Students who obtain a degree in Comp. Lit., including all of the joint programs, need to demonstrate, in addition to their native language skills, superior ability in at least one other language, and to have at least reading skills in a third language. For students whose research includes work in their native ("major") language, this requirement reflects a need to complete as well requirements for a "minor" (second) language and also for a "third" language, as specified below. If, however, a student's principal area of research does not include his/her native language, then this student must meet the requirements for the "major" literature in the principal language (in place of the "minor" language) and also demonstrate reading knowledge in a "third" language. Requirements for each of the three categories are as follows:

1 Proficiency in the major literature means native or near-native language proficiency and also the preparation necessary to conduct dissertation research in that language. The latter normally involves multiple advanced (400- or 500-level) courses and seminars in the target language. The student is expected to complete all work in these classes in the target language, unless the course itself is taught in English, or, with regard to individual assigned readings, unless the text is in English.

2 To meet the minor literature language requirement, candidates take two 400-level literature courses or seminars in the target language. Students must complete all requirements, including written assignments, in the target language in at least one of these courses, and must do so in all assignments except written work in the other of them.

3 To meet the third language requirement, candidates may take two 400-level literature courses devoted to the literature of the target language. All requirements for these courses except written assignments must be completed in the target language. While it is preferable for these courses to be taught in the target language, for practical reasons candidates may take foreign (not US or British) literature seminars taught in English. With the approval of the DGS in Comparative Literature, who will ensure that the student reads a substantial number of texts in the target language germane to the course, regardless of the actual curriculum, students may meet the requirement through such courses taught in English. Students may also demonstrate third-language competence by completing a Washington University summer reading course for graduate students in French, German, or Spanish; by taking a suitable summer language course elsewhere with the approval of the DGS; or by passing a Washington University departmental language qualifying examination.

The Committee on Comparative Literature will make every effort to assist students first requiring 300-level language training. Courses below the 400 level, however, do not meet any of the above requirements.