Areas of specialization available include philology, older German
literature before the baroque period, and German literature of the
17th, 18th, 19th, or 20th century. Requirements for the master`s degree
are 30 credits of course work beyond the bachelor's degree (or 24
credits and a thesis) and an examination covering the general field of
German literature. In addition, students must display knowledge of the
history of the German language and of Middle-High German.
Students pursuing the doctorate must take a minimum of 48 credits of
course work beyond the bachelor's degree and possess a reading
knowledge of one additional language, as deemed appropriate by the
candidates' advisers. In addition, a candidate must complete
successfully a written examination based on a core reading list and an
oral examination in his or her area of specialization. Finally, each
candidate must submit an acceptable dissertation. The Ph.D. qualifying
examination may be taken in parts spaced over six months. No more than
3 credits for the master`s degree and no more than 6 credits for the
doctorate may be taken in independent study courses. A master of
philosophy degree can be obtained by candidates who complete their
course work and qualifying examination within four years. Although
there is no formal residence requirement, the candidates accepted must
be available for close supervision and consultation.
Courses
at the 500 and 600 levels are open to all graduate students and
constitute the major portion of the program. As part of their graduate
training, doctoral students are given the opportunity to assume certain
teaching obligations under faculty supervision. Further details
concerning the program, including additional information about the
qualifying examination and the dissertation, as well as information
about teaching assistantships, can be found in Graduate Programs in
German and in Guidelines for Graduate Students in German. These
pamphlets are available on request from the office of the graduate
director. The graduate program in German participates in the
Transliteratures program (q.u.).
