English PhD Programs w/ No Foreign Language Requirement

[TonyB]

To put it simply, I've been researching and it's been a **tch trying to find one. Anyone help me out?

[Dr. Old Bill]

Rice University and SUNY Buffalo have no stated language requirements.

 

U of Chicago has one...but it can be achieved by taking an applied "Language for Research Purposes" course. They also have some other unique options for fulfilling the requirement.

 

WashU requires a basic reading knowledge of ONE language, as opposed to the usual two depending on the subfield.

 

 

 

I have a column on my master grad school spreadsheet for this, as languages have always been a weak spot of mine as well. I somehow managed to get straight As through four semesters of beginner and intermediate Spanish, but I certainly can't claim to have even reading knowledge of the language. Indeed, it took a couple of English professors to convince me that not having strong foreign language skills shouldn't be a deterrent to pursuing graduate study...

 

Hope this helps!

[TonyB]

Thanks!

 

Yeah, it seems like most want you to demonstrate a "basic" knowledge of at least two languages or "advanced" knowledge of one. A couple say you can take a "course" (I'm assuming this means one class) rather than a one- or two-year sequence in undergrad foreign language.

 

And yep, languages were a weak spot of mine in high school, and I've forgotten all but the VERY basics of what I learned. Seems like a lot to take on, alongside teaching, writing/thesis work, ordinary coursework, and whatnot. I'd like to avoid it if I can.

 

Any other info you have on schools with nonexistent (or easily satisfiable) language requirements would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

ETA: Any info about funding at Buffalo? How many incoming PhD's they fund, stipend for average TAship, etc.?

Edited July 23, 2014 by TonyB

[Dr. Old Bill]

Bearing in mind that my list contains only the schools I am most interested in (i.e., it's not comprehensive), I can tell you that Yale just requires a couple of courses to fulfill their language requirement (ENGL 500 and ENGL 501 -- Old English and Beowulf respectively). Very reasonable, in my opinion. Cornell is a bit ambiguous, as reading knowledge of one or two languages is required, depending on what path you go down. Brown is similar in that regard. In fact, I get the sense from a few institutions that despite what is stated on their admissions page, there's a bit of give-and-take. If you are focusing exclusively on a subset of contemporary American literature, you might be able to get away with only having reading knowledge of Spanish. Northwestern requires one "advanced" language. Vanderbilt seems to require just one, and it is tested via a two-hour exam with dictionary...and there are unlimited retakes. So it's fairly forgiving. UMD College Park and Penn State seem to require reading knowledge just one language. Bear in mind that there's always the possibility that my info could be off. Most of this is based on research I did back in March.

 

As for SUNY Buffalo funding, their admissions site makes it appear as though it's NOT guaranteed. I've read in another Grad Cafe thread that funding is granted to those with a cumulative GRE general score of 313, but I have to imagine there's a little bit of wiggle room there. I may reach out to a grad student there in the not-too-distant future, and if that info comes up, I'll pass it along.

 

 

EDIT: Okay, a BIG caveat here. I didn't see that your focus is on Creative Writing programs. All of the parameters I mentioned are for Ph.D. English programs, so I really don't know how much crossover there is.

Edited July 23, 2014 by Wyatt's Torch

[ἠφανισμένος]

Bearing in mind that my list contains only the schools I am most interested in (i.e., it's not comprehensive), I can tell you that Yale just requires a couple of courses to fulfill their language requirement (ENGL 500 and ENGL 501 -- Old English and Beowulf respectively). Very reasonable, in my opinion. 

 

That's not quite accurate for Yale English, which actually requires two languages:

 

Two languages appropriate to the student's field: strong reading knowledge of one language, to be demonstrated either by a) passing an advanced literature course at Yale (graduate or upper-level undergraduate), b ) passing a one-hour departmental exam without the use of a dictionary, or c) passing both English 500 and English 501; reading knowledge of a second language, to be demonstrated by passing a one-hour departmental exam with a dictionary.

 

So the Old English sequence is one of three ways to pass the first language, but you'd still have one more.  I don't mean to nitpick, I just thought I'd point it out since you're applying there.

Edited July 23, 2014 by Petros

[Dr. Old Bill]

Ah, great catch there, Petros. Thanks!

