Humanistic Studies, PhD draft

The department offers a PhD in humanistic studies, which includes a program in comparative thought and literature. Priority is given to highly-qualified candidates whose proposed course of study is congruent with faculty interests and strengths.

Overview

The PhD program in humanistic studies is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the humanities, with a focus on comparative thought and literature. The program is tailored to meet the needs of individual students, with a faculty advisory committee guiding each student's course of study.

Admission Requirements

To apply, candidates must submit:

Official Application
Statement of purpose
Three letters of recommendation
Transcripts
Sample of work
Supplementary Application Form (Language Form)
GRE scores and subject (optional)
TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)

Financial Aid

Tuition grants, stipends, and teaching fellowships are available to doctoral candidates.

Program Requirements

Each PhD student works with a committee of faculty members who helps to design a coherent, individual program of study. During the first two years, the candidate works closely with each of their advisors. The course of study, seminars, and tutorials lead to three area examinations administered by the department and committee.

Advisors

New PhD students will work with the department chair to select a faculty member to serve as a primary academic advisor. As a students interests become defined, they may change advisors or work with a faculty member in another department.

Third-Year Review

During their third year of residence, after completing all outstanding seminar papers, students will have their work reviewed by a faculty committee. The committee will comprise three faculty members from the department and the faculty members from the other departments with whom the student plans to conduct field exams.

Field Examinations

In their third and fourth years, students are expected to complete three field exams. The exams may serve to help students refine their dissertation topics, or they may be a means of extending and deepening students knowledge of an area in which they propose to teach and conduct research.

Undergraduate Teaching

Graduate students have many opportunities to develop their skills and confidence as a teacher. Beginning in the second year, students often serve as teaching assistants for courses taught by the departments faculty or, if appropriate, for courses in other departments.

Dissertation Review

A second formal review of a students work will take place after the completion of field exams, either in the students fourth year or in the fall semester of the fifth year. This review will connect the student with the faculty member with whom they will write a dissertation.

Departmental Presentations

In their fifth year or beginning of their sixth year, students will give a talk on material from their dissertation to the students and faculty of the department and invited guests. This presentation gives students experience formally presenting their work.

Program Overview