All SAS Honors Program students must take the appropriate global language placement test.
To be designated a "School of Arts and Sciences Honors Scholar" at the time of graduation, an SAS Honors Program student must demonstrate proficiency in a global language through the intermediate level. All courses used for the SAS Honors Program Global Language Proficiency Requirement must be completed with a letter grade of C or better. Some courses may not be offered every semester. Students should contact the respective language department to ensure availability to complete the sequence.
Please note that pre-college credits, such as dual enrollment or Advanced Placement, will not complete the Global Language Proficiency Requirement.
1. Standard: complete the full intermediate sequence in a global language at Rutgers. The course number for the second semester of the intermediate level varies by department. This option requires between one and four semesters to complete, depending upon the level at which you start.
2. Reading: complete a two-semester sequence in courses designed specifically for reading knowledge. These courses do not require any previous background in the language. *If you have had two or more years of the language in high school, you will not receive credit for this class or be allowed to use it fulfill the Global Language Proficiency Requirement.
*French for Reading Knowledge (01:420:105-106)
*Italian for Reading Knowledge (01:560:105-106)
*German for Reading Knowledge (01:470:105-106)
Biblical Hebrew (01:563:141-142)
3. American Sign Language: complete the full intermediate coursework in American Sign Language. The specific course(s) may vary based on the institution where the classes are taken, as they are not currently offered at Rutgers. Courses should be equivalent to 04:192:120 Beginning American Sign Language I and 04:192:121 Intermediate American Sign Language II. Students taking the course(s) outside of Rutgers over the summer must follow the transfer pre-approval process.
4. Individualized: If a student places above the second semester of the intermediate level on the global language placement test, and/or receives AP or dual enrollment credit for a course above that level, the student is permitted to take one 3- or 4-credit course either in that language at the level of placement, or a course in English related to the area of the world where that language is spoken (e.g., in music, history, art history, anthropology, culture, etc.). A student interested in this option must consult with their SAS Honors Program dean for approval.
*Phi Beta Kappa
*Please note: To be eligible for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must have demonstrated proficiency in a global language equivalent to completion of at least the second semester of the intermediate level. Only Options 1 and 4 of the SAS Honors Program Global Language Proficiency Requirement meet the Phi Beta Kappa requirement. For full information about credentials for election to Phi Beta Kappa, go to https://pbk.rutgers.edu/.
