Comp Lit Applications and Foreign Language Proficiency

[rachkolnikov]

I have an MA in English Literature and will be applying to Comp Lit programs this fall; however, I feel my knowledge, or lack thereof, of the languages I want to work with (Russian and French) will ultimately result in rejection. I am currently in my second year of studying both French and Russian and would say I am not quite at the intermediate level in either but plan to continue coursework and independent study in both through the application season. Essentially my question is this: what level of proficiency is needed to be accepted into a Comp Lit program? I have seen a few people in other forums say they are fluent in at least two languages, usually native speakers, and am wondering if fluency in two languages before acceptance is essential or if time is provided to develop fluency in a program?

 

I completed my MA in 2012 and satisfied the foreign language requirement at my institution in Italian through upper-division coursework. I officially have a reading knowledge of Italian, but at this point I would say my Russian and French are significantly better.

 

Is it even worth applying with my insufficient language knowledge?

 

Thanks,

 

-R 

[iwontbelyeveit]

I've struggled with this issue a bit, as I'm in a similar situation—MA in English, and I'm applying to work with Slavic languages (Ukrainian and Russian), yet my knowledge of Ukrainian is good, but it's the result of living there for two years as opposed to formal training. And my Russian is (at this point) passive, and I haven't used my French since undergrad. I would, ideally, like to utilize the resources of a graduate to strengthen and hone these skills that feel kind of all over the place right now! For now, I'm seeking out programs that allow for that—mostly those who require intermediate knowledge of 1 to 2 other languages and allow time and resources to improve and continue study. 

 

The thing about Comparative literature as opposed to language departments seems to be the linguistic flexibility. If I wanted to do strictly Slavic studies, then I would need to have an advanced knowledge of Russian already. Comp lit seems to be more forgiving in this area...at least from what I see! Good luck!!!

[poliscar]

I think a rule-of-thumb is generally near near-fluency in one, primary foreign language, and ability to complete coursework in secondary language. Some programs also ask for reading knowledge of a classical/ancient language as well, but I don't think that is a an across-the-board rule.

Fluency in two languages is definitely not a requirement, and most Comp. Lit program expect further language study once you've been accepted, so you'd have time to brush up. It's very common for Comp. Lit students to study at foreign universities as well, so you would be able to become near-fluent in French or Russian in a native-setting. 

Also, as a side-note, I've heard from numerous people that graduate students (and occasionally faculty) often oversell their Russian proficiency. It doesn't seem to a be language in which there is a high standard of fluency in American programs, so you probably have a fairly comfortable time taking courses in Slavic departments.

[iwontbelyeveit]

Good to know! Thanks, poliscar! 

[ExponentialDecay]

Also, as a side-note, I've heard from numerous people that graduate students (and occasionally faculty) often oversell their Russian proficiency. It doesn't seem to a be language in which there is a high standard of fluency in American programs, so you probably have a fairly comfortable time taking courses in Slavic departments.

 

True to the extreme. "Fluency" in America seems to mean that a person kind of knows the grammar and speaks with an abysmal Anglo-Saxon accent. 

 

Although, a lot of the programs are being liquidated or joined among neighboring universities. It's not a great time to study Russian.

[smellybug]

It depends on the school, so do your research. I had an "advanced" knowledge of one language (just three years coursework), was working on a second Slavic language, and got into plenty of programs. For some programs that wouldn't have been enough, but I didn't apply to those programs. One program actually told me that the WS was much more important because you can learn a language but you can't learn how to have passion and original ideas.