The COM 2 Language Requirement

Students may satisfy the COM 2 requirement in a number of ways, including the study of a modern or classical language at the University. Appropriate course placement is based on experience with a language. Computerized placement tests provide additional guidance and can move students up a level or qualify a student for exemption from the COM 2 requirement. Students with 4 or more years of high school language experience are thus strongly encouraged to take the placement test.

Several questions are listed below, followed by links to each of the languages offered. These questions and links are intended to help you determine if you are exempt from the COM 2 requirement, or if not, to choose the right language course based on your experience:

Is English your second language?

If yes, you have probably already fulfilled the COM 2 requirement. Obtaining a score of 550 or higher on the manual TOEFL Test, a score of 213 or higher on the Computerized TOEFL Test, or a score of 80 or higher on the Internet TOEFL Test earns exemption from the COM 2 requirement (no credit awarded). For these students, their exemption will be recorded on their academic record once scores are received. No further action is necessary.

If English is your second language but you are not submitting a TOEFL Test score, contact the staff of the Multimedia Language Laboratory for referral to the appropriate resource for exemption from the COM 2 requirement.

Did you score...

    (a) 630 or higher on the SAT II Subject Test - Language?
    (b) 3-5 on an Advanced Placement Test in a Modern Language?
    (c) 4-5 on the Latin Advanced Placement Test?
    (d) 5-7 on the IB Higher Level Subject Exam in a Modern or Classical Language?

If your answer is "yes" to a, b, c, or d, you have fulfilled the COM 2 requirement and may register for a 300-level course in that language if you wish to continue your study. (See the 2008 Credit By Exam Policy to determine units earned if you took the AP or IB tests.)

If you answered "no" to the questions above, please continue:

Have you previously studied the language you intend to study at Richmond?

If "no," you will begin with the 101 course in Arabic, Chinese, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, and Russian or the 121 course in French, Italian, and LAIS (Latin American & Iberian Studies)/Spanish. Students interested in taking the 121 course in French, Italian, and LAIS (Spanish) need advance approval to register.

            By July 15:
            Students interested in French 121, contact Dr. Julie Baker.
            Students interested in Italian 121, contact Dr. Lidia Radi.
            Students interested in LAIS 121 (Spanish), contact Prof. Ted Peebles.

If "yes," select your intended language below for further assistance:

           Arabic
       Chinese
           French
           German
       Greek
           Italian
           Japanese
         Latin
           Russian
           Spanish/LAIS