Reimagine Our World 

Due to globalization and an increasingly connect world, today's students need international skills and a broad cultural understanding to be competitive and to function effectively in an increasingly interdependent global environment.

Studying the modern languages at Duquesne offers you:

  • diverse curricula in commonly and less commonly taught languages
  • programs designed to lead to communicative language competency
  • exposure to a variety of literatures and cultures
  • a global education, so you are prepared for a productive role in a rapidly changing world
  • an educational setting where you will learn to connect knowledge and skills to your social responsibilities
  • programs that build moral character through encounters with different cultures, traditions, values, virtues and norms
  • departmental study abroad programs in Italy and Spain

Program Tracks

Languages Taught

  • Arabic
  • French
  • German
  • Italian 
  • Japanese Culture
  • Spanish

FAQ's

About language placement exams

If you want to study languages at Duquesne, this exam is for you. We offer placement exams in Spanish, French, German, and Italian that will help you register for the correct level language course.
The language placement exam uses computerized adaptive testing, which means the exam will adapt and create future questions based on your answers. For example, if you perform well on an item of intermediate fluency, you will be presented with a more challenging question next. If you answer the question incorrectly, but the logical reasoning is there, your next question may be at a similar level. If you guess incorrectly, the next question will be simpler. The sequence of correct and incorrect answers will determine your score. You may choose to study some grammar and conjugation, but it's not necessary. The test is not something to pass or fail; It's a tool to help you with registration.
Typically, students with one or two years of language instruction in High School will begin in 101 or 102 level classes. Students with 3+ years of language instruction in High School will begin with level 102 classes or higher. Each language learner is different; That's why the placement exam is a helpful tool.
No problem! We'll connect you with an instructor in your target language to help you identify the best course level for you. We're here to help!

Contact Us

Dr. Mark Frisch