Hispanic Studies

Course Placement

Breadcrumb

Course Placement

We recognize that proficiency is multifaceted, encompassing different types of knowledge and skills depending on students’ individual backgrounds and experiences. You will find a place in our Spanish program whether you have little or no familiarity with the language, took several years of it in high school, spoke Spanish at home but haven’t studied it formally, or otherwise have had extensive experience with Spanish outside of an academic setting. 

All Hispanic Studies courses encompass authentic Spanish-language texts, music and films, though our primary literature and culture curriculum begins with HISP0650, “Advanced Spanish through Literature and Film,” and continues into the 700- and 1000-levels.

Placement Guidelines

  • If you have no experience with Spanish or knowledge of another Romance language, you should sign up for HISP 0100, Basic Spanish I.

  • Students who have an AP score of less than 3, whose AP or SAT II scores are older than 18 months, or who have no AP or SAT II scores should take the placement exam and pre-register or shop for the course indicated when they receive their scores. We realize that placement tests do not capture all aspects of proficiency and may not be fully accurate, but they provide an important baseline. 

  • If you have any familiarity with Spanish or other Romance languages and got a placement score between 240 and 340, you may be eligible to enroll in HISP 0110, Intensive Basic Spanish. 

  • If you have an AP Spanish score of 4 or 5, or an SAT II exam score, please see the chart below to determine your level.

  • If after reviewing this information you determine that a placement exam is required, please complete the placement exam online. Note that you must take this exam without outside help, in whatever form, as this may skew your results, and you might end up in the wrong course. 

  • If you’re not sure what category you fit in or have any questions or concerns regarding your placement, please contact our language faculty:

Placement Chart

Course Placement Experience Level
HISP0100 - Basic Spanish I
  • You have never taken Spanish (you do not need a placement test).
  • SAT II score: 300 - 390
  • Brown placement score: Below 240
  • Note that this course earns credit independently from completion of HISP0200.
HISP0110 - Intensive Basic Spanish
(double credit)

You are familiar with Spanish or other Romance languages and have a Brown placement score under 340. If interested, contact Prof. Nidia Schuhmacher.
HISP0200 - Basic Spanish II
  • You have completed HISP0100
  • SAT II score: 400 - 450
  • Brown placement score: 241 - 340
  • Note that this course earns credit independently from completion of HISP0100.
HISP0300 - Intermediate Spanish I
  • You have completed HISP0200 or HISP110
  • SAT II score: 460 - 510
  • Brown placement score: 341 - 410
HISP0400 - Intermediate Spanish II
  • You have completed HISP0300
  • SAT II score: 520 - 590
  • Brown placement score: 411 - 490
HISP0490 - Spanish for Healthcare Professions
  • You have completed HISP0400
  • SAT II score: 600 - 660
  • AP score: 4 (language or literature)
  • Brown placement score: 491 - 570
HISP0550 - Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers

There is flexibility in placement in this course intended for speakers of Spanish who can understand and speak Spanish to some degree, but may not have had previous formal education in the language. If interested, please contact Prof. Eva Gómez García.
HISP0500 - Advanced Spanish I
  • You have completed HISP0400 OR HISP0490
  • SAT II score: 600 - 660
  • AP score: 4 (language or literature)
  • Brown placement score: 491 - 570
HISP0600 - Advanced Spanish II
  • You have completed HISP0500
  • SAT II score: 670 - 740
  • AP score: 5 (language) - note this could also place you in HISP650
  • Brown placement score: 571 - 650

If you got a 5 on the AP Spanish language exam and are unsure whether or not to enroll in HISP0600 or HISP0650, we strongly recommend that you take the Brown placement test, which can give a more refined indication of your level. 
HISP0650 - Advanced Spanish through Literature and Film
  • You have completed HISP0600
  • SAT II score: 750 & above
  • AP score: 5 (language) - note this could also place you in HISP600
  • Brown placement score: 651 & above
  • Note that this is a requirement for the concentration and for taking 1000-level courses, unless you earned a 5 in the AP Spanish literature exam.

If you got a 5 on the AP Spanish language exam and are unsure whether or not to enroll in HISP0600 or HISP0650, we strongly recommend that you take the Brown placement test, which can give a more refined indication of your level. 
HISP courses at the 700 level
  • You have completed HISP0600 or HISP0650, or with instructor’s permission
  • SAT II score: 750 & above
  • AP score: 5 (literature)
  • Brown placement score: 651 & above
HSP courses at the 1000 level
  • You have completed HISP0650
  • AP score: 5 (literature)