PhD Language Requirement

The language requirement for the PhD may be met demonstrating either mastery of one language or reading knowledge of two languages 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. Students seeking a PhD in Technical Writing may substitute a computer language in place of demonstrating reading-knowledge of one 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. Competence in a computer language cannot fulfill the mastery-level foreign language requirement, so students who apply to substitute a computer language will also have to demonstrate reading knowledge of one of the other languages listed above.

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

Students specializing in Technical Writing may use languages other than those specified above, if they can provide evidence of one of the following:

• At least one year of residence and study in a foreign country in which the language is spoken (not applicable to students studying in their native language).
• At least six hours of course work in the language, in which the student received a grade of "B" or better.

Time Requirements. The language requirements must be fulfilled before taking the PhD qualifying 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.

Mastery. Mastery shall be demonstrated by passing a translation test with access to a dictionary. The test shall consist of a total of three 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 test will consist of three primary literature texts. Students may choose any two of these passages to translate. The exam for mastery must be completed within an hour and a half.

Reading Knowledge. Reading knowledge shall be demonstrated by passing a translation test with access to a dictionary. The test shall consist of a total of three 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 test will consist of three primary literature texts. Student may choose any two of these passages to translate. The exam for reading knowledge must be completed within three hours.

A student who holds an MA degree from another university may fulfill the reading knowledge requirement by providing written proof that he or she has satisfactorily completed a language requirement for the MA degree at the awarding institution, provided the language is an acceptable language under the current OSU English Graduate Guidelines. This documentation should be in the form of either (a) a specific posting of the language requirement having been met on the student's transcript or (b) a letter from an appropriate official at the institution which awarded the MA.

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. These exams 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 examare given (by 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.