Prerequisites for comprehensive exams
The comprehensive exams for the Ph.D. in Semitics are preceded by two other foundational requirements: the modern language requirement and (in the Christian Near East program) the Greek requirement.
Modern language requirement in French and German
Competency in French and German is demonstrated in this program in one of two ways.
The first possibility is by passing a departmental examination. The examination is one hour long and consists of a single passage of academic French or German. A dictionary may be used. To pass the examination, students must be able to translate approximately one full page into standard English with a high level of accuracy.
The second way that students in this program may demonstrate competency is to take and pass the graduate-level reading courses offered by the Department of Global Studies (French 500 and German 500).
Please note that while one of these two modern languages is required for the M.A. in Semitics, both of these modern languages are required for the Ph.D.
Greek requirement
Students in the Christian Near East program are required to take 6 cr of Greek ( = two courses) or to have taken a year of coursework in Greek prior to entering the program. The Greek requirement must be completed prior to sitting for the Ph.D. comprehensive exams. Students in the Ancient Near East program are also encouraged to meet this requirement.
Comprehensive exams
The comprehensives for the Ph.D. in Semitics consist of the following two exams:
- One examination in the major language.
- One examination in the minor language.
A rubric for exam evaluation and a list of FAQs about the exams is also available here. While this information is directed primarily towards M.A. comprehensive exams, it provides useful information about registration requirements and other items that are shared between the M.A. and Ph.D. levels.