Graduate students will study at least one language in addition to their major language. Many students choose to pursue a second Slavic language (Ukrainian, Polish, Czech, or BCS) and it makes sense to begin this study in the first year, perhaps followed up by a summer program abroad after the first and/or second year of study. Other students choose to pursue another foreign language that is central to their research interests. Many students also learn either French or German. 

The minimum requirement for a foreign language is two semesters of college study, or a “Reading Knowledge” course (for example, French 16 or German Ax, with a minimum grade of A) designed to provide a reading knowledge for research purposes. For students learning a second Slavic language, we encourage additional study (including, perhaps, a minor field in the given literature). Students with prior knowledge of a language may substitute a Slavic Department reading exam for their coursework.