1981-1982



                                Senate Document #49



                                 APC Document #42

                              Non-Standard Languages





        The Academic Policies Committee recommends that the following

        policy be adopted:  



             1.  UNCA will accept demonstrated proficiency in any

             recognized written national language or any ancient

             language for the foreign language option.  However,

             departments which require proficiency in a specific

             foreign language shall specify in the catalog the

             particular foreign language which is acceptable.  



        Rationale:  



        The importance of proficiency in a foreign language transcends the

        utility of being able to read, write or speak a widely-used

        language.  Exposure to any language increases one's understanding

        of other cultures, and enables one to appreciate the structure of

        language itself.  Thus it seems arbitrary to designate particular

        languages as appropriate and others as non-appropriate, unless a

        department has a particular professional or academic reason for

        such a designation.  However, the requirement that a language be a

        written national or ancient language excludes from consideration

        cases in which a student claims proficiency in a language for which

        proficiency will be virtually impossible to assess.  



             2.  No academic credit will be given for proficiency in a

             non-standard foreign language which is gained through

             life experience.  Instead, exemption from the foreign

             language option (or requirement, when appropriate) will

             be granted.  



        Rationale:  



        As stated previously, there is no precedent for the granting of

        academic credit for foreign language proficiency gained outside of

        the classroom.  In addition, granting of academic credit for life

        experience is problematic from the standpoint of objectivity and

        academic integrity.  



             3.  Any student may request exemption from the foreign

             language option/requirement.  Such a request must be

             submitted in writing to the Chair on the Non-Standard

             Foreign Language Committee.  The student will then take a

             national language placement test, if possible, or a test

             prepared by a faculty member from an institution of

             higher learning who possesses proficiency in the

             particular language in question.  Any monetary expense of

             testing must be paid by the student.  Results of the test

             will be the basis for action by the Non-Standard Foreign

             Language Committee, consisting of the Chair of the

             Foreign Language Department (who will chair the


                                                                     Page 2

        





             committee), the Chair of the Degree Programs Committee,

             and the Director of Enrollment Services.  This committee

             will grant either full, partial, or no exemption from the

             Foreign language option/requirement on the basis of

             majority decision.  The action of this Committee will be

             final.  



        Rationale:  



        This establishes a sorely-needed standard procedure for assessing

        proficiency in a non-standard foreign language.  This procedure is,

        in addition, as objective as possible.  Although this procedure

        requires the creation of another Committee, experience suggests

        that this Committee will not have to meet often (if at all) during

        the academic year.  



        Effective:  August 1982