Doctor of Philosophy in Literature and Criticism
Admission to Candidacy
A student will be considered for candidacy in the Literature Program after 12 hours of doctoral credit have been completed. To be admitted to candidacy, the applicant must pass the Literature Program’s candidacy exam and fulfill all Graduate School requirements for candidacy. Enrollment in coursework beyond the master’s degree does not automatically constitute admission to the Ph.D. program or to candidacy.
Candidacy Examination
The candidacy examination assesses the student’s knowledge of major authors and movements in British and American literature and literary theory. The examination consists of eight hours of exams spread over two consecutive days and is offered three times in the course of an academic year. The current model consists of four questions:
- A trace question, which asks candidates to trace the development of a particular theme
- A cultural comparison question
- A theory question
- A pedagogy question
Students must use all eight periods of English and American literature in the exam. A grid sheet will be provided during the examination period to assist in this process. While past practice has established a reading list for these eight periods of literature (available in the graduate office), candidates are strongly encouraged to develop their own reading lists, which they should bring with them to the exam. More detailed information on the outline of the exam, the chronology of the eight periods, and sample questions can be obtained from the Graduate English office.
The doctoral degree in Literature is primarily a reading degree, requiring a broad background as well as expertise in certain specific areas. The program fosters these areas of expertise, but students are responsible for strengthening their general background knowledge. Coursework alone may not give students a sufficient general knowledge of a period.
Possible results of the examination include:
- Pass: Candidacy may be awarded after a plan for the degree program is approved by the director of Graduate Studies in Literature and other candidacy requirements as specified by the graduate school are met.
- Conditional Pass: Candidacy may be awarded with conditions that must be addressed. A conditional pass indicates a sufficient general knowledge in most areas, but a weakness in one or more questions. Satisfaction of remaining candidacy examination requirements might be met by reexamination of particular questions, specified coursework, oral examination, or other supplementary work stipulated by the director of Graduate Studies in Literature. Candidacy may be awarded after the conditions are satisfied, the director approves a plan for the degree program, and other candidacy requirements as specified by the graduate school are met.
- Fail: Candidacy not granted. Failure in the candidacy exam shows a weakness in the majority of questions, with little likelihood that coursework will rectify the overall deficiencies. The student is normally not permitted further coursework at this time but may retake the examination one time during the next twelve-month period. The grade on the second exam is final. Failure of the reexamination results in dismissal from the program.
