Graduation Requirements for the Literary History Concentration in the Ph.D. in English (PH5239)
Doctoral students in Literature aspire to a comprehensive knowledge of a literary period, genre, or movement through a systematic historical, theoretical, and critical course of study. They develop advanced techniques and skills in scholarly research, theoretical analysis, and cultural studies.
Professional English Courses
The following professional courses are required for all students:
- ENG 5890 - Teaching College English
- ENG 5950 - Introduction to English Studies
- 8 credit hours chosen from the following:
Electives
Complete 12 credit hours of English courses as advised by the Director of Graduate Studies (courses listed in the “Professional English Courses” requirement do not fulfill this requirement).
Literary History Concentration Requirements
Literature and Critical Theory
Complete 16 credit hours of literature and/or critical theory courses chosen from:
- ENG 7010 - Topics in Old English Language and Prose
- ENG 7020 - Topics in Old English Poetry
- ENG 7090 - Topics in Medieval Literature
- ENG 7130 - Topics in Early Modern British Literature
- ENG 7135 - Topics in the Works of William Shakespeare
- ENG 7170 - Topics in Milton
- ENG 7190 - Topics in Restoration and 18th-Century British Literature
- ENG 7230 - Topics in British Romanticism
- ENG 7235 - Topics in Victorian Literature
- ENG 7270 - Topics in British Literature since 1900
- ENG 7290 - Topics in American Literature to 1776
- ENG 7300 - Topics in American Literature 1776-1865
- ENG 7330 - Topics in American Literature 1865-1918
- ENG 7340 - Topics in American Literature since 1918
- ENG 7350 - Topics in African American Literature
- ENG 7400 - Topics in Postcolonial Literature
- ENG 7410 - Topics in Critical Theory
- ENG 7420 - Topics in History of Books and Printing
Elective
Complete a minimum of 4 credit hours from Creative Writing or Rhetoric and Composition.
Advanced Requirements
All students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination; Literary History and Rhetoric and Composition students must also successfully defend a dissertation prospectus. A minimum of 6 hours of ENG 7940 should be completed for the comprehensive exam.
Culminating Experience
All students complete a dissertation, a book-length manuscript typically at least 200 pages in length, and defend their work to a committee of faculty members both within and outside of the department. A minimum of 6 dissertation hours (ENG 8950) is required and a maximum of 45 dissertation hours (ENG 8950) may count toward degree requirements.