The graduate faculty in Italian offers three degree programs. The
master of arts for teachers (M.A.T.) program is intended primarily for
individuals who are teaching, or
intend to teach, at the secondary school level. The program emphasizes
teaching methodology, language, literature, and civilization. The master
of arts (M.A.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs
deal with various aspects of Italian literature, culture, and literary criticism. These programs are open to candidates with academic records of
distinction and evidence of scholarly accomplishment.
Candidates for the M.A.T. are required to take a total of 30 credits: 27 credits of coursework, chosen among courses in Italian language, literature, civilization, cinema, and methodology--taken primarily at the Rutgers Summer World Languages Institute or in the Italian department (with the permission of the graduate director)--and 3 credits to prepare a teaching portfolio.
M.A. candidates also must take 10 semester courses (30 credits) and must pass a
comprehensive examination based on a reading list. Six of the 30
credits required for the completion of the M.A. may be devoted to a research project if
the candidate elects, with the permission of the faculty, to write a thesis.
In
addition, all graduate teaching assistants in the Italian department must take
the Methodology of Teaching course.
Doctoral candidates are required to complete 48 credits of coursework
beyond the
bachelor's degree, of which at least 33 credits must have been taken at Rutgers. They must also take a minimum of 24 credits of research
toward the
dissertation.
Ph.D.
students teaching in the Italian department must take the Methodology of
Teaching course. In addition,
they must be in residence for one year. Credit for graduate work taken at other
institutions may be accepted in partial fulfillment of the course requirement,
but in no case may the doctoral candidate do less than a full year of
coursework at Rutgers. Doctoral
candidates must demonstrate advanced reading ability in two languages other
than English and Italian.
The language requirement must be satisfied before the candidate is admitted to
the qualifying examination.
Ph.D.
students must take a comprehensive examination, based on a reading list
covering all periods of Italian literature, and a qualifying examination related
to the periods and subject of their dissertation. Students will then complete the program
by writing and defending a dissertation.
For
further information, please see the Italian department's website: http://italian.rutgers.edu/academics/graduate.
Programs, Faculty, and Courses 
