Language Courses and Requirements at Gustavus
Here is a page to help you navigate questions about language courses and requirements at Gustavus.
Language Requirements
Curriculum I students must pass the beginning sequence in a language (the first two courses) or will demonstrate equivalent proficiency.
Curriculum II students are required to complete a language through the third semester equivalent (FRE-201, GER-201, GRE-201, JPN-201, LAT-201, RUS-201, SPA-103, or SWE-201).
Phi Beta Kappa students will need a total of four semesters of foreign language.
See the Frequently Asked Questions section for answers to questions about languages not offered at Gustavus, and other more specific questions.
Languages Courses
If you are planning to take a language course at Gustavus, first respond to the question below. Then go to the links indicated.
Have you taken any courses in high school in the language you want to study?
Choose one answer. (Read all four carefully)
1. ___ I've never taken any classes in this language in high school or college.
You should register for the beginning level of the language. You do not take the placement test. Your high school transcript will be used to verify your registration.
2. ___ I've taken a few courses in this language in high school.
If you have ANY prior experience in high school in the language you would like to continue studying at Gustavus, you are required to take the placement test. If you do not take the placement test, your registration will be blocked.
Students can take the placement test and subsequent language class(es) at any time during their time at Gustavus, however they are encouraged to take the language placement test and classes in their first year at Gustavus in order to take advantage of and to keep building upon previous second language experience.
As a general rule, you should not take the placement test until the semester you register for the language class, so that the results will be accurate. However, you should take the placement test prior to your freshman registration:
- a) if you think you can demonstrate proficiency in French, German, or Spanish and have not completed post-secondary options (college) coursework in the language,
- b) if you are planning to major in French, German, or Spanish and have not completed post-secondary options (college) coursework in the language,
or
- c) if you plan to continue French, German, or Spanish your first fall and have not completed post-secondary options (college) coursework in the language.
(Go to links: When should I take the placement test? and How do I take the placement test? )
3. ___ I've taken courses in high school, and I'm bringing in college credit (College in the Schools, AP, IB [higher level exams], PSEO [Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program]).
If you are bringing in college credit, you should simply proceed to the next level. You do NOT take the placement test. (Go to link: I have college credit but still have questions about placement)
4. ___ I'm a transfer student, bringing in college credit.
If you are bringing in college credit, you should simply proceed to the next level. You do not take the placement test. (Go to link: I have college credit and still have questions about placement)