The University reviews high school transcripts to make sure you’re placed in the right level. We also recommend that you consult your adviser to make sure you’re not over-qualified for a course.
Our general rule is that regular beginning courses, 101 and 102, are closed to anyone who has had two years of that language. However, in Spanish, we offer an intensive, one-semester beginning course that builds on the experience you’ve had in high school. Students in these intensive courses have studied the material in the past but may have forgotten much of it. Because their purpose is to refresh knowledge, these one-semester courses move at a faster pace than the two-semester beginning courses.
Students considering a minor or major in a language who are blocked from their chosen class should make an appointment with the coordinator of the language before classes begin.
Find your course level
Below are some general guidelines for language course placement. Students who wish to discuss or change their initial placement by moving up or down a level should contact the instructor of the course they wish to be placed in for permission to enroll.
| Previous study | Suggested course level |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | Beginner 101-102 |
| 2 years | Intermediate 103 or contact instructor |
| 3 years | Upper intermediate, 105 or equivalent |
| 4+ years | Advanced, 106 or above |
Additional details
French
| Previous study | Suggested course level |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | 103 |
| 2-3 years | 105 |
| 4-5 years | 106 |
| 5+ years | 120, 124 |
| Native speaker | French 131 or above; consult program director |
FREN 120 and 124 are designed for students with a strong high-school background or who have completed an Advanced Placement class.
Spanish
| Previous study | Suggested course level |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | 011 |
| 2 years | 103 intensive |
| 3 years | 105 |
| 4 years | 106 |
| 5+ years | 127 or above |
| Native or heritage speakers | Spanish 131 or above; consult program director |
SPAN 127 is designed for students with a strong high-school background or who have completed an Advanced Placement class.
German
| Previous study | Suggested course level |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | 101-102 |
| 2-3 years | 103 |
| 4-5 | See instructor |
| 5+ years | See instructor |
| Native or heritage speakers | Consult program director |
Chinese | Japanese | Latin, Greek
| Previous study | Suggested course level |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | 101-102 |
| 1-2 years | See instructor |
| 2-3 years | 103 |
| 3-4 years | 104 |
