Literary History M.A.
Literary History Ph.D.
- Admission Requirements
- Degree and Graduation Requirements
- Doctoral Dissertation
- Foreign Language Requirement
- Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination
About the Program
University's English Department offers two degree programs in advanced literary study, an M.A. and a Ph.D.
Interaction with Faculty—Candidates for a literature degree have the opportunity to study with accomplished specialists in a diverse array of literary periods and genres. The coursework is conducted in small seminars, ensuring a high level of interaction between graduate students and faculty. The deliberately small size and friendly atmosphere of the program allow for considerable interaction and camaraderie among graduate students themselves, creating a close, supportive community for the development of each candidate's strengths.
Coursework—M.A. candidates are expected to complete two years of study and write either an extended essay or a thesis in their chosen area. The M.A. student's essay or thesis often grows out of his or her coursework. The essay or thesis is completed under supervision of a faculty member who specializes in the student's chosen area.
Doctoral candidates take literature seminars both in and out of their areas of specialization, as well as courses in theory, language, pedagogy, and rhetoric and composition. After completion of all course work, candidates take comprehensive exams both in their dissertation area and in an area of literary tradition connected to the dissertation area. The dissertation project itself culminates with a public oral defense.