2010-2011 University Catalog 
  
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2010-2011 University Catalog

Cultural Studies, PhD

Banner Code: LA-PHD-CULT

Web: culturalstudies.gmu.edu

The doctoral program in cultural studies is offered by the Cultural Studies Program .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirement for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog. Applicants to the doctoral program in cultural students must already have earned a master’s degree in a relevant field. Students with only a bachelor’s degree should apply to a master’s program in a department that has an established related master’s degree. See the Cultural Studies Program for more information.

In addition to the materials required by all applicants, the applicants to cultural studies should submit the following:

  • Scores on the GRE (general test is required; subject tests are optional)
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the applicant’s scholarly potential
  • Statement of purpose
  • Writing sample demonstrating scholarly potential

Degree Requirements

As with all doctoral programs, the emphasis in this program is on the development of intellectual mastery and professional competence. The most important requirements are comprehensive exams and completion of a doctoral thesis that reflects the student’s ability to do original interdisciplinary work that meets professional standards.

Four core courses (12 credits)

One course (3 credits) in theory chosen from:

One course (3 credits) in a topic chosen from:

One course in methodology

Students must take one course in a relevant methodology in which they are not already trained. The specific course should be chosen from program or departmental graduate offerings (600 level or above) under the guidance of their faculty advisory committee.

Depending on the course, the chosen methodology course may simultaneously fulfill credits toward the field requirements. If not, the student will need to take an additional 3 credits to complete the degree (for a total of 51 credits).

Field Requirements (18 credits)

Under the guidance of faculty advisory committees, students define two fields that point topically and theoretically toward teaching interests, dissertation research, and related forms of professional development. Students select relevant courses from theory or topic courses not used to fulfill the previous requirements or from special topics courses. If doctoral level coursework is not available in a given area, students may take one independent study (CULT 870) to support the development of the field.

Students must take a minimum of three courses (9 credits) in two different fields. The 9 credits in each field must include a relevant section of CULT 880 taught by that field’s primary advisor.

Oral defense

Students demonstrate competence in each field by producing and orally defending a field statement that consists of a comprehensive, critical literature review.

Proficiency in a foreign language

Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language before being permitted to defend the doctoral dissertation proposal.

Dissertation research (12 credits):

Students are required to register for a minimum of 3 credits of 998 or 999 each semester until they have completed the minimum number of credits of 998 and 999 required on their program of study. For cultural studies students, continuous registration begins with 998. Students must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the University Library. The university continuous registration policy is specified in the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Total: 48 credits

Advancement to Candidacy

To advance to candidacy, students must successfully complete all course work required on their approved program of study, including a second language competancy examination. Students must also successfully complete two written field statements and pass an oral comprehensive exam based on them.