The First Two Years Coursework – 16 half-courses Languages – Written examinations in two modern research languages, generally French and German Second Year Review – To occur by the end of the fourth term The Third and Fourth Years General Examinations – To be completed by the end of the third year Teaching Dissertation Prospectus – To be completed within one year of taking the general exams Many students also apply for Travel Fellowships to conduct dissertation research in Year Five The Fifth Year and Following Many students spend all or a part of their fifth year in the field The Dissertation – To be completed normally by the end of the seventh year; after approval of the Prospectus, at least one chapter each term must be submitted to the advisor Resources for Graduate Students Director of Graduate Studies South Asian Studies Graduate Resources Harvard College Graduate Resources