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Selection and Exemption Criteria for SCLA 11000 and SCLA 11100

The PLaCE program provides a required two-course sequence (SCLA 11000 and SCLA 11100) for all international undergraduate students who have a total score of 100 or less on the TOEFL iBT (or the equivalent on other English language tests). These courses contribute to improve English language proficiency for participating international students, helping them take full advantage of the range of educational opportunities available at Purdue, and providing the foundational English language skills and knowledge that they need for success in their educational program and beyond. These courses also help international students gain a better understanding of American culture, especially as it relates to being a university student in the U.S. The PLaCE requirement is based on the University Senate’s recommendation (via Resolution 15-13) and action approved by the Purdue Board of Trustees and set forth by the Office of the Provost on December 8, 2017.

SCLA 11000 and 11100 are required for International students with qualifying scores on language proficiency tests. The standard sequence of courses for students in a PLaCE cohort is to take SCLA 11000 in fall and SCLA 11100 in spring, and then to take SCLA 10100 or ENGL 10800, based on their major plan of study in later semesters.

Students who attended in-person 3 plus years in a U.S. located high school, where English was the primary language may request an exemption. Transcripts must be available for review in the Purdue system.

SCLA 11000 is part of the University Undergraduate Core Curriculum (UCC), as a foundational learning outcome for Human Cultures: Humanities. This means that SCLA 11000 counts toward students’ graduation requirements and should not delay their progress in graduating or proceeding into their chosen major concentration. SCLA 11100 counts as a humanities elective.

Qualifying students will be pre-enrolled in SCLA 11000 and SCLA 11100 by the Registrar’s office. Non-qualifying international students can add SCLA 11000 or 11100 on a case-by-case basis. Advisors who feel a student needs to be enrolled in SCLA 11000 should request it on their course submission or contact the PLaCE office. Students may be exempted from this PLaCE prerequisite by providing compelling evidence of advanced English language proficiency, as detailed below.

Exemptions from SCLA 11000 and 11100

SCLA 11000 Exemption Testing in June for fall semester

  • Students who are eligible for exemption testing are contacted in early summer.
  • Eligibility for testing: a) TOEFL total score of 100 with writing and speaking sub scores of 25 or aboveb) IELTS total scores of 7.5 with writing and speaking sub scores of 7.5 or above
  • Determination will then be made on if student is exempt from the SCLA 11000/11100 requirement (in most cases before classes begin) and then may enroll in ENGL 10800 or SCLA 10100.
  • Second semester and summer admits will be provided the opportunity for exemption prior to the start of classes of their entry semester.
1. What is the process for Exemption Testing for SCLA 11100?

Students who take SCLA 11000 will be enrolled in SCLA 11100. Students may request an exemption through their instructor. Forms are available from instructors at the beginning of the semester. Each application will be considered on its merits. The student should have consistently demonstrated strong English language skills, namely: sufficient range, depth, accuracy, and sophistication of English to be successful in any classroom task or interaction with peers and instructors.

PLaCE will consider requests from students enrolled in SCLA 11000 to be exempted from SCLA 11100 based on the following criteria:

  • TOEFL or IELTS scores
  • ACE-In test scores (pre-test score, final score, gain score)
  • SCLA 11000 course performance to date (major projects, homework, classwork, attendance, etc.)
  • Final grade in SCLA 11000
  • Teacher recommendationOnce a determination has been made, both the student and their advisor will be notified of the results. Students should stay enrolled in SCLA 11100 until they receive notification that their exemption was approved.

2. When will a student be informed that they have or have not received an exemption?

Students, along with their advisors, will be informed as soon as all the components of the application have been reviewed. Every effort is made to provide the decision prior to the student’s registration time ticket end date.

3. What about students who are not required to take SCLA 11100?

For students who opted to enroll in SCLA 11000 as an elective and wish to continue into SCLA 11100, they may enroll on their regular course request form in MyPurdue. Students who received an exemption may also opt to take SCLA 11100.

4. Will a student have a choice of taking ENGL 10800 or SCLA 10100?

Students who receive an exemption to SCLA 11100 can register for ENGL 10800 or SCLA 10100, based on their Plan of Study.