PhD in Literary Studies

The PhD in Literary Studies is a comprehensive program designed to achieve specific objectives, including an in-depth knowledge of one literature, a knowledge of a substantial number of works in a second literature, and a concentration in a period, genre, or other area of study.

Admissions

Formal admission to the program entails one of the following procedures:

• Students who have passed the MA examination with a grade of B+ or better may be recommended to the program at the discretion of the departmental examination committee.
• Students presenting an MA degree in a national literature from another department or university, or an MA in comparative literature from another university, are normally not required to take the master's examination.
• Students presenting an MA degree in a field outside literature are required to take an examination based on a few major literary works. Applicants to the doctoral program should include in their application:
  • CV
  • Transcripts (official transcripts will be required in order to matriculate)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose
  • A writing sample (a term paper, for example)
  • The GRE is not required

Requirements

Students are expected to design their own curricula in accordance with their scholarly interests and professional goals, and to prepare their own reading lists for the comprehensive examination in consultation with the members of their examining committee. The minimal course requirement for the PhD is 60 credits for students entering with a BA, or 36 for those who start with a relevant MA in hand. All students must take COLI 592, the Proseminar, usually in their first semester.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination consists of four parts:

1. A Dissertation Proposal (in the format of a substantial paper): This paper is expected to review primary and secondary sources and articulate the problem(s) that the student will focus on.
2. Historical Construction of a Topic: This section of the exam is devoted to a theme that treats the student's area of expertise in its historical dimension. This is a take-home exam, normally taken in the course of one week-end.
3. Minor Field: This is a second area of specialization that may be conceived in such a way as to complement the major area of expertise or to represent an altogether different focus. This is a take-home exam, normally taken in the course of one week-end.
4. Oral Examination: This segment is based on the dissertation proposal and on the preceding portions of the exam and involves all of the examiners.

Dissertation

The dissertation should be comparative in its scope and implications and demonstrate the student's ability to deal with theoretical problems and to organize and present the research methodically. At the discretion of the comparative literature faculty, a student may do an extended critical translation as a dissertation. This includes an introductory study equivalent in substance to what is required of the other type of dissertation. The Graduate School requires that the candidate, while working on the dissertation, register for one credit hour of COLI 699. On the initial approval of the dissertation by its readers, the candidate is expected to defend it at an oral examination.

Binghamton University

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Overview:

Binghamton University is a public research university located in Binghamton, New York. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant research environment, and diverse student body. The university is recognized as a top public institution in the Northeast, offering a broad, interdisciplinary education with an international perspective.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Binghamton University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Research Environment:

The university boasts a robust research program, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty experts.

International Perspective:

The university fosters a global outlook through its diverse student body and international partnerships.

Top Public University:

Binghamton University is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the Northeast, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence.

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Academic Programs:

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