CLAS Students,
We are excited to share with you some updates to the world languages requirement of the General Education CLAS Core that will start in summer 2024.
The new world language “pathways” were approved to provide more flexibility for students and to encourage students to take advantage of the many world languages that the Division of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures and Department of Classics offers. Studying world languages allows you to develop critical communication and cultural understanding skills that will help you thrive in our increasingly global society.
If you already have completed or will complete the fourth-level requirement in a single world language, then this information does not apply to you.
What are the world lanugages pathways?
CLAS students who plan to graduate in summer 2024 or later will have three options to complete the World Languages requirement:
- Fourth level in a single world language, or equivalent (current requirement)
- Third level in a single world language plus an approved World Language and Cultural Exploration course
- Second level of two different world languages
Fourth Level (current requirement)
Completing four levels of a single world language allows you to achieve a working proficiency in a world language and prepares you for success in many CLAS majors and minors. If you intend to pursue graduate work you may need to complete fourth-level world language coursework. Note that some honor societies (e.g., Phi Beta Kappa) may require you to have completed the third or fourth level in a single world language.
Third Level Plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration Course
If you complete at least three levels of a single world language in high school or college, you will be able to satisfy the world languages requirement by taking one additional approved World Language and Cultural Exploration (WLCE) course. These courses will help you build an understanding of world languages and cultures and enhance your intercultural competencies by engaging with people and/or cultures whose dominant language is not English. Approved WLCE courses will be available in summer 2024 and later and most courses are taught in English.
Second Level of Two Languages
If you have taken at least two levels of a single world language in high school or college, you may choose to study a second world language to complete the Second Level pathway. You must complete two levels of two different world languages in high school or college to fulfill this option. This pathway may appeal to you if you are excited about the wide range of language options available in the college and you are interested in trying a language that is new to you.
