Frequently Asked Questions

The first step in declaring a major or minor in a world language is to speak with a language advisor who can be found on our Advisors page. An advisor will give you the necessary paperwork and a roadmap of required classes.

To make sure that your forms are received and successfully processed and filed, take your forms to the appropriate office to get the required signatures.
 The first signature/approval you need to get is from your major/minor advisor. (If you are declaring a major in Spanish, visit one of our Spanish advisors). Next, bring the declaration form and the required documentation (transcripts, major forms, …) to get approval from the Department Chair at Clark Hall 421. After your paperwork is processed by the Department of World Languages and Literatures, take it to the College of Humanities and the Arts (located in Washington Square Hall Room 120).

Yes, you can take any foreign language class you like, provided you have the necessary skill level. If in doubt, you can consult an advisor and take a placement test. Students are able to waive the unit cap under certain circumstances. Please contact the advisor for more information on this.

Please contact your advisor and refer to the Office of the Registrar for change of major/minor process. 

A list of advisors can be found on our Advisors page or in our department office at Clark Hall 421. You can either drop into their office hours or e-mail them to set up an appointment to meet.

A list of faculty office hours can be found on our Faculty and Staff page or in our department office at Clark Hall 421.

Office hours can also be found on the class syllabus, canvas and faculty pages.

Scholarships recipients info are sent to the Financial Aid office. They will apply it to any outstanding university debts you have and they will reimburse or give you back whatever is left. If you haven’t received your scholarship award, check with the Financial Aid office.

You can find general information for the program you are interested on our website under the "Programs" tab. Specific questions about your situation are best answered by the appropriate major or minor advisor. You can find advisors for every program on our Advisors page.

Yes, there are currently tutoring sessions available through Peer Connections. If you have any questions regarding tutoring, please contact http://peerconnections.sjsu.edu/tutoring/.

No, but we encourage you to do so — studying abroad is a rewarding experience that will improve your language skills immensely and give you new insights into the world around you.

1. Chinese
2. Filipino/Tagalog
3. French
4. German
5. Hebrew
6. Italian
7. Japanese
8. Portuguese
9. Spanish
10. Vietnamese

Students can currently earn:

• B.A. degrees in Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish
• Minor degrees in Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin American Studies, Portuguese, and Spanish
• Minors for International Business

See our Programs page for more information.

For more information about the MA program, please contact the Spanish MA advisor, Dr. Damian Bacich.

Damian Bacich
Ph.D., UCLA
Professor; Department Chair; Spanish Advisor
408-924-4608
damian.bacich@sjsu.edu
Clark Hall 421D

The coordinator and advisor for the single subject credential in a world language is Zoey Liu. She can be reached via e-mail at zoey.liu@sjsu.edu or in her office CL 408P, contact number is (408)924-4628.

A placement test can be taken in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. These tests are used to assist advisors in determining what level course students should enroll in at their ability level.

Complete the WLL Check in Form to request to take the language placement