Ph.D. in English and American Literature
Building on a record of excellence in the student's M.A. preparation in the broad range of English and American literature, the Ph.D. student in literature should work toward increased sophistication in his/her scholarship. The Ph.D. student should continue to strengthen and deepen an understanding of three distinct but related areas of expertise, contributing toward a scholarly focus. At least one of these areas should be a historical period. A second field should be a related historical period, literary theory or rhetoric, and the third field should be a specific individualized area of inquiry. The career of a Ph.D. student should be marked by increasing independence in thinking and writing about literature. Working toward these objectives advances the student's competence in writing the scholarly dissertation. The Ph.D. in Literature constitutes solid preparation for scholarly publication and expert undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Minimum requirements for admission
- M.A. in English
- 3.5 g.p.a. in graduate studies
- Studies in one foreign language (Student can complete this requirement while in residence.)
- GRE general test and subject test
Application Materials
Students should submit the following materials to the University of Houston’s Office of Admissions:
- The on-line application
- All academic transcripts
- The scores for both the GRE general test and subject test
The following materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies in the Department of English:
- Three letters of recommendation
- The student’s statement of intent
- A 15-25 page critical writing sample
Requirements of the degree
- 36 hours of coursework
- Foreign language. Students must demonstrate reading knowledge of two foreign languages or intensive knowledge of one foreign language.
- 3 written comprehensive examinations
- 1 oral comprehensive examination
- Dissertation
Distribution of coursework
- 3 hours of Introduction to Doctoral Studies in English
- 6 hours of bibliography, literary theory, or rhetoric. If students have taken a course or courses in these areas for the M.A., these requirements will be waived, allowing the student an additional 3 to 6 hours of elective course work (but not a reduction in the total hours required).
- 27 hours of literature, including (1) 9 hours in early literature, (2) 6 hours in later literature, and (3) 12 hours of elective courses, each contributing to the student's areas of expertise. Students should select each of these courses in consultation with the graduate advisor and his/her faculty mentors. Early British literature is defined as British literature before 1800 and early American literature is defined as American literature before 1865.
Doctoral Reading Lists
