MA Language Requirement

To fulfill the language requirement for an MA degree, students must demonstrate reading knowledge of one language from among the following:

• French
• German
• Greek
• Italian
• Latin
• Old English*
• Russian
• Spanish

*If students use Old English to fulfill the foreign language requirement, they may also count Old English courses on the plan of study.

Substitution of Computer Language. Technical writing students may use a computer language if their research indicates its value and if their advisory committee approves. Competence in a computer language must be confirmed in writing by a faculty member with relevant expertise.

Petition for Alternative Languages. Students may fulfill the foreign language requirement with languages other than those listed above only with approval by the Graduate Studies Committee or a petition from the student showing that another language better serves the purposes of the proposed research. This petition must have the support of the student's advisory committee.

Time Requirements. The language requirements must be fulfilled before taking the comprehensive examination. It is important that students complete their foreign language requirements early in their course of study so that they may take advantage of relevant scholarship.

Foreign Language Exam. Reading knowledge may be demonstrated by passing a translation exam with access to a dictionary. The exam consists of a total of three 250-300 word passages in the foreign language, two from scholarly articles in the humanities and one from a primary literature text. For Latin, Greek, or Old English, the exam will consist of three primary literature texts. Students may choose any two of these passages to translate. The exam must be completed within three hours.

Course Work. Reading knowledge may be demonstrated by taking one 3-hour upper division undergraduate course in which the instruction and readings are primarily in the foreign language or by taking one 3-hour graduate foreign language reading course. Students must receive a grade of B or better in the specified course.

Scheduling the Exam. The English Department Graduate Director arranges foreign language exams. They are offered three times a year, during the third week of the fall and spring semesters and during the first week of the eight-week summer session. Students must notify the Graduate Director of their intention to take the exam at least one full week before the week in which exams are given. Exams are usually given at the end of the first week of classes in the fall and spring. The fee for the exam is $30. This fee must be paid by check or money order (made out to the English Department) prior to the exam date. Sample exams are available in the English Graduate Office in 308 Morrill Hall.