Guide to "a-g" Requirements [PDF]

(e) Language Other Than English

Two units (equivalent to two, one-year courses) of coursework in a single language. Three units are recommended.

• Minimum Performance Objectives. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, and composition. At this level, emphasis should not be on the ability to describe grammatical features of the language. In any language studied, the minimum performance objectives after two years of high school study should be the following:

  • The ability to sustain a brief conversation on simple everyday topics demonstrating good use of the whole sound system (good pronunciation), and the basic structural patterns in the present, past, and future tenses, the subjunctive, and commands
  • Summarize orally and in writing the main points of a relatively simple reading passage not involving specialized vocabulary

NOTES:

• Classical languages (e.g., Latin, Greek) are acceptable to fulfill the "e" requirement.

• American Sign Language (ASL) is a natural language and can be used to fulfill the "e" requirement, but signing English is not acceptable and will not satisfy the requirement.

• College prep courses in languages taken in 7th and 8th grades with grades of "C" or better may be counted toward the subject requirement. However, the principal of the high school from which a student graduates must certify on the transcript that the 7th and 8th grade courses are comparable in content to those offered at the high school. This certification is indicated by the high school awarding credits on the transcript for the 7th and 8th grade courses. Alternately, when an applicant has successfully completed advanced work in an area of sequential knowledge (mathematics, language other than English) with a grade of "C" or higher, the student is presumed to have completed the earlier course work even if the earlier courses do not appear on the student's academic record.

Certification of Competence in Language Other than English

The intent of the "e" requirement (languages other than English) is to ensure that freshmen have a minimal level of competence in a language other than English; this level corresponds to what is normally expected of a student who has completed two years of high school study with grades of "C" or better. Generally, bilingual students are considered to have met the "e" requirement and may choose not to enroll in language other than English courses. These students may be better served by enrolling in additional electives or, if their English is limited, English as a Second Language. Students who elect not to take language other than English courses must certify satisfaction of the "e" requirement by one of the following methods:

• Earning a satisfactory score on a recognized test (such as an SAT II: Subject Test, Advanced Placement test or Higher Level International Baccalaureate exam) or a proficiency test administered by a UC campus or another university;

• Two years of formal schooling at the sixth-grade level or higher with grades of "C" or better in an institution where the language of instruction is other than English;

• In cases where the options above are not available, certification by the high school principal, based on the judgment of language teachers, advice of professional or cultural organizations with an interest in maintaining language proficiency or other appropriate source of expertise.