The graduate concentration in Literary Studies offers both the M.A. and the Ph.D. Our curriculum differs from traditional English graduate programs both in the diversity and intensive focus of its offerings. While students are expected to develop historical depth in their scholarship, they are not required to cover a prescribed canon of English and American masterpieces. Instead, students are encouraged to explore numerous approaches to literary study and a variety of literary areas or periods as a prelude to their own advanced individualized research. The literature curriculum thus consists of a series of levels (courses numbered 600, 700, and 800) which require a progressive degree of specialization and independent work leading to the Master's Examination, the Doctoral Preliminary Examination, and the completion of a well-conceived and intellectually challenging dissertation.
Because of its flexibility and variety, the program can well serve students from diverse backgrounds with quite distinct career goals. We welcome applicants fresh from B.A. or M.A. programs, or returning to school for new training, or aiming to strengthen themselves for employment in high school or college teaching or in private or public sector jobs.
At the M.A. level, and more extensively at the doctoral level, the concentration's course requirements provide options for work in the Department's other graduate concentrations--Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, Modern Studies, and Linguistics. With appropriate advising and careful planning, students may thus design programs of study which incorporate work from one or more of these concentrations in support of their primary research interests and professional goals.
Literary theory and cultural studies occupy an important place in the graduate curriculum, with offerings in modern critical theory, feminism, film studies, and mass culture. Issues involving writing and pedagogy are addressed by offerings in Rhetoric and Composition. Formal and aesthetic concerns remain a primary focus, and are strengthened by the department's unique Ph.D. program in Creative Writing. Students may also attend lectures and annual conferences sponsored by UWM's Center for Twentieth Century Studies, which also offers a one-credit course focusing on the work of the many visiting scholars and critics the Center brings to campus. Students are also invited to attend (and take part in) the readings sponsored by the Creative Writing program and colloquia sponsored by Composition and Rhetoric and Linguistics. Graduate students in the department may also serve, regardless of concentration, on the staff of the Department's nationally recognized literary journal, The Cream City Review.
The curriculum and degree requirements in Literary Studies are divided into two basic areas: (1) literature and (2) theories and methods. The majority of the requirements are in literature. The requirements in theories and methods are flexible and will allow students who so desire to develop the equivalent of a minor field in one of the department's other concentrations.
At least 24 credits beyond the B.A. to consist of:
At least 54 credits beyond the B.A. (a maximum of 27 credits at the M.A. level; with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator, some 700 level course requirements may be met with work from previous institutions), to include:
