The Competencies
Writing (WCMP): In a contemporary global society, one must be able to write coherently and thoughtfully in both public and professional spheres. To master the skills and rhetorical practices of writing within a given discipline, students must move beyond basic instruction to the complexities of audience analysis and engagement in the larger queries of an informed citizenry. Writing coursework requires students to produce a series of written assignments intended both to extend facility in English composition and to deepen understanding of course content.
Writing competency courses may NOT be double-counted toward a major or minor. Students will satisfy this requirement by completing any Rollins course that carries the writing competency (WCMP) designation (typically ENGW 140), completing an approved approved transfer course, or achieving an AP English Language and Composition exam score of 4 or 5.
Foreign Language (FCMP): Language is not just the primary vehicle for the communication of culture; it is culture. As such, foreign language study offers a unique window of perception regarding non-English speaking cultures, a window through which students can learn to communicate in a language other than their native tongue, learn how other people live and what they value, or, in the case of ancient languages, delve into our rich culture and philological heritage. Second language study also provides insights into the nature of language and its power to shape ideas and expression. Foreign language competency courses may be double-counted toward a major. Courses which satisfy the foreign language competency must be at the 200 level or above.
Students can satisfy this requirement by:
- Completion of any Rollins or transfer course at the 200-level or above or that carries the foreign language competency (FCMP) designation;
- Earn an AP Language exam score of 4 or 5, or an IB Language exam higher level score of 6 or 7;
- Being an international student admitted to Rollins College based on TOEFL score;
- Being a student who has been admitted to the College based on an overall band score of 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This test cannot be taken after admission to serve as a means of exemption.
- Being a Native speaker or heritage speaker* of any language other than English who has NOT taken the TOEFL or CBT before entering Rollins can complete an adequate 200-level course (a one-semester course designed for heritage speakers) or complete one course in international culture at any level.
Students with a documented learning disability in foreign language study who have registered with the Office of Accessibility Services may qualify for an accommodation consisting of completion of two international culture courses in lieu of language study. Contact the Office of Accessibility Services for more details.
Online courses from a regionally-accredited institution of higher learning may be accepted to fulfill the FCMP; however, the department reserves to right to examine each request individually to ensure the online course meets the department’s learning standards and expectations and provides that same level and quality of language instruction.
Language Placement Exams
Online placement tests are available for Spanish, Chinese, and French. No placement score, no matter how high, exempts any student from the FCMP requirement. This exam can be taken at any time (more information available in the department´s website).
Arabic. All students who have not previously taken Arabic classes at Rollins but who have some prior knowledge of Arabic must take a placement test. The test includes listening, reading, writing, and an oral interview with the test proctor. The test is given during the week before classes begin. For information about the Arabic assessment test, please contact the Chair of the department.
Latin. Students should contact the Classical Studies program in order to take the placement exam for Latin.
Japanese. Students with prior knowledge of Japanese should contact the chair of the Global Languages department.
Mathematical Thinking (MCMP): Responsible citizens make decisions that shape their lives, their society, and the world. Decision-making requires a variety of skills that will be strengthened as students complete a Mathematical Thinking competency course. Students will develop and sharpen their deductive reasoning and critical-thinking skills, enabling them to construct and articulate sound, precise, and convincing arguments and to evaluate the arguments of others. They will build and study mathematical and/or statistical models for real-world phenomena, and they will hone their ability to make estimates, develop the skills needed to draw well-founded conclusions and make reliable predictions. Students will demonstrate mastery of these skills as they apply to issues they will encounter in their subsequent course work, career, and daily life.
Students will satisfy this requirement by completing any Rollins course that carries the mathematical thinking competency (MCMP), completion of a approved transfer course, achieving an AP Statistics exam score of 4 or 5, achieving an AP Calculus exam (A/B or B/C) score of 4 or 5, or achieving an IB Mathematics exam score of 4 or better.
Ethical Reasoning (ECMP):
Through ethical values and moral principles, people find meaning in and justification of their actions as individuals, and as participants in their communities. Ethical reasoning courses improve students’ abilities to articulate and evaluate the ethical principles involved in important decisions, in their own personal lives, or in society (either contemporary or historical).
Students will satisfy this requirement by completion of any Rollins course that carries the Ethical Reasoning Competency (ECMP) designation or completion of an approved transfer course that includes the study of ethical reasoning.
|
