I'd say it works like in England, where you only do the major classes. There are not many other subjects outside the ones related to languages.
And no, I don't believe we have anything similar to associates degrees :/

I think you're right about self-evaluation. I'm not very good at it, though, which is why I would prefer some sort of test or something similar. Hopefully my university does have an online test or something else that can help you in this choice..
Thank you