<p>If you want to study a language in college, is it necessary to have a prior knowledge of that language. Specifically, I am really interested in the Romance Languages major at my first choice, which has coursework in Spanish, Italian, and French. I have a very good background in Spanish (my parents are both fluent, I have cousins who are Spanish majors and aunts who teach/taught Spanish, and I have studied the language throughout high school, and I have taken 4 semesters of college Spanish at the local CC [while in HS]). I have a little experience in French (1 semester of college French at local CC). However, I have no experience with Italian. I know Italian is similar to the other two languages (they are all Romance languages, after all!). So my question is, does it actually matter that I don’t have much experience with Italian (or French, for that matter)?</p>
<p>Here is the link to the page describing the major at the school I am interested in (though I would like to study this at another school if I end up somewhere else):</p>
<p>When you begin a language in college, they start you out at the bottom (Hello, My name is-, How are you?), etc.</p>
<p>In elementary/middle/high school, I took nine years of Spanish and one of French. I ditched both and started German. The class is fast paced, but he started at the very beginning and we’ve already learned quite a bit.</p>
<p>Are you majoring in German? My main question is would it be a good idea to have these languages as part of my major if I have no background in the language. By your post, I would say that I can, but I just want to clarify.</p>
<p>I’m not majoring in German, but I’m considering a minor (if the school I transfer to allows minors), and for the field I want to go into, I have to be fluent at some point. I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to have it as part of your major, but you should check with an advisor at your school to be sure.</p>
<p>Yes, it is entirely possible to start a language in college. If you have previous experience, you could take an assessment exam to skip classes if need be (at least at my school). I don’t really understand the question “is it a good idea to have these languages as part of my major,” but speaking another language with fluency is a great skill to have, and if you have interest in it, don’t let anything hold you back.</p>
<p>Yep! Here at WUSTL you need no prior knowledge. All the language courses, but especially the intro ones, are quite intensive. For example, the beginning Italian course will have an hour class four days a week, as well as 2 additional hours of practice, an hour of multimedia activities, and whatever other homework/studying is assigned. It’s a big commitment, but I hear it’s effective.</p>