A Proposal For University of Toronto Language Citation

A Proposal for University of Toronto Language Citation
The University of Toronto wishes to enhance study in languages and especially to

encourage students to pursue language study at more advanced levels. The Language
Citation is intended to provide an incentive to students who are interested in intensive
study of a particular language but who do not wish to complete the major or minor
program in this language. Also, the Citation signals on the transcript that a student has
completed through the third-year of language study and achieved the grade point average
required for the citation.
The language citation is neither a substitute for a minor program in a language, nor does
it impede a student wishing to complete such a minor. The citation is different from a
minor in two critical elements: it requires that courses be taken in language study and it
requires that students meet a high grade point requirement. A minor typically has more
course selection flexibility (e.g. courses in literature, cinema, and culture) and the grade
point requirement is only that students meet the minimum passing grade. It is important
to note that students fulfilling the requirements for a language citation in a particular
language would have this achievement noted on their transcripts. Also, students
completing a minor or major program in a language who at the same time meet the
minimum grade requirements for a language citation would have both the citation and the
minor noted on their transcripts.
The University of Toronto is an ideal place for students to pursue advanced study of
languages. Our students live in a country that promotes multiculturalism and our
university is located in one of the world's most diverse cities. We offer significant
language opportunities in both ancient and modern languages. We also offer a variety of
international academic programs and the number of such programs will expand. As our
students seek further international study, work opportunities, and post-graduate study, the
intensive study required for the language citation would allow students to take better
advantage of our rich language offerings and to acquire greater proficiency in any one of
a large number of languages needed for work opportunities or post-graduate study in
fields ranging from Anthropology, Classics, Economics, History, History and Philosophy
of Science, Medieval Studies, Languages and Literatures, Law, which require knowledge
of a language other than English.
The U of T Language Citation can be earned in any language, modern or ancient, which
provides sufficient advanced training at the University of Toronto. Students must take
two FCEs beyond the first year of language instruction and must earn a minimum grade
of B- in each of the courses. Students may also count advanced literature or linguistics
courses towards the citation if they are taught in the target language and recognized as
sufficiently advanced for the purposes of the language citation. Hence for languages in
which the University offers a sequence of only two years of language instruction, a
language citation could be earned through taking two years of courses in that language
plus an advanced course in literature or culture taught in the language. Students wishing
to earn credits in the country where the language of study is spoken, should discuss study
abroad programs with the appropriate department or college.
It must be emphasized that the language citation is not a program. It is distinguished from
a minor in that it stipulates that 2 FCES in upper level courses count towards achieving a
citation and, crucially, that a high grade in each of those courses is essential.
Furthermore, the Language Citation focuses on language acquisition whereas a minor
includes a broad range of disciplines including, for example, courses in literature and
cultural studies. It should be clear that the Citation and a major or minor in a language
program are complementary not conflicting. The Student who achieves the Language
Citation is recognized for level and quality of achievement.
The following departments, colleges and programs on the U of Ts three campuses have
already indicated their wish to offer a language citation: Aboriginal Studies/UC; Celtic
Studies/SMC; Centre for Medieval Studies; Classics; East Asian Studies; French;
Germanic Languages and Literature; Italian Studies; Near and Middle Eastern
Civilizations; Slavic Languages and Literatures; Spanish and Portuguese; Department of
Humanities UTSC; Department of French, German and Italian UTM; and Department of
Historical Studies UTM. These units offer the intermediate and advanced courses needed
for a language citation in at least the following languages (students should check with the
relevant departments for current availability): Akkadian, Ancient Greek, Aramaic,
Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, Croatian, Czech, Egyptian Hieroglyphs, Finnish, French,
German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Persian,
Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Yiddish.
It should also be noted that the option of earning a language citation would be available
to students in faculties other than Arts and Science, e.g. Applied Science and
Engineering, Information Studies etc.

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A Proposal for University of Toronto Language Citation

The University of Toronto wishes to enhance study in languages and especially to

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