As I recall matters, each School (Faculty, Division, or whatever) of Graduate Studies had their own set of requirements for graduate degrees. Language requirements were generally Graduate School requirements and, therefore, added to the requirements of the program a student was pursuing.
At the University of Utah, in the 1950s and 1960s, the primary difference between a BA and a BS involved the completion of a certain number of credit hours in a language (beyond a minimal number of credit hours to meet general education requirements). There was a specific language requirement for the BA degree. For the PhD (there was no language requirement at the Master's level), passing an examination in each of two languages was required. The examination consisted of two parts: (a) a detailed examination of the vocabulary, grammar and idiomatic expressions in the language and (b) a satisfactory translation of an article in the students field (broadly defined). Although I spoke and was able to read and write modern Greek, the Graduate School insisted that I use two other languages. I opted for French and German. I suspect that I was the last student in Psychology who was required to successfully translate a page-or-two drawn from the writings Wilhelm Wundt! As for the reason for a language requirement, the examiner from the Department of German made it abundantly clear that the requirement was in place to ensure the "value of the PhD." I didn't try to argue with her. I passed the exam on my first try (Wundt not withstanding) and was also aware of the plight of others. I was acquainted with student in Physics who had taken and failed the German test 11 times (the test was given in the Fall and Spring of each year). In effect, the Physics student had his graduate program extended by at least six years (a student was not allowed to write the Comprehensive Examination for the doctorate until the language requirements had been met). It is my understanding that in the late 1960s or early 1970s, the University of Utah treated computer languages as "languages" for the purpose of meeting the doctoral requirements. I don't believe that I would put up with any of that today. ; ) Peter Kepros, PhD Professor and Dean, Emeritus University of New Brunswick Fredericton, NB, Canada --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
