Demonstrating Reading Proficiency in Chinese, Japanese or Korean
MA and PhD students wishing to use Chinese, Japanese, or Korean to fulfill a reading proficiency requirement should first consider how they wish to use the language in their research. The main purpose of the reading proficiency requirement is to demonstrate that the student will be able to use primary sources written in their chosen language to conduct research in their field. All students should read the section in the University Graduate School Bulletin on Foreign Languages and Research Skills.
Once the student and their advisor decide that Chinese, Japanese, or Korean will be an appropriate research language, the student should determine which method of proficiency demonstration is most appropriate.
There are several means of demonstrating reading proficiency in one of the EALC languages:
- Successful completion of coursework: By completing, with a grade B or higher, the second semester of the third year of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean (EALC-C or J534 or K302), the student is considered to have demonstrated reading proficiency in that language.
- Achieving an appropriate score on a standard language proficiency exam: Students with previous experience in the language may take the language proficiency exam. Generally, the exams for Chinese and Japanese are administered before the start of each semester. Students should contact the EALC department for details on the date, time, and place of the exam. Students wishing to take the Korean exam should contact the Korean Language Coordinator. Students demonstrating proficiency at the level of the second semester of the third year of the language will be considered to have demonstrated reading proficiency.
- Achieving an appropriate score on an individualized language proficiency exam: Given that the purpose of reading proficiency in a language is to conduct research in that language, students may work with their advisor and EALC to have an individualized reading or translation exam given. In these cases, the student’s advisor and an EALC faculty member usually work together to identify an appropriate text and exam method. The exam, which will consist of a translation of that text, will be administered by an EALC faculty member.