Masters Degree
Coursework
The following list has been devised to give the student some background in American literature and history, while allowing maximum flexibility in designing an individual program of interdisciplinary study. To ensure coherence in individualized programs, each student must work with an American Studies advisor in selecting courses.
American Studies seminar: “Research Methods in American Culture." This course is designed to survey the major methods, topics, and debates in the field.
NOTE: Students admitted with an MA in a field other than American Studies must take this introductory American Studies seminar but may count it toward their PhD coursework requirements.
2 courses in American literature
1 course in American history
1 course in critical ethnic studies, comparative cultures, or cultural theory (from any university department)
5 courses selected in consultation with an American Studies advisor
(1 credit): “Introduction to English Graduate Studies” (796-01) during the first term
The American Studies Advisory Session
All students going on for the PhD—including students admitted into the graduate PhD program with an MA in a field other than American Studies—must complete and pass a two‐hour oral advisory conversation to qualify for work as a PhD candidate. Students are expected to take the American Studies Advisory Session no later than their fourth semester in residence (or the second semester in residence if admitted with an MA in a field other than American Studies). In consultation with an American Studies advisor, each student develops a list of 12‐15 key works for the study of American culture; the student will be examined upon that list. In developing this list, the student will need to answer the following: 1) Explain the theme, concept, or idea that informs your choice of materials for this exam. 2) Which disciplinary perspectives (at least two) and/or theoretical positions are involved in this choice of materials? 3) What 12‐15 authors, works, studies, or artifacts are involved in this exam? After the advisor approves the list, and at least two weeks prior to the exam, the list must be submitted to the Director of American Studies. The student will also prepare a written opening statement of no more than three pages to be presented to the examining committee two weeks prior to the exam. The examining committee will consist of three members, one the student’s advisor, and two others—who may be from other departments where relevant to the student’s interests chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor and the Director of American Studies.
Doctoral Degree
Coursework
Coursework should provide the student with some depth in two or more fields of study and prepare the student for the dissertation: it should include two courses in American literature (taught by literature scholars), with the others chosen in consultation with an American Studies advisor. (Students entering with an MA degree in a field other than American Studies must take “Research Methods in American Studies;” they may count it among the six required courses. Students entering with an MA in American Studies are not required to take this course, but they can take it for credit.)
American Studies Two-Area/Preliminary Comprehensive Exam
PhD candidates in American Studies will take their Two-Area/Preliminary Comprehensive examination upon completion of at least six courses beyond the American Studies Advisory Session. Students will be examined in two areas: 1) an area primarily within American literature (e.g., American women writers, African‐American novels, American literary realism); 2) an area of special interest designed to lead to a dissertation topic (i.e., documentary writing and photography in the 1930s; representations of space in literature, architecture, and environmental psychology, 1890‐1930). One or both of the areas should deal, at least in part, with an aspect of American literary studies. In both areas, students are expected to demonstrate breadth of familiarity with texts and ideas, authority and imagination in interdisciplinary thinking, and progress toward completion of the PhD degree.
For each area, students, working with an advisor, will generate a list of approximately 30 texts— primary and secondary—and will write an “area rationale,” approximately 15-20 pages long, that defines the field of interest, considers the pertinent methodologies, identifies the important issues, and takes stands on those issues. The two area rationales and accompanying bibliographies for the areas should demonstrate interdisciplinarity by including in its approach methodologies and texts from one or more disciplines other than literary studies (e. g., history, media studies, political theory, sociology, anthropology, etc.). At least three weeks prior to the exam, the essays and bibliographies will be distributed to all members of the examining committee and will be subject to approval by the committee members. The examining committee will consist of the two advisors plus two other faculty members chosen by agreement of the area advisors and the Director of American Studies. The essays and the bibliographies will constitute the basis of the examination.
Registering for Area Exam Credits
You will receive three credits for each of the two Independent Areas 796W and 796X, making a total of six credits toward the necessary 24 (eight courses) for doctoral coursework. The best time to register for these credits is the semester of the exam. However, the scheduling of two-area credits is flexible: should you need or want a particular course during the semester you would otherwise be preparing for your exam areas, consider signing up and beginning your areas a semester earlier.
The English Graduate Program Assistant will register you for your area exam credits after you fill out and submit an English 796 Independent Area request form, found in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Statement on Foreign Language: The same for the English Department PhD; see the English Department graduate program description for details.
Dissertation Committee, Prospectus, and Defense requirements are the same as those for the English Department PhD program; see the program description for details.
Undergraduate American Studies Specialization
The English Department offers a Letter of Specialization in American Studies, an interdisciplinary program that concentrates on the unresolved social and intellectual issues of our culture— race, class, gender, and ethnicity. Students can earn the certificate by completing: a) English 279: Introduction to American Studies b) One or two courses in American literature within the English Department at least on the 300 or 400 level and c) Two or three additional courses in American culture from at least two other departments. Students who wish to construct a major in American Studies must do so through the BDIC program.
Last Updated: August 2025