Language Requirement:
As an English department, we view the study of English as situated within a global context, and we recognize that research, teaching, and public humanities work stemming from the discipline of English are enriched by knowledge of, and engagement with, varieties of English (which reflect temporal, geographic, and cultural differences) as well as languages other than English.
Ph.D. students in our three programs develop metacognitive awareness of language through humanities-based explorations of linguistic structures, patterns of communication, and the complex, context-specific ways in which language intersects with history, politics, culture, nationality, race, class, gender, sexuality, embodiment, and technology.
Students fulfill the language requirement in one of three ways: 1) by gaining competency in a language other than standard written English, 2) by applying and/or developing their competency in a language other than standard written English, or 3) by engaging in coursework or research focused on language-centered issues such as translation, linguistics, or coding. Each student chooses one option from a menu of possibilities for fulfilling the requirement, thereby developing and/or deepening their understanding of a language or language issues in the manner that best suits their research, teaching, and/or professional goals. Every Ph.D. student must complete the language requirement while enrolled in their program, prior to defending their dissertation.
Specific Course Requirements:
- Introduction to Graduate Studies
- 6 upper level English seminars
- 2 cognate courses (graduate level coursework outside of the English Department)
- 2 additional graduate level courses (English or cognate)
- 2 Graduate Student Instructor training courses
- 2 longform papers in at least two English electives of their choice
- Complete language requirement
No other specific coursework is required, but students are expected to devote the first year to a broad, well-balanced coverage of the discipline. Subsequent coursework in the second and third years should be directed primarily toward the student's special areas of interest.
Third-Term Review: In the first term of the second year, each student's career will be reviewed to provide direction, counseling, and an early professional orientation. If the review is favorable, the Graduate Committee will recommend that the student continue to work for the PhD.
Preliminary Examination: During the second year, each student chooses three faculty members to serve on his or her Examinations Committee. During the third year, each student must successfully complete one oral examination administered by the Examinations Committee.
Dissertation Prospectus: A prospectus outlining plans for the student's dissertation must be approved by the Graduate Chair by the fall of the fourth year of the PhD program. Future fellowships and other support are contingent upon the timely completion of the prospectus.
Candidate Status: In order to be nominated for candidacy, a student must complete two years of coursework, including cognates; two longform papers; graduate student instructor courses; and receive a favorable third-term review.