[cloudofunknowing]

Though the question of proficiency in other languages does depend upon the school and program in question -- some have clearly defined requirements with strict standards, others have clearly defined ones with less than strict standards, etc, etc -- another important thing to consider, especially when evaluating PhD programs, is how those language requirements jive with the genre, area, and/or historical period(s) you want to research in terms of primary and secondary (scholarly, critical) texts. As I understand it, this kind of thing becomes particularly important for someone wanting to work within earlier, older periods of literary history, especially the medieval and early modern periods of British literature because of the cross-pollination between French and Italian languages and literary traditions with the English, for example. A facility with, or at least a reading knowledge of, languages like this would be an asset -- and some would argue a necessity -- for someone working within such time periods. Can someone write about Chaucer's Knight's Tale and do a good job of it by referencing a translation of Boccaccio's Teseida? Sure. But being able to use/read it in the original has its benefits, too. (Then, of course, there's Latin, which virtually anyone wanting to do medieval or early modern scholarship would be wrestling with.) What's asked for, or what's required, is enough facility to be able to read and analyze primary texts in another language (Dante, Boccaccio, Petrarch, etc) and also be able to read/utilize/deploy scholarship written in other languages, too. And I think that Wyatt is right: if you intend to become an Americanist, you probably won't find yourself needing to read French scholarship on Salinger very often, but any program requiring foreign language proficiency re: your proposed fields will still require that you have working knowledge.    

[TonyB]

Wyatt,

 

I'm primarily looking at MFA programs, most of which do NOT have a language requirement. I've been looking at a couple of MA's recently as well, however (primarily U. of Maine's English MA and Bowling Green's Popular Culture program), which would necessitate applying to PhD programs when I finish, if I want to come out with a full-fledged teaching credential. I've been looking mostly at accelerated PhD programs -- 3 to 4 years beyond the MA -- preferably with an emphasis in journalism, film/media studies, or folklore. So that's where my research interests and such lie.

 

So far, I've found that WashU, Indiana University, and U. of Missouri's English/folklore programs all have requirements for the foreign language, whereas Ohio U. and Ohio State's Communication/Journalism PhD programs do not. I'm primarily interested in English programs, as I said, but I'm willing to branch out a little if I can avoid that language requirement.

[Dr. Old Bill]

Yup, Cloudofunknowing is likely spot on.

 

Funnily enough, I don't find the prospect of learning a new language nearly as daunting as I did even three months ago. So long as it can be applied, I have no problem with it. When I had to learn language just to fulfill a degree requirement, it irked me a slight bit. But given my own possible / probable path, I anticipate learning Italian and possibly Latin to complement my interests. I don't think any reasonable study of sonnets could be done without at least Italian, given that the form originated in Italy... Kind of a no-brainer, really.

[TonyB]

For anyone else who's interested, I've discovered -- by talking to a faculty member, in the case of WashU -- that the language requirements at WashU, Bowling Green, and Ohio University all seem to be not terribly stringent. Rather than the standard reading knowledge of two/fluency in one requirement, WashU and Ohio (like Vanderbilt, according to another poster above) simply require either a translation test with dictionary or a course that can be taken during the summer.

[poliscar]

Almost every school has language requirements .

In almost every case "reading knowledge" is shorthand for a translation test with a dictionary. Quite a few graduate faculties post example exams—here are U of Chicago's, for example: 

https://registrar.sites.uchicago.edu/languge-exams (note the hilarious spelling error) 

 

Give or take a few minor differences (length, content, small changes in difficulty) the Chicago exams can be seen as a pretty standard template. All you need to be able to do is pass a maximum of two of these exams—generally by your second or third year. Obviously it helps to be able to go into the program being able to pass at least one of the two (where two are asked for), but it's not vital. One of my professors (top program, etc) mentioned that he was able to pass having studied a language for under a month. They are not strenuous exams, and it is in the department's interest for you to pass. 

That being said, cloudofunknowing is correct to point out specific period/geographic language requirements (medievalists & early modernists particularly). There has also been a recent move towards more transnational methodologies in literary studies, so languages are a boon in that case. Despite that though, the language requirements are less threatening than they appear. Unless you're hoping to be a medievalist, or—in certain cases, a postcolonialist (you might want Hindi or Bengali to study Indian lit, for example)—you really don't need to be anything close to fluent, nor to be able to read novels in another language. More or less, you need a good dictionary and a rudimentary understanding of grammatical structures. 

[TonyB]

My research interest is more in modern/contemporary American literature, film, popular culture, and/or modern American folklore, so I doubt I would have much use for an extensive knowledge of foreign language... though, as CoU pointed out, I could see the utility more for someone who was looking to be able to analyze Greek or Latin or Old English texts! In all honesty I'd probably just do the minimum where the language requirement is concerned.

[Dr. Old Bill]

In that case, TonyB, I think Spanish is probably your best bet, and would probably be expected. The influence of Mexico and Central America on American folklore, and even contemporary American literature is considerable, often in ways one might not expect at first glance. If nothing else, Spanish-American literature is an important (and growing) subfield of American lit. Given some of the Dutch, German, and even Polish roots of the country, those might be advantageous to your studies as well.

