<p>Is this class for people who have absolutely no knowledge of Korean whatsoever? I had always been planning on taking this because although my parents speak in Korean to me (and therefore I can understand Korean), my speaking skills are nonexistent. It took me a while to figure out how to say my age when I went to Korea this past summer, for example...and my mom will talk to me in Korean and I will respond in English (yes, it's weird, but for some reason it works). When I went to sign up for Korean 101, it was suggested that I take 109 or a placement test because she saw that I was understanding what she was saying. The thing is, I don't think she understood that I have absolutely no speaking skills. I had no idea how to respond to her in Korean, so I was just answering in English. If I took a placement test or even 109 (which the course guide said was for kids who speak Korean at home?), I wouldn't be able to write or speak at all. I mean, I know the alphabet and if my mom sounds out what she wants me to write, I can of course, but I can't actually translate my English thoughts into Korean and write/speak on my own. So is this class right for me? Or should I actually be taking 109? Thanks!</p>
<p>I'd say go take the placement test, written and/or oral. when professors see you fail to write or say anything well in Korean, you'll probably be in 101 (maybe 102 or another level, then wait till spring or something). Most students in 109/110 levels are of Korean heritage who can speak the language and just need to learn to read/write/speak better</p>
<p>I took 101 (taking 201 this year) so PM me and I can answer any of your questions.</p>