BA Language Satisfying Courses

Error message

An illegal choice has been detected. Please contact the site administrator.

Learning a language is a process through which you discover a new world, a new you! Languages also open up a world of career possibilities and enhance people’s learning skills to make them better learners in general.

Language Studies is one of the main strengths of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon. While the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree requires proficiency in a second language, it is not a limiting factor. All students can pursue a second, third language to deepen their understanding of the peoples of the world, to develop more meaningful relationships both personal and professional.

To graduate with a BA degree, University of Oregon students need to show intermediate competency in one language other than English. This can be accomplished by completing at least the third term of the second year in a Second Language course taught in the language (203 or equivalent), with a grade of C– or better or P. In general, this level corresponds to the sixth term of study (e.g., FREN 203, CHN 203, SPAN 203 or 228.). Students receive the credit associated with the course(s) passed.

Another way to meet the requirements is demonstrating proficiency by exam. More information about satisfying the BA Language requirement can be found here.

List of Courses by Term and Subject

Old English Option

Effective fall term 2021, students may fulfill the UO second-language requirement by taking the all three courses in the year-long sequence in Old English (ENG 428, ENG 429, ENG 430) and by achieving a B- or higher in ENG 430. The sequence must be taken in order, since ENG 428 is a prerequisite for ENG 429, which is a prerequisite for ENG 430. Any questions about this should be directed to the Old English instructor or to the CAS Divisional Dean for Humanities.

Using Hebrew Courses to Fulfill the BA Language Requirement

Students may fulfill the UO second-language requirement by passing 3 upper-division Hebrew courses. These courses are repeatable and may be taken in any order. The upper-division courses offered at the University of Oregon are HBRW 311 – Biblical Narrative, HBRW 312 – Biblical Poetry, and HBRW 313 – Postbiblical Literature. Please refer to the Class Schedule for term offerings.

How Do I Satisfy the BA Language Requirement?

Completion of at least the third term of second year in a Second Language course taught in the language (203 or equivalent), with a grade of C– or better or P.

Satisfactory completion of an examination administered by the appropriate language department, showing language proficiency equivalent to that attained at the end of two years of college study.

For students whose native language is not English: provide a final official high school transcript to the Office of the Registrar as evidence of formal training in the native language. The transcript must be in a sealed envelope and show that graduation has occurred. Attendance at a US high school disqualifies a student from receiving the BA Language waiver. The BA Language requirement will be fulfilled with the completion of WR 121 and either WR 122 OR 123 with grades of C- or better or a Pass.

How Do I Start Learning A New Language?

First year language courses follow 101-102-103 series traditionally. Although some language programs offer accelerated programs such as SPAN 111-112, ITAL 104-105 where students can complete the first year in two terms instead of three. Students can start studying a new language in Fall or Winter depending on the language(s) they want to study.

Second year (201-202-203) can be completed on campus or abroad. Global Education Oregon is where students can discover Study Abroad opportunities.

See also