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World Language Policy

The following guidelines apply to the world language requirement.

  1. All Gardner-Webb students, except those identified in points 2 and 3 below, must earn at least three hours credit in a world language as part of the Foundational Experience of the General Education curriculum. Students may select any of the world languages offered by Gardner-Webb University including American Sign Language (ASL) to meet this requirement.
  2. Three hours of transfer credit for any approved world language course from an accredited institution of higher learning will also meet this requirement.
  3. International students whose native language is a language other than English will not be required to meet the world language component of the Foundational Experience as they are considered meeting the purpose of this language requirement by taking courses in English (which is a second language for these students) and are living in a culture distinct from their native culture. Deaf students who score intermediate level or higher on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) will likewise not be required to meet the Foundational Experience's world language component.
  4. Native English speakers are strongly encouraged to take the world language placement exam if they have had world language courses in high school and intend to continue study of that language. This will enable these students to be placed in the proper level of world language instruction and thereby progress in the mastery of that language. These students may choose to study a world language, beginning with the introductory (101) level, other than the one in which they had had prior coursework.
  5. Heritage speakers (defined as students who regularly utilize a language other than English at home) are likewise strongly encouraged to take the world language placement exam. This will enable these students to be placed in the proper level of world language instruction and thereby progress in the mastery of that language. These students may choose to study a world language beginning with the introductory (101) level, other than the one with which they had had prior experience.