Language Requirements

PhD students must demonstrate basic reading proficiency in two languages or advanced proficiency in one language. Language requirements must be completed before sitting for the qualifying examination. There are several ways to satisfy this requirement.

 

% of Requirement Met

 Language Training/Project

 50%

Low pass or pass a short translation test administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or by a faculty member of the Department of English (e.g., in Russian).

 100%

High pass a short translation test administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or by a faculty member of the Department of English (e.g., in Russian).

 

50 - 100%

 

Passing a course of study in the Directed Independent Language Study program in an approved language. Advanced proficiency contingent on course content.

 

100%

 

Passing a directed independent study with a challenging translation project. Please confer with DGS before pursuing this option.

50%

Taking one of the 600-level reading courses in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures or the Department of Classics; these courses include FRE 625 (Elementary French for Graduate Research), GER 625 (German for Graduate Research), ITA 625 (Italian for Graduate Research), POR 625 (Portuguese for Graduate Research), and LAT 625 (Elementary Latin for Graduate Research).

 

100%

 

Passing a 645 course in MLL (accelerated language course). 

100% (typically)

Language programs offered by a third party. Usually such programs will qualify you for advanced proficiency. You must receive advance approval from the DGS, and there must be written proof you enrolled and passed the program.

100%

 

You’re a native speaker in a language other than English and expect to use your native language in your research. Write a formal email to the DGS to request a waiver of the language requirement.