Serious graduate study in the history of art assumes proficiency in
reading the major languages of the discipline. Facility in the use of
German and French is required for the M.A. and for admission to Ph.D.
Candidacy. A student is expected to demonstrate ability in one language
by the first month of his/her first year, and in a second language by
the beginning of his/her second year in the program. Incoming graduate
students who do not have the requisite language skills are strongly
urged to enroll in formal, intensive language courses before undertaking
graduate study.

Proficiency can be tested by language examinations administered by the
Graduate Group in September of every year. Certification may also be
given to students who have passed graduate-level language examinations
at other institutions or who have passed the tests given at theconclusion
of the special summer language reading courses offered by the School of Arts and Sciences. On the recommendation of the student's advisor, and with the consent of the Graduate Chair, students may occasionally be permitted to take a language exam in Italian or Spanish in lieu of French.

Students undertaking work in most fields will be expected to fulfill certain additional language requirements, as established in consultation with the Graduate Chair and relevant faculty.