Foreign Language Proficiency Examination

The Mathematics PhD and Mathematics Education PhD each require a demonstration of proficiency in a foreign language.

A substantial portion of the mathematical literature is written in languages other than English, principally French, German, and Russian. Knowledge of Spanish is important for some fields of Mathematics Education. Being able to read and accurately translate these texts is a valuable skill in Mathematics and Mathematics Education research.

Grading of language examinations is a significant burden on faculty and students should not make frivolous attempts to pass the examination without sufficient preparation. Faculty members may administer an oral “pre-test” to gauge whether the students appears to be prepared for the examination.

Approved examiners

The following faculty can carry out foreign language examinations. Results of the examinations should be communicated to the graduate office by the examining faculty member using the language examination form.

French

• Dr Bryden Cais
• Dr Christoph Keller
• Dr Douglas Pickrell
• Dr Janek Wehr

German

• Dr Jim Cushing
• Dr Christoph Keller
• Dr Klaus Lux

Russian

• Dr Moysey Brio
• Dr Ibrahim Fatkullin
• Dr Leonid Friedlander
• Dr Leonid Kunyansky
• Dr Anton Izosimov
• Dr Janek Wehr

Spanish

• Dr Marta Civil