Our department offers language programs in Arabic, Cahuilla, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Classical Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian, and Vietnamese.

Cahuilla is the language of the local southern California Cahuilla people, who have continually lived and worked in Riverside County. Embedded in Cahuilla are the history, culture, and lifeways of these first peoples.

When should I take a language placement exam?

It is best to take a language placement exam in the Summer prior to your first year or in the Fall of your first year of studies at UC, Riverside. This will allow you to plan your language studies so that you can graduate within four years.

To register for beginning Cahuilla, German, Classical Greek, Italian, Latin, or Russian (level 001) you should do so using your registration portal and without taking a placement exam.

If you have background knowledge in one of these languages you should take a placement exam so that you enroll in the appropriate course. If you have already taken the first level of any of these languages at the College or University level you will not receive duplicate credit.

To register for Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, French, Japanese, Korean, or Vietnamese:

Please go to this website: https://chassintranet.ucr.edu/pta

You’ll be asked to fill out a survey and you’ll be notified via email: (1) that you’ve been approved to enroll in Language 001, or (2) that you are required to take a placement exam. Instructions will be included in the email.

When are placement exams given?

To take a placement exam in Cahuilla, German, Classical Greek, Italian, Latin, or Russian please email the placement test coordinator at oralia.fernandez@ucr.edu.

Placement exams in Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, French, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese are offered in late Summer, the first week of each quarter, and throughout the year. Exams are offered in summer: (1) the week following Freshman and Transfer orientation (just prior to Second Pass registration) and (2) the week prior to the first day of Fall classes.

If you are not available at the scheduled exam times please email the placement test coordinator at oralia.fernandez@ucr.edu and they will communicate with you and the proctor to schedule an alternate exam time.

How are beginning language courses numbered?

A first-year language course is typically Language 001-003. The fourth quarter is typically Language 004. The fourth quarter of Latin and Greek are reading courses numbered in the 100’s; the fourth quarter of Cahuilla is CAH 100.

When are beginning language courses offered?

Language 001 is typically offered in the Fall. Arabic, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese 001 are also typically offered in Winter. Chinese, French, and Italian 001 are also typically offered in Spring. Cahuilla 001 is offered in Winter only.

Which languages offer accelerated or heritage tracks?

ITAL 20A and 20B, “Elementary Italian for Spanish Speakers,” covers the equivalent of Italian 001-003

CHN 20A and 20B, “Chinese for Heritage Learners,” covers the equivalent of Chinese 001-004

KOR 20A and 20B, “Korean for Heritage Learners,” covers the equivalent of Korean 001-004

Who should I contact with questions?

If you have placement testing questions contact: oralia.fernandez@ucr.edu. If you have general questions about language study contact one of our departmental Academic Advisors: Suzy.Sharweed@ucr.edu and Gerardo.Sanchez@ucr.edu. If you have major-specific questions contact your primary Academic Advisor.