Placement into Language Courses

Learning a second language is a key piece of a well-rounded education in the reality of today’s global world. No matter what you choose to study, learning another language will open new possibilities for you in the future and will enhance your resumes in an increasingly competitive job market. Language study is central to the college experience in exploring how as individuals we relate to the rest of the planet. Deepening the study of another language opens your eyes to new realities and other ways to see the world. Whether you want to explore a new language, expand your knowledge of another language and cultural understanding of the world, or meet the minimum college requirements, the following table will guide you on how to start or continue your language studies at Gustavus. 

IMPORTANT: If you have previous coursework in a non-English language, it is to your benefit to register for language courses as soon as possible in your freshman year to avoid long gaps. We highly recommend you register in a language course your first semester at Gustavus. If you are unable to take a language course in the Fall, make sure to add it to your Spring registration.

Years of language taken in highschool
French
German
Japanese
Russian
Spanish
No classroom experience in the language or 1 year or less FRE 101 (Fall only) GER 101 (Fall only) JPN 101 (Fall only) or talk with instructor to confirm  RUS 101 (Fall only) SPA 101 
2 years of classroom experience FRE 102 (Spring only) GER 102 (Spring only) JPN 102 (Spring only) RUS 101 (Fall only)

SPA 102

 **Students who have completed Spanish level 4 and 5 in highschool may not register at the Spa 102 level as they are not considered beginners**
3 years of classroom experience FRE 201 (Fall only) GER 201 (Fall only) JPN 201 (Fall only) RUS 102 (Spring only) SPA 103
4 years of classroom experience FRE 202 (Spring only) GER 202 (Spring only) JPN 202 (Spring only) RUS 201 upon discussion with Russian section faculty 

SPA 200

**If you completed Spanish level 5 or AP Language (did not pass test or did not do the test), you should take Spa 200. Please see below if completed the Spanish AP test**
More than 4 years of classroom experience FRE 251 (Fall only)

or

FRE 252 (Spring only)		 Contact German section faculty  Contact Japanese section faculty RUS 202 upon discussion with Russian section faculty SPA 250
More than 4 years of classroom experience with immersion FRE 251 (Fall only)

or

FRE 252 (Spring only)		 Contact German section faculty  Contact Japanese section faculty Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the Russian section. SPA 250

Passed AP language exam (score of 4 or more) or IB (higher level exams)

 FRE 251 (Fall only)

or

FRE 252 (Spring only)		 Contact German section faculty  Contact Japanese section faculty Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the Russian section. Spa 250

Took AP language class but did not pass the test or did not take the test

 FRE 251 (Fall only)

or

FRE 252 (Spring only)		 Contact German section faculty  Contact Japanese section faculty Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the Russian section.

Spa 200

**If you would like to be considered for Spa 250, contact Ana Adams**

Took AP Language and AP literature

 Contact the French section faculty  Contact German section faculty  Contact Japanese section faculty Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the Russian section. Contact Ana Adams to evaluate your case

Native or Heritage speakers* 

 Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the French section. Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the German section. Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the Japanese section. Placement to be determined after conversation with faculty in the Russian section. Contact Ana Adams to evaluate your case

*Heritage speaker: “a person who has learned a language informally by being exposed to it at home as opposed to having learned it formally in a school setting.” (Language Testing International)

With any questions, please contact the Chair of the Department, Ana Adams, at aadams3@gustavus.edu

If you have previous coursework in a non-English language, it is to your benefit to register for language courses as soon as possible in your freshman year to avoid long gaps. We highly recommend you register in a language course your first semester at Gustavus. If you are unable to take a language course in the Fall, make sure to add it to your Spring registration!