In addition to the above coursework, students normally must demonstrate reading competence in a language other than English. There are various ways to demonstrate this, such as prior coursework, coursework taken while in the program, and exams periodically offered by the university. Competence in any natural language other than English satisfies this requirement. Any student with native fluency in a language other than English, or who has earned a degree from a program conducted in a language other than English, is exempt. As a substitute for this language competency requirement, students may instead take additional coursework as is described in the Graduate Handbook.
Students must take and pass a comprehensive examination, which has three components. Two component examinations, in ELMS and ethics respectively, are conducted in conjunction with the required proseminars. The third is in history and is offered annually, with the student electing when to take it.
Between coursework and dissertation work, each student completes a bridge paper under the supervision of a faculty member. This paper then becomes available for presentation at conferences and submission to journals for publication. It is typically incorporated into the student’s dissertation.
A minimum of 24 hours of dissertation credit (600) are also required.