FAQ

Where is the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures located?

The department is located in 4239 Boylan Hall.

How can I contact the department?

You may visit the office in person or contact us by telephone, 718.951.5000, ext. 5451.

Where do I find the department’s faculty office hours?

Faculty office hours are posted on the bulletin board outside 4239 Boylan Hall.

How can I get an exemption from the language requirement?

Students who have passed Regents Level 3 in any foreign language or those who demonstrate oral and written proficiency in a foreign language could be exempt from the foreign language requirement.

How can I demonstrate oral and written proficiency in a foreign language?

There are two ways of demonstrating such proficiency:

• By showing academic credentials that prove you successfully completed work at the high school level in which the language of instruction was other than English.
• By demonstrating oral and written proficiency by examination, through the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. (For Hebrew or Yiddish, contact the Department of Judaic Studies).

Would I get academic credits for the courses from which I have been exempt?

No. Students who are exempted from the requirement do not receive any academic credit for the courses from which they are exempt.

Who should I contact to show proof or to get an exemption?

To present proof or credentials, contact either the department chair, or the deputy chair, Associate Professor Alejandro Alonso.

Who should I contact to take a proficiency exam?

For languages taught in the department, you may contact an appropriate faculty member directly (for contact information, see our faculty). If the exemption is for Hebrew or Yiddish, contact the Department of Judaic Studies. For other languages, contact the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and we will direct you to the appropriate office to whom you can go for proficiency examinations. We may also be able to help students find other ways of verifying their proficiency, including faculty at other institutions or a foreign consulate.

Are there any opportunities to study languages abroad?

Yes. Contact the deputy chair, Associate Professor Alejandro Alonso, or visit our offices for more information.

Who should I contact concerning study abroad programs?

Study abroad information and foreign language study, scholarships, and opportunities abroad to learn or enhance one’s foreign-language interest can be found at the International Programs & Study Abroad, 1108 Boylan Hall, and via e-mail.

Does Brooklyn College award credits for the language Regents exam?

No.

How do I declare a major or minor?

You may declare a major or minor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, 4239 Boylan Hall, 718.951.5000, ext. 5451. You should meet with a faculty adviser in the major department; the adviser must sign a “Declaration of Major” form and return it to the Office of the Registrar. You may also visit the BC WebCentral Portal to declare and/or change majors online.

Does Brooklyn College recognize sign language as a language for exemption?

No.

Does Brooklyn College accept CLEP test scores?

No.