Foreign Language Requirement

All students completing the program must pass a proficiency examination at the advanced level of proficiency according to the ACTFL Guidelines in order to receive their degrees.

Students must pass a proficiency examination in a major modern Middle Eastern language (Arabic [ Modern Standard Arabic], Persian, Hebrew, Kurdish, or Turkish). Arabic and Hebrew are taught at GW. No substitutions are permitted.

Students must take a placement examination at the beginning of their program. The tester will indicate the appropriate language course at GW.

Only advanced language courses may be counted (under Middle East electives) as part of the 40-credit hour program.

Since students who place below the advanced level upon entry will be required to take undergraduate language classes in addition to their 40 credit hours of graduate work, it is unrealistic to expect that they will complete their program in two years.

Strategies that students may consider to expedite their attainment of the required level of proficiency for timely completion of their M.A. degree include:

1. enrollment in intensive language courses at GW during the academic year;
2. continued language studies in immersion/intensive language courses over the summer at GW or an approved accredited program
3. with advanced approval, spending one or more semesters at an academic institution in a Middle Eastern country where language of choice is primarily used;
4. making room for language classes in their schedule each semester; and
5. consulting periodically with the director of MES and with the directors of their respective Middle Eastern language at GW.

The program will also offer one-credit language courses organized around specific skills (such as media, political writing, or argumentation).