last modified:2008-10-22 14:45:34
Creative Writing Ph.D.
| British & American Literature Ph.D. | American Studies Ph.D. | Rhetoric & Composition Ph.D. | B.A. to Ph.D. Track |
The Ph.D. in Literature with Creative Writing emphasis is neither a fine arts degree nor simply a traditional literature Ph.D. with a creative dissertation. The program is designed to help the student become a better writer, as well as a writer who knows the history of his or her chosen genre and who is aware of the critical theory relevant to it.
The Ph.D. is generally recognized as a writer's best preparation for a teaching career at the college or university level. Many colleges cannot afford to hire someone to teach only creative writing; the Ph.D. is strong evidence that the writer can also teach literature courses, and that he or she can take a full and active part in the academic community.
Coursework
During the first two years of the Ph.D. residence, candidates take courses to satisfy requirements, to prepare for preliminary exams, to develop a background in literature and criticism, and to gain experience in writing. Ten courses (excluding colloquia) must be completed at the 6000- or 7000-level with grades of "B" or better.
The courses must include at least two 7000-level seminars and will fall under the following categories, and a single course may not be used to meet requirements in more than one category:
Workshops
Four workshops (one in a genre other than the dissertation is recommended)
Literary History (with emphasis on broad knowledge of a particular period, whether or not it conforms to conventional period divisions):
At least 3 courses (including two focusing on literature before 1830, at least one of them before 1700)
Theory and Critical Problems or Special Topics in Literary and Cultural Study:
Narrative Theory and Practice or Theory and Practice of Poetry (depending on the genre of the thesis)
English 6480 (Foundations of Literary Theory--Overview)
One additional course, other than Narrative Theory and Practice or Theory and Practice of Poetry
Students who feel they need more work in literature, and who can demonstrate that they are writing steadily and well on their own, may, in consultation with the Director of Creative Writing, request permission from the Graduate Director to substitute one or two literature courses for workshops.
Procedures for forming a Supervisory Committee, obtaining the Program of Study form, developing reading lists, and preparing for qualifying exams are found in materials at the English Department and in the Policies and Requirements page on the web site.
Qualifying Examinations
In the Creative Writing program, the qualifying examinations are based on a study of the genre (fiction, non-fiction or poetry) of the dissertation. The students chooses three fields in which to be examined:
- an historical study of the genre from its beginnings until approximately the end of the19th century;
- a topical study of the genre in the 20th century;
- a study of critical theory relevant to the genre.
Prospectus
During the semester following the students' successful completion of the preliminary exam, the student must submit a formal dissertation prospectus. (Students passing the Ph.D. examinations in the Spring semester will submit the prospectus in the following Fall semester.) The prospectus should be approximately ten pages in length and should include a bibliography of at least thirty works. The student will discuss this prospectus with the Supervisory Committee at a formal meeting.
Dissertation
By the end of the semester after the qualifying exams, the candidate will begin work on his or her dissertation. After the dissertation has been completed and the necessary approvals have been received, the defense will be scheduled by the department. Students must be registered for 3 hours in the semester of defense.
NOTE: No preliminary examinations will be scheduled, and no dissertation defenses will be heard, during summer months.