PhD in American Studies
Coursework
PhD coursework should be interdisciplinary and students must complete the following:
- Four core courses: (AMST 8201, 8202, 8401, 8801)
- Three one-semester graduate seminars (in consultation with your advisor)
- One comparative culture course covering international or non-US subjects
- Field of concentration, which consists of seven advisor-approved courses, one of which must be a cultural pluralism course
- 24 thesis credits
Language Requirement
- Reading knowledge of one foreign language
Preliminary Exams: Written & Oral
The American studies preliminary examination portfolio consists of three written components:
- Subfield paper #1, a broad-based definition and explanation of a first subfield
- Subfield paper #2, an annotated syllabus for an undergraduate introductory course in a second subfield
- Dissertation project statement (together these compose the preliminary written examination), and an oral review (preliminary oral examination). Portfolios are individually tailored to each student's program.
Dissertation
Students carrying a full-time load generally take three years to complete course work, and two years to complete the dissertation. It is possible—but difficult—to complete this degree in a total of four years. Students are expected to complete the writing and defense of the dissertation by the end of their seventh year in the program.
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