English, Ph.D.

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The English, Ph.D. with an emphasis in the public humanities is a doctoral degree that bridges the skills in research, rhetorical analysis, critical reading, and document design traditional to English studies with a deep investment in public advocacy and community engagement.

Degree Requirements

The English PhD in the Public Humanities requires 42 hours of coursework, plus at least 9 hours of dissertation research (5890). The remainder of the university minimum 72 hours to graduate may derive from additional coursework, previous Master’s level coursework, or additional 5960, 5980, and 5990 (internship) hours.

Required Courses (15 coursework credits, 9 dissertation research credits)

Students take courses in three areas: 1) working in the classroom and beyond, 2) writing and storytelling, and 3) literature, rhetoric, and culture.

Working in the Classroom and Beyond (9 credits)

ENGL 5011 - Prof & Tech Communication Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5020 - Introduction to the Public Humanities Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5071 - Inquiry for Public Humanities Engagement Credits: 1-4

Public Writing (3 credits; choose one)

ENGL 5050 - Writing in Public Genres Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5075 - Non-Profit Writing and Grants Credits: 1-4

Literature, Rhetoric, and Culture (3 credits; choose one)

ENGL 5000 - Studies In: Credits: 1-8
ENGL 5530 - Critical and Social Theory Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5055 - Narrative and Storytelling Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5062 - Ancient Rhetorics Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5063 - Feminist Rhetorics Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5065 - Black American Rhetorics Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5074 - Studies in Civic Discourse Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5220 - Studies in Medieval Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5230 - Studies in English Renaissance Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5250 - Studies in Shakespeare Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5270 - Studies in 18c English Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5280 - Studies in 19c English Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5290 - Studies in 20c English Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5310 - Early American Literature Credits: 4
ENGL 5320 - Studies in 19c American Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5330 - Studies in 20c American Literature Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5350 - Global Literatures in English Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5360 - Literatures of Diversity Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5455 - Slavery and Freedom Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5885 - Studies in Popular Culture Credits: 1-4
ENGL 5890 - Consumption, Markets, Cultures Credits: 1-4

Dissertation Research (At least 9 credits)

ENGL 5980 - Dissertation Research Credits: 1-12

Elective Courses (27 coursework credits)

27 credits are available for electives, selected in consultation with the student’s advisor and committee.