 

Honestly, languages are daunting, but as others have mentioned, reading language is what's required, as opposed to conversational language. The two can be taught in remarkably different ways, and according to my mother-in-law (who is a Spanish professor and speaks four languages fluently), most big Universities have courses like the "language for research purposes" one I mentioned above.

[TonyB]

Checked out some of the sample exams polis posted, and I have to say I'm feeling much more confident about this. So essentially one option for satisfying the requirement at many schools would be to simply pass two exams (for two different languages) like that? Seems doable -- and much more reasonable than having to tackle a two-year undergrad course, and/or have the fluency to read a whole novel.

 

As it happens, I unearthed some old 'Learn Spanish/German the Lazy Way' CD-ROMs while going through some stuff at my dad's house. May just have to bust them out as I'm preparing to start sending in PhD applications in a couple years. (Plan to get my MA or MFA first).

[Dr. Old Bill]

Well, one thing to remember is that you usually don't have to have your languages until after at least the first year of a Ph.D. program. There are a few I've come across that prefer seeing that you have a language when you enroll, but most FL requirements seem to just want the languages by the qualifying exam...which is usually two or three years in. In other words, you've got up to four years to get a basic reading knowledge of a couple of languages. An intensive summer course should probably give that to you.

 

I also suggest that you hold off until closer to your Ph.D. application period to learn a language. I finished intermediate Spanish almost exactly a year ago (I took it in four consecutive semesters), but I've already forgotten more than I care to admit. I'm crossing my fingers that whatever grad school I'm accepted into will consider undergraduate credits as proof of reading knowledge (some do), but it's possible that I'll just need to take a refresher course, or learn two fresh languages.

 

Ultimately though, I've realized that despite the relative PITA that is the FL requirement, it's not overly prohibitive.

[TonyB]

Good times!

 

I'll be applying to eight or nine MFA programs this winter and one English MA -- University of Maine at Orono -- if I don't get in, or end up going to Maine and decide to do a PhD after, I'm thinking of applying to the programs at Ohio State, SUNY Albany, Syracuse, and WashU. If I absolutely fall in love with Maine I may take a crack at applying to their Interdisciplinary PhD program (English and Communication).

 

What's a good source for info on English PhD's, as far as concentratiions, course breakdowns and whatnot? I'm noticing that many of the schools I look at have very little in the way of specific info about the PhD (as compared to, say, the Master's or MFA, which usually includes a detailed breakdown).

[Dr. Old Bill]

What's a good source for info on English PhD's, as far as concentratiions, course breakdowns and whatnot? I'm noticing that many of the schools I look at have very little in the way of specific info about the PhD (as compared to, say, the Master's or MFA, which usually includes a detailed breakdown).

 

Quite simply, there aren't any. Nothing comprehensive, at least. I basically started with the U.S. News rankings (even though they're not a great representation), and went through school-by-school to see their faculty interests, the thrust of each program, what graduate students are working on, courses offered, and all the other pertinent aspects. In other words, it's a lot of personal research, which is where places like Grad Cafe come in (i.e. if you start a thread about a specific interest, you'll be sure to get a few responses about possible programs).

[mikers86]

NRC rankings are a good source as well, though they're a little tricky to follow and need to be updated (2010). Look at what scholars you're reading and where they're teaching currently. You essentially have to go program by program, looking at faculty, their listed interests - which, might I add, aren't reliable as websites aren't updated typically by faculty and as a result can be outdated - their CV if you can find it to see what they've recently published. Take notes! It's a giant time suck, but necessary.

 

As for the language requirement, it's just a necessary evil. We cannot assume all scholarship being done in our field is written in English, or that it's even being translated into English shortly after its production. And would you rely on Google Translate for a three sentences, let alone an entire article? This is where carefully selecting languages is important - don't pick Polish or Russian if more people are discussing relevant topics in French or German. The amount of time departments expect you to invest in this is not huge. See if you're allowed to audit an upper-level undergraduate course to satisfy the requirement, or if there is money for classes during the summer. The req. isn't intended as an obstacle to the degree and shouldn't be anxiety-inducing. Finally - PRACTICE. Get a *good* dictionary and start translating passages of scholarship. You'll pick up far more relevant vocabulary that way.

[unræd]

 Finally - PRACTICE. Get a *good* dictionary and start translating passages of scholarship. You'll pick up far more relevant vocabulary that way.

 

This is so very true! I've been brushing up on my academic German over the summer (mostly by using past language exams from various Medieval Studies centers and hacking away at articles of interest) and it's amazing how much of the field-specific vocabulary repeats. I couldn't really talk about the weather in German, but by God if I don't have the word for "manuscript transmission" down pat.

