Certificates in Languages
The Certificate of Conversational Languages is available in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Dutch, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. For Latin, see the page “Certificate in Latin”.
The courses comprising this certificate allow you to improve your language skills in practical everyday situations through speaking, listening, writing and reading. Particular attention is given to mastering the phonological system (rhythm, intonation, pronunciation). You will build skills through intensive practice, simulating real-world situations. You will benefit from the expertise of our language instructors through frequent, personalized feedback. The courses are designed especially for the needs of adult learners.
These courses will prepare learners to:
- suggest, persuade, agree, disagree, and negotiate
- speak original thoughts accurately
- use expressions of politeness, turns of phrase, and idioms
- adhere to an appropriate level of formality and politeness
- understand socio-cultural protocol and etiquette
Certificate Requirements
In-class courses are offered when enrolment numbers permit. The Certificate of Conversational Languages is awarded upon successful completion of four courses in the selected language. Students must obtain a grade of A (80-100%) or above as an average of all one’s certificate courses to obtain the certificate. Some courses or sections may be available only in alternate years or by private instruction, depending on levels of enrolment. The Certificate of Conversational Languages is not available in some languages. Some languages are not taught at all levels. Seventy-five percent of classes in each level must be attended for a certificate to be awarded.
Those with sufficient background in French who take French Levels II – V or III-VI for the Certificate of Conversational French will get a notation “Levels II – V” or “Levels III – VI” on their Certificate.
Certificate of Practical French
Following the Certificate of Conversational French, students may obtain a second credential, the Certificate of Practical French. It consists of four in-class courses: SCS 2452 Le français des affaires
Plus three of the following:
- SCS 0652 French: Level V (if not applied to the Certificate of Conversational French)
- SCS 0654 Level VI (if not applied to the Certificate of Conversational French)
- SCS 0656 French Grammar Refresher (if not applied to the Certificate of Conversational French in place of Level IV.)
- SCS 2439 French Pronunciation (pre-requisite: Level II.)
- SCS 2651 Conversation en français (prerequisite: Level VI, new material presented annually)
Time Limit for Certificate Completion
All requirements for the Languages certificates must be completed within 36 months from the date of registration.
All requirements for the Translation certificate must be completed within 18 months from the date of registration.
