The language requirement can be satisfied by accurately translating a passage of approximately 500 words provided by the Director or Associate Director of the Joint Program Committee. Students may use a dictionary and have two hours to complete the translation. The translation will be graded on a pass-fail basis. Typically, the translation will be evaluated by a member of the graduate faculty, who will answer the question: "Does this student understand the meaning of this passage?"
All M.A. students are strongly encouraged to complete this requirement early in their graduate studies. Students admitted after June 1, 1998, must satisfy this requirement before taking the comprehensive examination.
The exam is given on an individual basis. Students should contact the Program Director or Associate Director at least two weeks before they wish to take the exam. During the regular academic year the exam will not be administered after November 1, fall semester, and April 1, spring semester.
Students who do not pass the exam should consult with the Program Director or Associate Director to discuss what steps they will take before resitting for the exam to improve their knowledge of the language they have chosen.