DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

The following requirements are in addition to the basic University requirements for the degree sought; see the 'Advanced Degrees' section of the Stanford Bulletin. Candidates should review the department's 'Guidelines for the A.M. and Ph.D. Degrees' for further particulars concerning these requirements. Also, find out about the interdisciplinary designation in Cognitive Science for doctoral students.

Language Candidates must demonstrate the ability to read at least one foreign language in which a substantial linguistic literature is written, with sufficient facility to understand and to interpret linguistic research published in that language. (Particular areas of specialization may require additional research languages.)

In addition, each candidate must demonstrate an explicit in-depth knowledge of the structure of at least one language (normally neither the candidate's native language nor the language used for the reading exam). This requirement is fulfilled by writing an original research paper on a language.

Courses A minimum of 80 units of graduate work beyond the A.B. or B.S. exclusive of dissertation units or, beyond the A.M., 40 units exclusive of dissertation units. A basic course requirement detailed in the Ph.D. guidelines guarantees that each student covers a sufficient set of sub-areas within the field.

Candidates must maintain a satisfactory record in the number and distribution of units completed. The overall course work LGI must be at least B, and all of the basic courses should be completed with at least a B.

Research The prospective Ph.D. candidate is expected to complete two substantial qualifying papers. The deadline for completion of the first qualifying paper is the end of the Autumn Quarter of the second year; the deadline for completion of the second qualifying paper is the end of Spring Quarter of the second year. Subject matter of the two papers, although it may be related (for example, same language), must be clearly distinct. The requirement is fulfilled by 395A,B, Research Workshop (2 units each), and oral discussion with a committee of at least three faculty members selected by the student and the faculty and approved by the committee.

Candidacy Students must complete the basic courses requirement (see Courses, above), one foreign language requirement (see Language, above), and one qualifying paper (see Research, above) by the end of their second year.

Teaching At least three quarters serving as teaching assistant in a linguistics course; students on University fellowships teach four quarters.

Colloquia Two oral presentations exclusive of the oral presentation of the dissertation proposal (see item 7b below). This requirement is satisfied by class presentations, conference papers, or colloquium talks. Normally, both should be given during the first three years of study.

Dissertation:

1. A written dissertation proposal [required by the end of the third year]
2. Oral presentation of the dissertation proposal, preferably as a colloquium
3. Approval of dissertation topic and appointment of a dissertation committee
4. Successful passing of a University oral examination on the dissertation project and related areas
5. Dissertation (up to 15 units of 399)