All students working toward the B.A. degree are required to complete 15 units of foreign language or demonstrate equivalent proficiency. The student may demonstrate proficiency in one of three ways: by passing the Foreign Language Placement Test given to all new UC Davis students; by achieving a score of at least 550 on a College Board SAT Subject Test in foreign language; or by earning a score of 3 or higher on a College Board Advanced Placement test in foreign language, with the exception of Latin.
There is no foreign language requirement for the B.S. degree, although some programs may have specific requirements and recommendations. Foreign language requirements and recommendations for majors in the College of Letters and Science are listed below. The IGETC may be used to satisfy the foreign language requirement coursework.
Art History
REQUIRED: One quarter of German or Chinese for the Honors Program.
Chicana/Chicano Studies
REQUIRED: Elementary Spanish (Spanish 1, 2 and 3, or Spanish 28, 31 and 32.
Classical Civilization
REQUIRED: As preparation for the major, Elementary Latin (Latin 1, 2 and 3), Elementary Hebrew (Hebrew 1, 2 and 3) or Elementary Greek (Greek 1, 2 and 3), plus three upper division courses in Latin, Greek or Hebrew.
Comparative Literature
REQUIRED: Preparation to begin upper division work in at least one literary tradition other than English. No requirement for minor.
East Asian Studies
REQUIRED: As preparation for the major, elementary and intermediate Modern Chinese (Chinese 1, 2 and 3, and Chinese 4, 5 and 6) or Japanese (Japanese 1, 2 and 3 and Japanese 4, 5 and 6). No requirement for minor.
English
RECOMMENDED: Appropriate foreign language coursework for students preparing for advanced study.
International Relations
REQUIRED: As preparation for the major, 15 –30 quarter units or equivalent in one modern foreign language.
Italian
RECOMMENDED: Elementary Latin (Latin 1, 2 and 3) or three quarters of a Romance language.
Linguistics
REQUIRED: As preparation for the major, 20 units of a single foreign language.
Mathematics
RECOMMENDED: For the B.S. degree, 15 units of German, French or Russian.
Medieval Studies
REQUIRED: Courses in Latin and other European languages strongly recommended, particularly for those planning to pursue graduate study.
Music
RECOMMENDED: Appropriate foreign language coursework for students preparing for advanced study.
Religious Studies
RECOMMENDED: Reading knowledge of a foreign language. Students interested in the major should seek advice on the appropriate language to study.
