If previous language study was not recent, placement at a lower level may be more appropriate.
Permission is required from the department chair.
Try to take the required classes as early in your university career as you can. Doing so allows you to continue with language study if you enjoy it. Even if you don't go on for a minor or major in a language, you may want to continue beyond the first year to be able to use the language in a future occupation, when traveling, or to do research for other courses. If foreign language study is difficult for you, by taking the courses early you won't feel rushed to finish your requirement during your final year, when courses in your major are usually most demanding. You have a choice of French, German, Latin, Russian and Spanish.