[smellybug]

As someone who's learned three languages as an adult, I can't help but wonder why on earth a scholar and writer would want to avoid language requirements. In fact, I switched to Comparative Literature after kicking and screaming my way through an English program's language requirement. Only then did I realize how important second and third and fourth languages are. I understand that it takes a lot of time, but it will be useful in ways you probably can't imagine. Learning languages gives one a new relationship to language and culture and allows for better scholarship (i.e. access to original sources). No culture was created in a vacuum, especially not in the US! I'm an Americanist and find language acquisition crucial to this field. And, as folks have pointed out, reading knowledge is different and, arguably, easier to acquire than speaking. Plus, some programs are willing to send you overseas to do this work during the summer. Bottom line of your worst case scenario: You'd spend a year or two doing coursework and then be able to read Spanish folktales or German folktales or Native American folktales! How awesome is that? I'd urge everyone to reconsider the language requirements as a good opportunity to be paid to do something you might not be able to do at any other point in your life. 

[unræd]

As someone who's learned three languages as an adult, I can't help but wonder why on earth a scholar and writer would want to avoid language requirements. In fact, I switched to Comparative Literature after kicking and screaming my way through an English program's language requirement. Only then did I realize how important second and third and fourth languages are. I understand that it takes a lot of time, but it will be useful in ways you probably can't imagine. Learning languages gives one a new relationship to language and culture and allows for better scholarship (i.e. access to original sources). No culture was created in a vacuum, especially not in the US! I'm an Americanist and find language acquisition crucial to this field. And, as folks have pointed out, reading knowledge is different and, arguably, easier to acquire than speaking. Plus, some programs are willing to send you overseas to do this work during the summer. Bottom line of your worst case scenario: You'd spend a year or two doing coursework and then be able to read Spanish folktales or German folktales or Native American folktales! How awesome is that? I'd urge everyone to reconsider the language requirements as a good opportunity to be paid to do something you might not be able to do at any other point in your life. 

 

While languages aren't everybody's boat and the necessities do vary by discipline, I think this advice--approaching the req with a spirit of "well, this will make me a better scholar!"--is salutary, given both the amount of criticism and theory that appears in other languages as well as the ability to make sharper arguments about the technical features of English texts that comes with experience in another language.

 

Obviously I'm a bit biased, since one of the reasons my subfield is my subfield is the strong linguistic emphasis--in part because I think languages are just plain fun. (I found out yesterday that I may need to add a paragraph to my writing sample discussing a bit of Old Saxon, and I've been giddy ever since.) I know it's ridiculously excoticizing/xenophilic of me, but I think there's something so, so enjoyable about being able to pick up a piece of Old English, say, and just read it.  

[Dr. Old Bill]

While my perspective on learning languages has changed a bit in the last few years (i.e., I have far less of an issue with it if it's an applied language that you will be actively using), and while I completely appreciate and understand the graduate school desire for their students to have two foreign languages, for some people learning a language is just as difficult as learning calculus or advanced algebra. I made it through four semesters of Spanish with all As, and can probably claim to have a reading knowledge of the language, but part of me can't help but think that I was lucky to get those As, and I probably relied on Spanish dictionaries a bit too much when I was writing my papers.

 

My point is that languages come more easily to some people than they do to others. I'm certainly not dreading learning another language or two, but I can't claim to be looking forward to it either, even though those languages will be applied this time around.

[jhefflol]

I had to pass a language requirement for my MA program and there were a few ways in which the requirement could be met. I decided to take Old English (which is really freaking cool btw) and French. Anyone know offhand if any PhD programs would be willing to waive one of the language requirements, considering I already met one for my MA? I didn't consider this as a possibility until I came across this thread, so I'm just curious if anyone has had any experience with a similar situation.

[Dr. Old Bill]

I had to pass a language requirement for my MA program and there were a few ways in which the requirement could be met. I decided to take Old English (which is really freaking cool btw) and French. Anyone know offhand if any PhD programs would be willing to waive one of the language requirements, considering I already met one for my MA? I didn't consider this as a possibility until I came across this thread, so I'm just curious if anyone has had any experience with a similar situation.

 

I suspect, though can't claim to know definitively, that some programs will waive it if you can demonstrate proficiency in some way. For instance, if you have a short essay in Old English, you could probably have your eventual advisor or the DGS have someone in the department read it and say "Oh yeah, she knows her gryffuld from her groyfeld" (I don't know Old English, so I'm improvising). I didn't jot the names of the institutions down, but I have definitely seen more than one program say something along the lines of "will consider previous coursework" in the fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. And the worst case scenario, in most programs, is that you'd have to take a translation exam, which you would probably do quite well at, given that most let you use a dictionary anyhow. So yes, at this point I would say that you would only need to worry about learning ONE more language, and for some programs, you won't even need to do that.

[smellybug]

You should also know that almost all programs (at least I've never heard of one where this was not true) will allow you to take your language classes pass/fail, so you don't need to worry about the grade.