Bookmark and Share

Department of

Languages and Literatures

Core Requirement

All undergraduate students are required to demonstrate third semester competency in a language other than English. This requirement cannot be met by taking a specific number of units. It demands proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking another language which would be achieved by the end of the third semester of a college-level language course.

In order to meet the Core Curriculum requirement, an undergraduate student needs a passing grade in Language 201 or a passing grade on USD's Competency Exam (this does not include the placement exam!).

USD also awards early credit by exam and the department will grant a "Waiver of Requirement" to any student who went to high school outside of the U.S. so long as courses were not conducted in English (except, of course, classes in English as a language). To obtain the waiver, please present an unofficial copy of your high school transcript to the Department Chair (Founders 138) during posted office hours.

Depending on past experience with the desired language, some students will need to take Language 101, 102, and 201. Those with some college-level experience in the language may begin with Language 102 or go straight into Language 201 (see Placement Policy).

All students need to fulfill the language requirement by the end of their junior year in order to guarantee they will graduate on time. Those who come to USD as Freshmen are strongly encouraged to meet the requirement by the end of their Sophomore year.

It is impossible to overemphasize the advisability of taking language classes in successive semesters, that is, not allowing a gap in between 101 and 102, 102 and 201, etc.

We would like to see all students plan their on-campus course of study with a view to spending at least one semester in a study abroad program. Course listings of affiliated study abroad programs are available from the International Center, Serra Hall, Room 315. This office also has information on special opportunities to take French 201, Italian 201, and German 201 in Europe with a USD professor during a short summer session.

We do not teach American Sign Language nor do we accept it in transfer to fulfill this requirement because it is impossible to develop the four requisite skills with it and it is an alternate form of English.