Language Requirement
One of the degree requirements for the M.A. English program is to demonstrate reading knowledge of a foreign language. Students should turn their attention to this matter early in their studies (see note below). The foreign language requirement can be fulfilled in the following ways:
- For the most frequently requested languages (Spanish and French), you must complete and return an application to the English graduate deputy by the date specified in the current Schedule of Classes (and posted on the "Graduation" page of this site). The test is given every fall and spring semester, as specified in the Schedule of Classes and posted on our "Graduation" page. The test gives you two hours to translate a passage of 500 to 600 words from the foreign language into idiomatic English with the aid of a dictionary. If you are to be tested in French or Spanish, sample passages are available from the English graduate deputy.
- For all other languages, identify a professor in one of the foreign language departments at Brooklyn College who is willing to test your knowledge of your chosen language and agree on a mutually convenient date to take the test. The English graduate deputy can assist.
- Take a course at the CUNY Graduate Center's Language Reading Program (see below) in French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish (not all languages are offered every semester). If you pass the course with a grade of B or better, this will satisfy the foreign language requirement. It is your responsibility to request that the GC Language Reading Program notify the English graduate deputy of the course results.
- If your first language is not English, speak to the graduate deputy about possible exemption from this requirement.
CUNY Language Reading Program
The CUNY Graduate Center Language Reading Program will offer intensive, noncredit courses in languages designed to assist graduate students in meeting the language requirements for their degree. These courses last for 12 weeks and aim at developing a reading knowledge of the languages.
Separate tuition ($275 per course for currently matriculated students) must be paid for offerings of the CUNY Graduate Center Language Reading Program. Registration forms are available in the office of the Language Reading Program, Room 4415, on the fourth floor of the Graduate Center. Registration can be handled either in person (in our offices) or by mail.
The Graduate School and University Center
The City University of New York
365 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016-4309
Contact: Diana Toman
P: 212.817.2083
Note
Students are strongly urged not to wait until their last semester in order to fulfill the foreign language requirement, as this can result in unanticipated hold-ups in graduation. It is highly recommended that students turn their full attention to this matter one or two semesters earlier, at least.
