Lyon G. Tyler Department of History Graduate Program

Language Exams

In addition to an adequate command of English, each Master of Arts or doctoral student must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one other language in which there is significant historical literature before he or she will be advanced to candidacy for the degree.

This requirement will be fulfilled by departmental examination in a foreign or classical language: normally Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. Samples of past language exams are available below.

Students should also discuss requirements with the faculty member administering the examination in a particular language beforehand.

The examination, which is given at least once each semester, consists of translating a passage, depending on the language, of approximately 500 to 1,000 words with the use of a dictionary in two hours.

It is strongly recommended that students satisfy the language requirements during the first semester.