FRENCH PLACEMENT EXAM
The placement exam was designed to determine at what point in the curriculum incoming students continue their study of French at St. Olaf College.
All students who intend to enroll in a French course are required to take the placement exam. Students who have studied French before their first semester at St. Olaf will be contacted by the department with information about the test. Students who have never studied French but who are interested in beginning study at St. Olaf may also take the test.
The test is available online and it should be submitted for review as soon as possible after the student has been admitted to St. Olaf or has decided to enroll in French. Students may contact bothun@stolaf.edu or barjaste@stolaf.edu or 507-786-3230 or 507-786-3383 with any questions not addressed here.
How to complete the placement test
The exam has two parts. The first is a survey. Students should carefully think about their previous experience in French and answer these questions to the best of their ability. The second part is a writing exercise that will help determine the best course in which to continue study.
Faculty will carefully read the answers provided and make the best possible match between the student’s experience and skill and a beginning, intermediate or higher level course in French. Note: students are required to study a foreign language at St. Olaf and should discuss the language requirement with their academic advisor before registration.
The French placement exam may be easily completed in about an hour. Students must use a computer to take this exam. After the test has been submitted for review, the student will be notified by email of the results. It is recommended that students take the French placement exam by August 10, 2008. The student’s faculty advisor will also be notified of the placement recommendation. This will help guarantee that the student will be able to register for the appropriate French course as soon as possible to ensure timely completion of the foreign language requirement. Students planning to continue study beyond French 232 will also be able to begin studying the foundational courses right away.
French at St. Olaf
Why choose French? Why study French in my first year? Who are the members of the French faculty? Will study of French help me in my chosen major? What international study programs require knowledge of French? Is it possible to study more than one language?
Find out the answers to these and other questions by following the link to FAQs.
The Honor Code at St. Olaf College
The French placement test is like all other tests at St. Olaf in that students are reminded of their pledge to abide by the College Honor Code.
The Honor Code for St. Olaf College is as follows:
“The Honor Code at St. Olaf College is an agreement between the faculty and the students. The faculty agrees to leave the responsibility for proper and honest conduct during written examinations in the hands of the students. The students in turn agree to accept this responsibility. As an indication of such proper and honest conduct, the students shall sign the following pledge:
I pledge my honor that during this examination I have neither given nor received assistance, and that I have seen no dishonest work. (Students sign here)
I have officially not signed this pledge. (Check only if appropriate)
Failure to sign this pledge shall indicate that in the student’s opinion the system was violated during the examination.” (St. Olaf Honor System Constitution)
