Language Requirements

All degree candidates are expected to have a reading knowledge of the two modern foreign languages most appropriate to their fields of concentration – French, German, Japanese, Arabic and so forth. Students should consult with their advisers and subfield faculty to determine which languages would be most appropriate in their case. 

The language requirement may be fulfilled by successfully completing language courses offered by the University (during the academic year or in the summer); by passing tests given by the language departments; or by some other means approved by the Department, for which the Director of Graduate Studies should be consulted. All entering students are strongly urged to achieve competence in at least one of the required languages before matriculation. Students must show evidence of competence in the two required modern languages before being admitted to a fifth term.

Beyond these requirements, students are expected to demonstrate competence in whatever additional languages they need to pursue advanced work in their own areas of specialization. 

Teaching Requirements

Normally, all graduate students serve at some point in their careers as Assistants in Instruction. An Assistant leads preceptorials in undergraduate courses and is responsible for grading students as well. This opportunity depends, at any given time, upon undergraduate instructional needs, but the Department views such experience as integral to the professional education it offers. It also encourages graduate students to give lectures in appropriate undergraduate courses taught by members of the faculty.