Languages, Cultures and Literatures at USD is committed to shaping the next generation of global citizens through the development of students' communicative and linguistic proficiency, intercultural competency and skills in critical thinking through the study of languages, literatures and other forms of cultural production.
Language Placement Guide
Students have three options to determine which course they should initially take:
If you wish to study a language (see the list below) for the first time, proceed to enroll in a 101 course for your language of choice.
The University of San Diego offers courses in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
Students wishing to study Classical Greek should contact Professor Rubio at santiago@sandiego.edu.
If you wish to begin studying Spanish for the first time, you must complete a Waiver of Placement (less than 5 mins). The waiver process allows enrollment in Spanish 101.
Complete a Language Placement Exam* (approximately 10-15 mins)
- A language placement exam is a diagnostic tool that measures a student’s skills in a language they have studied or have experience with.
- Students should not prepare for a language placement exam in any way.
- Language placement exams begin with a “Language Background” survey.
- Results arrive via email in 2-3 workdays.
- Students may receive a "Primary Placement" course or, when appropriate, an "Optional Placement" course. Students cannot enroll below or above the (primary or optional) placement result.
*A language placement exam cannot be taken more than once per academic year.
LCL Student Resources
Language Tutoring
Get one-on-one language assistance from qualified peer tutors, or apply to become a tutor and support your fellow students.
The Rigsby Language and Culture Commons
The Rigsby Language and Culture Commons is a versatile academic space that hosts diverse programming including language tutoring, film screenings, lectures, literary and cultural events and collaborative projects.
What's Happening in Languages, Cultures and Literatures
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