Modern French Studies, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

All doctoral students are required to complete 24 credits beyond the M.A. in addition to 12 credits of FREN899. All Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate a sound reading knowledge of one other foreign language in addition to French. A student having a recognized degree or diploma in a subsidiary area such as Music, Economics, Political Science, etc, and who plans to make substantial use of this body of knowledge for the dissertation may be permitted, with the approval of the Graduate Programs Committee, to substitute such degree or diploma for the additional foreign language requirement.

Advance to Candidacy: In addition to course requirements, students must pass two Qualifying Examinations consisting of a two-part Comprehensive Examination. The first part is written, then oral, taken over two consecutive days by the end of the third semester in the PhD program. The second requirement is to defend a written Dissertation Prospectus (scheduled by the end of the fourth semester in the PhD program) before being advanced to candidacy.

Advance to Candidacy: Complete at least 12 credits of FREN899 and write and defend a dissertation that explores significant questions about French-language literature and culture, past or present, hexagonal or extra-hexagonal.

All requirements for the Ph.D. degree, except the dissertation, must be completed within five years of admission to the program. The dissertation must be completed no more than four years after advancement to candidacy. (See department website for additional information)