Ph.D. students with a national or regional dissertation field outside U.S. or British history are expected to demonstrate proficiency in at least one language other than English. The dissertation adviser, in consultation with the student and Director of Graduate Studies, may determine that a student must develop proficiency in additional languages as necessary for the completion of his or her degree.
M.A. thesis students working on topics outside US or British history may similarly be required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one language other than English, if necessary for their research. The individual requirement shall be determined by the thesis supervisor in consultation with the student and Director of Graduate Studies.
Please note that Ph.D. and M.A. thesis students working in U.S. or British history, particularly those working on topics in diplomatic history, may need and be required to develop and demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages other than English. Any such determination shall be made by the dissertation or thesis adviser in consultation with the student and the Director of Graduate Studies.
Proficiency shall be certified by the dissertation adviser in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. The means by which a student develops and demonstrates proficiency shall be pre-agreed between the student and his or her dissertation adviser, in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. The means by which a student develops and demonstrates proficiency may include formal coursework and/or a translation exam.
Native speakers of a language other than English do not need to demonstrate proficiency in that language.