Learning Languages at SCU
At Santa Clara University, learning a second language is more than a requirement—it’s a gateway to understanding the world. That’s why all students demonstrate language proficiency as part of the Core Curriculum.
Why it matters
Why it matters:
In today’s interconnected world, studying a second language opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. Language learning strengthens communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding while preparing students to engage meaningfully in diverse communities and global careers. Equally important, the study of the ancient world deepens our understanding of the foundations of literature, philosophy, government, science, and the humanities, revealing how the past continues to shape contemporary society.
The Departments of Modern Languages and Literature:
- Develop the language proficiency and intercultural skills needed to communicate effectively in an interconnected global society.
- Explore diverse cultures, texts, and perspectives while strengthening critical thinking and cultural understanding through a Jesuit liberal arts education.
- Gain meaningful classroom and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for personal growth, global engagement, and a wide range of career paths.
The Department of Classics:
- Study the languages, history, literature, philosophy, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome while exploring their lasting influence on the modern world.
- Take engaging courses in areas such as mythology, art, religion, ethics, government, science, and architecture—most with no prior knowledge of Greek or Latin required.
- Build a strong multidisciplinary liberal arts foundation that develops critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills valuable for a wide range of careers.
How to satisfy Your Second Language Requirement
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Start a new language
Take Intake Survey
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Continue a language
Take Intake Survey, receive an email to take a placement test, and get results in 1-3 weeks.
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Take the Proficiency Exam
SCU offers proficiency exams in all languages offered at SCU, as well as Hindi, Hebrew, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Portuguese (Brazilian). Classics and Ancient Studies does not offer a proficiency exam.
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AP/Transfer Credit
Submit credit to the Registrar's Office and Undergraduate Bulletin for credit information.
Proficiency Levels
Levels of proficiency depend on your major(s), so please review the ones that pertain to your major:
Business, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, and Math Majors
Natural Science Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry (B.S), Engineering Physics, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, Physics, and Public Health
- Level 2 courses: Take a level 2 or higher to satisfy the second language requirement
| Language Levels |
|---|
| Level 1 Arabic 1, French 1, Italian 1, Spanish 1, Japanese 1, Chinese 1, German 1, Latin 1 |
| Level 2 Arabic 2, French 2, Italian 2, Spanish 2, Japanese 2, Chinese 2, German 2, Latin 2 |
| Level 3 or above Any language course above course number 3, such as Arabic 3 |
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Majors
Social Sciences Majors: Anthropology, Child Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Communication
Arts and Humanities Majors: Ancient Studies, Art History, Chemistry (B.A.), Classics, English, Gender and Sexuality Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Studio Art, and Theatre Arts
- Level 3 courses: Take a level 3 or higher to satisfy the second language requirement
| Language Levels |
|---|
| Level 1 Arabic 1, French 1, Italian 1, Spanish 1, Japanese 1, Chinese 1, German 1, Latin 1 |
| Level 2 Arabic 2, French 2, Italian 2, Spanish 2, Japanese 2, Chinese 2, German 2, Latin 2 |
| Level 3 or above Any language course above course number 3, such as Arabic 3 |
School of Engineering
School of Engineering - requires two years of language in high school.
Questions
If I am an incoming SCU student, do I have to complete the Placement Process before my orientation date?
If I am an incoming SCU student, do I have to complete the Placement Process before my orientation date? All students begin their language studies as soon as possible after entering SCU. Complete the Placement Process at least 14 days prior to your orientation date (or more if possible). Placement Recommendation results can take up to 14 business days to be emailed to you; if you don’t complete the Placement Process with enough lead time, you may not have your results by your orientation and registration date, and therefore would not be able to register for a language course.
Do I have to complete the Placement Process if I did the AP test in a language?
Do I have to complete the Placement Process if I did the AP test in a language? Yes, but only if you wish to continue your studies in that language here at SCU. If you received an AP score that satisfies the Core Second Language Requirement, and you do not wish to take more courses in that language, you do not need to complete the placement process. However, we strongly recommend you continue your language studies – not only to keep improving your skills, but also not to miss out on competitive opportunities available to students with second language skills, such as study abroad, internships, fellowships, and other Modern Languages and Literatures and campus awards.
What is the placement process like?
What is the placement process like? Our placement tools are sensitive to your level of experience with the language you wish to study; you will be directed to complete different components of this process depending on your experience. One component of the process involves a survey of your general experiences with language learning, another involves a language-specific skills assessment. If you are directed to complete the skills assessment component, you will be given detailed instructions about how to access and complete it.
How do I start the Language Placement Process?
How do I start the Language Placement Process? You can start this process by visiting the Modern Languages and Literatures website. For Latin and Ancient Greek visit the Classics and Ancient Studies website.
How long does it take to complete the Placement Process?
How long does it take to complete the Placement Process? The time it will take to complete depends on your experience with language learning and the specific language you wish to study. It can take as little as a few minutes or it can take up to about 45 minutes, plus the time required to read and carefully follow instructions you are given. Once you begin the Placement Process, you MUST complete all parts of the process within 24 hours to ensure that you will receive your placement recommendation. A failure to follow this rule may result in you not receiving your placement recommendation and not being able to register for a language course.
How will I find out my results?
How will I find out my results? Placement recommendations are generally emailed to your SCU email address no later than 14 business days after completing your skills assessment, though they may be available sooner. Note, you will only receive information about which course/courses you may take; you will not receive a score. Please check your SCU email regularly to not miss this message. Once you receive your placement recommendation email, “star” it and save it so you can easily retrieve it if you need it at a future time.
Modern Languages
Ancient Languages
Student Profiles
Joe Aoukar
- Sophomore
- Major: Economics
- Minors: International Business and Italian Studies
- Language: Italian
Sarthak Dassarmat
- Senior
- Major: Mathematics
- Emphasis: Applied Mathematics
- Language: Spanish
Amanda Nairn
- Sophomore
- Major: Psychology
- Minor: Classical Studies (Ancient Greek)
- Language: Greek
Leanna Cameron
- Junior
- Major: Environmental Science
- Minor: Entrepreneurship
- Language: Spanish