- 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 Trent faculty member who can test the student in that language. The language requirement is normally met before the dissertation proposal is defended.
- The language test is administered by the Frost Centre during the fall term reading break. If necessary, a second sitting will take place during the winter term reading break. The examiner is appointed by the Director of the Frost Centre. Grades for the language test are “pass” or “fail.” All Trent PhD students are required to attempt the second language comprehension exam before they enter their third year of the program.
- The second language comprehension exam evaluates reading comprehension in French (or another approved language). The language test is two hours long, and students are permitted to use a dictionary.
- 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 successfully satisfy the Ph.D. program’s second language assessment.
