Language Examinations

Fall 2020 Examinations
French 08 September 1:00–3:30 p.m. — On-line/CMS310
Level One Latin 09 September 1:00–4:00 p.m. — On-line/PIMS Library
German 10 September 1:00–3:30 p.m. — On-line/CMS310
Level Two Latin 11 September 1:00–4:00 p.m. — On-line/PIMS Library
Winter 2021 Examinations
French 21 January 10:00–12:30 p.m. — CMS310
German 22 January 2:00–4:30 p.m. — CMS310
Spring 2021 Examinations
Level One Latin 12 April 1:00–4:00 p.m. — On-line/PIMS Library
French 13 April 1:00–3:30 p.m. — CMS310
Level Two Latin 14 April 1:00–4:00 p.m. — On-line/PIMS Library
German 15 April 1:00–3:30 p.m. — CMS310

Please note:

All language examinations for Fall 2020 will be written on-line; it will also be possible to write the examinations in person.

For the Latin examinations please see the memo here.

The modern language exams written in person in Fall will take place at the Centre for Medieval Studies, 125 Queen’s Park, 3rd floor, room 310.

If you intend to write any of the language exams, please inform the graduate administrator by email by August 4, with your preferred method (online or in person).

It is possible that CMS will continue these arrangements for the Winter and Spring examinations; any changes or updates will be posted on this website as they become available.

Please note that University of Toronto graduate students from other departments may apply to write the modern language exams if recommended by their home department.

Latin exams are open to currently registered graduate students and those admitted to the Centre’s graduate program for the following September. External applications must be received by:
March 15th for the April Latin examinations.
August 1st for the September Latin examinations.

Modern Languages (French & German)

Since all medievalists should be able to read scholarship in French and German, CMS students are required to pass reading-knowledge examinations in each language in the course of their Ph.D. studies; both must be passed prior to the Special Field examination. Examinations in each language are offered three times a year, in fall and spring, and students are urged to integrate their language training with research for their course work: working through articles and books on relevant subjects with the aid of a dictionary is excellent preparation for the examinations, which presuppose accurate comprehension only, not a mastery of style.

In exceptional cases a student may petition to replace one of the modern languages (French and German) with another language in their area of research. A written request, with a signed confirmation of support for the petition from the supervisor, must be submitted as early as possible, and no later than the end of the Fall term of Year 2 for consideration by the centre’s Executive Committee. In the case of a successful petition, the student will be expected to take the exam no later than the next examination date. Such substitute examinations will be offered no more than two times per year (April and September).

Past Language Exams

French

German

Level One Latin

Level Two Latin