The final Language Qualifying Exams for the 2023-24 academic year will be offered on Friday, April 26, 2024. The following languages will be offered at the end of spring semester classes:
- Biblical Hebrew
- Christian Latin
- Classical Arabic
- French
- German
- New Testament Greek
- Pali
- Spanish
We trust that the honor principle is respected by all students, as it is respected by the instructors and administrators of this language qualifying exam.
Length of exam:
Students have one hour and 10 minutes (70 minutes total) for each exam. You must upload your exam within that timeframe, otherwise you will be shut out from the Canvas site. Please note that only Word documents (no PDFs, or photographs of handwritten translations/exams) will be accepted.
Use of dictionary
You may use one dictionary. Print, e-format, or online are fine in the current situation. You are not permitted to use any translation software, outside help, textbooks, and/or similar aids to assist you in your translation of this exam text.
Additional information and instructions for signing into the exam will be sent to all pre-registrants in advance of the exam date and time.
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Language qualifying exams in Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Christian Latin, Pali, German, French, and Spanish are given twice a year, in August/September and April/May. In addition, French, Spanish, and German exams are given a third time in January/February. These tests certify reading competency at an intermediate level in a language of theological or religious studies scholarship for the purpose of meeting the HDS language requirement for the MTS, ThM, or PhD degree. These exams are not placement tests.
Additional examination information
Classical Arabic
The Arabic exam is available in classical Arabic. The text is approximately 20-25 lines long. Offered in September and April. Sample Arabic exams (PDF)
French
The French exam, approximately 350-375 words in length, is based on a text in religious or theological studies, or from a work in theology. The level of difficulty corresponds to intermediate competency in academic translation. Offered in September, January, and April. Sample French exams (PDF)
Greek
The exam is based on a passage, approximately 10-12 lines in length, of a Greek prose writer of the Roman imperial period. An accurate translation of the text is required. Offered in September and April. Sample Greek exams (PDF)
German
The German exam, approximately 250 words in length, is based on a text in religious or theological studies, or from a work in theology. The level of difficulty corresponds to intermediate competency in academic translation. Offered in September, January, and April. Sample German exams (PDF)
Hebrew
The exam is based on a passage of Biblical Hebrew prose, approximately 10 verses in length. Accurate translation and parsing of select forms within the passage are required. Further commentary on the text of any critical apparatus is not expected. Offered in September and April. Sample Hebrew exams (PDF)
Latin
The Latin exam is based on a passage of Christian Latin prose, approximately 150 words in length, depending on the degree of difficulty. Offered in September and April. Sample Latin exams (PDF)
Pali
The Pali qualifying exam consists of a passage of classical Pali, approximately 250 words in length. You will be asked to translate the passage, and to parse a small number of the verbal forms found in the passage. Offered in the summer at the start of the fall semester (August/September) and at the end of the spring semester (April/May). Sample Pali exams (Microsoft Word)
Spanish
The Spanish exam, approximately 350-370 words in length, is based on a text in religious or theological studies, or from a work in theology. The level of difficulty corresponds to intermediate competency in academic translation. Offered in September, January, and April. Sample Spanish exams (PDF)