For the doctoral degree, a reading knowledge of both French and German is required. All language requirements must be fulfilled one year prior to the time of the presentation of the candidate's degree.

Language Examinations Administered by the School
The School of Philosophy translation examinations in French and German are given once in the fall and once in the spring. They are administered in two parts, each of which is a three-hour session in which the student is required to translate a passage presented. The student may consult a single dictionary throughout the examination.

Candidates for the Ph.D. must pass both parts of the examinations in both French and German. All candidates must take both parts of the examination. No language will be recognized as a substitute for French and German. Examinees may consult one or more dictionaries throughout the exam.

A foreign language examination committee, appointed by the dean, will be responsible for the preparation and grading of the examination. For further particulars see the Foreign Language Examination Guidelines.

Click here to view the Language Exams offered this semester.

Copies of past Language Examinations can be found below:

French: Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019

German: Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019