IV. Language Requirement

  1. Students must demonstrate an understanding of a language other than English. Although French is the preferred second language, students may be permitted to substitute an Aboriginal language indigenous to Canada or another language if it is demonstrably relevant to their research interest, and if there is a Carleton or Trent faculty member who can test the student in that language. The language requirement is normally met before the dissertation proposal is defended.
     
  2. The language test is administered by the School in September and January; by the Frost Centre in mid-September.  The examiner is appointed by the Director of the School or the Director of the Frost Centre. Grades for the language test are “pass” or “fail.” All Trent PhD students are required to attempt the French test in the fall of their second year in the program. 
     
  3. The language test evaluates reading comprehension in French (or another approved language). Students are required to write an abstract in English based on an academic article written in French. The language test is two hours long, and students are permitted to use a dictionary.
     
  4. Students who have satisfied a language requirement for a previous degree cannot use it to meet the Ph.D. language requirement. All doctoral students will be required to pass the Ph.D. program’s language test.
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