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English (Ph.D.)

The English program offers a Ph.D. in English, which allows students to specialize in one of two tracks: Literature and Rhetoric, Literacy, and Composition Studies.

Literature

The doctoral program in literature is designed to train students to be teachers and scholars. The program offers students the opportunity to explore the formal, historical, cultural, and theoretical dimensions of diverse forms of the written word. Students will develop a deeper understanding of canonical and innovative approaches to literature in English, including both nationally-defined traditions and traditions organized around other principles.

• The program includes the study of literature in cultural and historical contexts, the study of representations of identity, comparative approaches to literature, theoretical perspectives, gender studies, and cultural studies.
• Students may supplement their course of literary study with graduate offerings in related subjects and departments, including courses in composition, creative writing, languages and linguistics, history, and sociology, among others.

Rhetoric, Literacy, and Composition Studies

The program in composition studies is designed to prepare experts in composition theory, research, and pedagogy who can contribute to the evolving knowledge in the field through rigorous research and scholarship. In addition to a specialization in composition studies, students will develop a secondary area of specialization, such as applied linguistics, critical theory, English as a second language, English teaching, linguistics, or literature.

• One of the major strengths of the program is the opportunity to work closely with nationally-known faculty in composition studies in developing research and teaching expertise.
• Students will complete 10 graduate-level courses, of which four must be seminars, and will take a combined general and qualifying examination that focuses on the theory of composition and rhetoric, and on a secondary area of specialization.

Program Requirements

Literature

• Students must pass a general examination in English and American literature, a more specialized qualifying examination, and an oral defense of their dissertation.
• Students holding only a bachelor's degree at the time of matriculation into the Ph.D. program will be required to take ENGL 925 Graduate Study of Literature in their first semester.
• Course List:
  • ENGL 925: Graduate Study of Literature (4 credits)
  • ENGL 910: Practicum in Teaching College Composition (6 credits)
  • ENGL 924: Professional Preparation (2 credits)
  • Three 900-level Seminars (12 credits)
  • Three 800-900 Level Electives (12 credits)
  • ENGL 999: Doctoral Research (0 credits)
• Total Credits: 36

Rhetoric, Literacy, and Composition Studies

• Students will complete 10 graduate-level courses, of which four must be seminars.
• Course List:
  • ENGL 910: Practicum in Teaching College Composition (6 credits)
  • ENGL 918: Research Methods in Composition (4 credits)
  • ENGL 912: Historical and Theoretical Studies in Rhetoric (4 credits)
  • ENGL 916: History of Composition (4 credits)
  • Composition Electives (8 credits)
  • Two Electives in a Related Field (8 credits)
  • Two Electives (8 credits)
  • ENGL 999: Doctoral Research (0 credits)
• Total Credits: 42

Program Learning Outcomes

• Broad understanding of texts, theoretical paradigms, intellectual traditions, and the methodologies of their field.
• Expertise in critical writing and speaking that adheres to the conventions of the field.
• Expertise in a specific area of literary or composition studies developed through original research and writing the dissertation.
• Pedagogical skills for effective college teaching as both an expert and a generalist.
• Professionalization in the professorate.