Language Studies

Duke requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language at the intermediate or advanced level. Courses suitable for meeting this requirement are designed with an FL (Foreign Language) curriculum code. Course placement guidance is provided for each of our languages. Depending on your language proficiency, you must complete one of the following:

Option One: If you begin language study at Duke at in an elementary language course, you must take three (3) full courses in that language to meet your FL (Foreign Language) requirement for graduation.

OR

Option Two: If you enter language study at Duke at the intermediate level or above, the successful completion of a 300-level FL-designated course will fulfill your language graduation requirement.

  • If you place in the first semester of the intermediate level, you will need to take at least three full courses in the same language.
  • If you place into the second semester of the intermediate level, you will need to take at least two full courses in the same language.
  • If you place in a 300-level course, you will only need to take one course.