How important are languages for grad school in Archaeology?

[bulev]

Is Proficiency in French or German mandatory?

[a154c]

Is Proficiency in French or German mandatory?

In anthropological archaeology, no, probably not, but most PhD programs do have a language reading requirement.

[far_to_go]

In my program, everyone has to demonstrate proficiency in 2 languages other than English (of the person's choice). Stats may be substituted for one of the languages if they're relevant for the person's research; many of the arch people take that option. Of course, it depends on the program- your mileage may vary.

[bulev]

In my program, everyone has to demonstrate proficiency in 2 languages other than English (of the person's choice). Stats may be substituted for one of the languages if they're relevant for the person's research; many of the arch people take that option. Of course, it depends on the program- your mileage may vary.

for admission or completion? I was asking more about what is required to get in.

[Rendar]

Even in admissions they'll look at your languages. The more languages you have means the less time you need to spend learning them and the quicker you can get to reading academic literature in the field for your research.

This comes down to whatever field you're really interested in within archaeology. For instance, in Greek Archaeology you need German to read half the published literature out there so it's a biggie. If you don't have any modern languages that you need be ready to outline your plan for getting them taken care of.

Of course this also depends on what level you're applying for. If you're doing admission to an MA/PhD stream you'll have some time at the MA level to get the second language up (or first if you don't have even that).

So....yeah. It all depends on your specific area of interest! Talk to your academic mentors and see what you'll need. Languages always help your application, especially with the amount of apps that are flooding universities these days.

Edited June 15, 2011 by Rendar