Each course is essentially a unit in itself, but beginning students are encouraged to pursue at least the elementary two-semester sequence (1001 and 1002) in order to achieve a minimum level of proficiency and to receive humanities credit for both courses. Students enrolled in 1001 may receive humanities credit if and when they complete 1002 (students who start in SPAN 1101 may receive humanities credit if and when they complete 1102). Students may not enroll in or receive advanced standing for 1000 or 2000 level courses after the successful completion of any 3000 or 4000 level course. Courses at the 3000 and 4000 level do not have to be taken in chronological order, provided prerequisites are fulfilled.

With minor exceptions, students can fulfill their humanities requirement for graduation by taking courses in the School of Modern Languages, including linguistics courses and courses taught as ML courses (courses in a language not yet included in the General Catalog). Students should consult the Catalog course descriptions and the section of this catalog titled "Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements," in order to determine which courses are classified as humanities in their respective colleges. With the approval of their major schools, students may take any course offered by the School of Modern Languages on a pass/fail basis.