Research and languages- how much do i really need?

[juillet]

I am not in this field, but a little bit of poking around on the websites of medieval history programs reveals that the many programs recommend that you take some time to build strength in a modern language before applying.

Yale’s admissions website for their PhD in medieval history (https://medieval.yale.edu/graduate-programs) says:

The Ph.D. in Medieval Studies is most appropriate for students who meet two criteria. One is that they already possess considerable expertise in either Latin, Hebrew, Greek or Arabic and in at least one of the modern languages. The other is that the disciplinary area in which the student intends ultimately to seek employment be one for which chronologically specialized training is appropriate.

Notre Dame’s PhD in the Medieval Institute: https://medieval.nd.edu/graduate-program/language-requirements/

Expectations for Applicants

Applicants should have a strong background in at least one medieval research language (Latin, Greek, or Arabic) and at least one modern research language beyond English. We encourage potential applicants whose language training is deficient to pursue at least a year of language study before applying.

…Every student must also pass written examinations in two modern research languages to demonstrate reading knowledge. These examinations are administered by the various departments. Most medievalists need more languages to be successful in their field. A student’s adviser will help determine the need for language study beyond the basic requirements.

UChicago: https://history.uchicago.edu/content/requirements-0

Medieval Europe: Latin (high pass); French or German (pass); one other approved language appropriate to the student’s research (pass)

Chicago and Notre Dame’s PhD program requirements are also instructive. The department is likely to admit students they think are going to be successful in passing those language exams, and students who have already studied a modern language for a few years before admission are more likely to successfully pass the language exams in a timeframe that works for the program.

I agree with warblersrule that you should apply to both PhD programs and high-quality research MA programs that will help you build your foreign language knowledge and prepare your writing samples. MA programs in the humanities are not usually funded, though.

Also, I feel obliged: Why do you want a PhD in medieval history? Are you aware of the crisis in academic jobs, particularly in the humanities, and especially in history?

Here are some resources to read to make an informed decision:

“Graduate School in the Humanities: Just Don’t Go” (https://www.chronicle.com/article/Graduate-School-in-the/44846). This was written nearly 10 years ago, but it’s still just as true today.

“The Shrinking Humanities Job Market” (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/08/28/more-humanities-phds-are-awarded-job-openings-are-disappearing)

“Does it Make Sense to Pursue a Humanities Doctorate? The Pros and Cons of Graduate Education in the Humanities” (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-r-schwarz/does-it-make-sense-to-pur_b_7151004.html) Longer, but has very great practical advice.

“In Defense of the Humanities Ph.D.: It’s No Crazier Than Becoming a Journalist” (https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/09/in-defense-of-the-humanities-phd-its-no-crazier-than-becoming-a-journalist/279863/)

“Don’t Be Afraid of Going to Graduate School in the Humanities” - (https://psmag.com/education/why-you-should-go-to-graduate-school-in-the-humanities-59821)

This is a long and storied debate and you’ll find a wealth of articles about it online if you poke around, particularly those written since about 2008 or so in the wake of the financial crisis.