Knowledge of foreign languages is important for many scholars working in Religious Studies and affords access to a valuable diversity of perspectives. Therefore, for students who need foreign language training to pursue professional goals, the graduate portfolio should include a demonstration of foreign language competence. This should be demonstrated by completing an original translation, using primary source materials in that language in one of the research papers or the thesis, or by advisor consent.
Students studying Asian religions should consult with their advisors about languages prior to registration for the first semester of the M.A. program. The Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations currently offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi/Urdu, Japanese, and Korean. Colloquial Tibetan can be arranged through the Directed Independent Language Study program housed at the Anderson Language Technology Center. Students may also enroll in Sanskrit by cross-registering at Naropa University.