fulfill your language requirement or count toward a major or minor in Spanish. Heritage Spanish classes are designed to meet the needs of bilingual students of varying abilities. Students will work on improving their writing and public speaking skills in Spanish in preparation for future academic and professional endeavors. Many heritage learners at Drew go on to become Spanish majors or minors, knowing that gaining confidence and professionalism in their Spanish-language skills are valuable assets in any field.
Top 10 reasons you should take Spanish for Heritage Learners
You may be asking yourself, “If I already speak Spanish, why should I take Spanish classes?” Here are the top 10 reasons:
- Improve your writing skills in Spanish
- Practice public speaking skills in Spanish
- Meet other Spanish-speaking students on campus
- Fulfill your language requirement at Drew
- Start a Spanish major
- Start a Spanish minor
- Prepare yourself for a study abroad experience in a country such as Spain, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile or Mexico
- Improve your ability to use Spanish in your future career
- Get ready for an internship where you’ll need to speak Spanish
- Gain confidence in your ability to use Spanish anywhere
SPAN 202: Oral and Written Skills for Heritage Learners
This course focuses on written and oral development of Spanish in addition to the practice of reading and listening skills in a dynamic culturally based context. Students will learn about grammar and spelling issues as they expand their writing skills. They will also improve public speaking skills through class activities and presentations.
SPAN 303: Spanish Grammar and Conversation for Heritage Learners
This course will develop reading, writing, conversation and public speaking skills in Spanish. Students will improve their control of grammar and written expression through essays and journals. They will explore the implications of bicultural identity and recognition of regional variations of Spanish. Short stories, articles, film, music and other materials will be used as a starting point for discussion, reflection and writing.
Placement Exams
Students who are heritage learners should take the Spanish placement exam before registering for courses. The language placement examination is offered at four different times during the academic year:
- At the Summer Orientation for incoming first-year and transfer students (in July)
- At Orientation in the beginning of the fall semester (in late August)
- During advising weeks in the fall semester (in early November)
- During advising weeks in the spring semester (in early April)
The placement test can be taken only once, and a picture ID will be required to take it.
To take the placement test, please contact:
Mónica Cantero-Exojo (Language Coordinator)
Brothers College 206
[email protected]
(973) 408-3662
Professor Mónica Cantero-Exojo will contact students directly via e-mail with their results and recommend the appropriate class.