Undergraduate Resources

Course Checklist

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Placement

Q: I want to continue studying Spanish, which I studied in high school. How do I know at which level, or in which course, to enroll?
A: The section under “Placement Policy” lays out details on what you need to do.

https://addran.tcu.edu/spanish-hispanic-studies/academics/language-placement-policy.php

As a reminder, you will need to do one of three things:

Take a CAPE placement test at summer orientation.
Use your College Board AP or CLEP score to determine placement.
Enter at an appropriate level using the guideline provided.

Q: Even though I have previous knowledge of Spanish, I prefer not to enroll in a difficult course. Wouldn’t it be a good idea simply to enroll in a lower course?
A: No. There is an incentive for placing high. You could receive as many as 9 additional credits for enrolling at the appropriate level. Read the Language Placement Policy to see how the incentive works.

Q: Although I studied Spanish in high school, I did very poorly on the placement test. Can I take Spanish for Beginners 1 to start all over?
A: No. Spanish for Beginners 1 is strictly for those who have never studied Spanish formally.

Q: I took AP in high school. Can I get TCU foreign language credit?
A: Yes! But you must have taken the actual AP test. A score of 3 gives you 6 credits, and you should place in SPAN 20103. A score of 4 or 5 gives you 12 credits, and you should place in either SPAN 30503 or 30603. Once you finish your language requirement, you can still continue with your language study for elective credits or apply them toward a major or a minor.

 

Q: It is now the beginning of a new semester, I went to the first day of class, and I am sure my placement is incorrect! What can I do?
A: First relax, and give it some time. You are in a new college environment, and you have a new and unfamiliar teacher, who is already speaking in the target language. It is likely that a large number of your classmates are feeling just as scared as you. You will be amazed how quickly and easily things settle down after the first two weeks of classes! If you have concerns, go in person to talk to your instructor as soon as possible.

However, if after the first few days of the semester, you are truly uncomfortable with your class, section, or placement and you are sure that things will not get better, you may see the Spanish and Hispanic studies chair. 

 

Enrollment

Q: I am studying abroad this semester, and when I tried enrolling in SPAN X, the system did not accept the course I’m taking as a prerequisite. What should I do?
A: Send an email to the department administrative assistant at nancy.gonzalez@tcu.edu, who will issue you a permission number to enroll successfully.

Q: I am currently enrolled in a course that serves as a prerequisite for another course I want to take next semester. The system does not recognize that I am taking the prerequisite. What should I do?
A: Contact the department administrative assistant at nancy.gonzalez@tcu.edu, x7366, who will issue you a permission number to enroll successfully upon verifying that you are indeed enrolled in the course you indicated.

Q: I plan to take a course this summer that serves as prerequisite for another course I want to take in the Fall. The system is unaware of my intentions, so what should I do in order to enroll?
A: Contact the department chair at sohyun.lee@tcu.edu, who will issue you a permission number to enroll.

Q: I need to enroll in SPAN X but it is closed. What are my options?
A: First, consider shifting your other courses around so that you may be able to enroll in another section of SPAN X. If unfeasible, place yourself on the waiting list and hope that either the seats are increased or an enrolled student drops the course to make way for more students to join.

Q: Because of my busy schedule, SPAN X is the only course I can take next semester, when I am scheduled to graduate. This course is filled. What should I do?
A: You may consider these options:

place yourself on the waiting list
share your concerns with the department chair

Q: What is the procedure for enrolling in an independent study?
A: Independent studies are special arrangements made between a student and a faculty member, with the approval of the department chair. Students who are about to graduate but for emergent circumstances (.e.g. medical) are unable to enroll in a regular course could do the following. The student should approach a faculty member and discuss his/her concerns and needs.

If the faculty member is willing or able to give of extra time, the student develops an independent study plan, complete with stated objectives and a specific research project. Once the project is approved by the faculty member, who then prepares a syllabus on the basis of the project, these documents will be submitted with a form to the department chair, who signs it and forwards it to the AddRan College Dean’s office.

 

For Spanish Majors and Minors

Q: I am a sophomore and already have a major, but I’m wondering if I can take Spanish as a double major. Isn’t it too late?
A: No, it is much easier to combine Spanish with a second major than most students think, and if you study abroad, you will be surprised how few courses you will be left to take upon your return. See your advisor for details, and you can also seek advice from the department chair. 

Q: I am in my first year and have been considering Spanish as a major. I am also considering studying abroad. How do I receive help in organizing my schedule?
A: Get help from Nancy Gonzalez at nancy.gonzalez@tcu.edu to schedule an appointment with an advisor.  Faculty members at SHS are more than happy to assist you planning your full four-year schedule as soon as you express interest in majoring in Spanish.

 

Study Abroad

Visit TCU Global  at tcuglobal.tcu.edu if you have any inquiries about studying abroad.