Degree Requirements

Distribution Requirement Courses

Select one course from each of the following areas listed below:

British Literature before 1600

British Literature after 1600

American Literature

Rhetoric, Linguistics, Composition, Film Studies, Criticism or Theory

Global Perspective Requirement

The Global Perspectives requirement is intended to provide students with a greater understanding of language structure and a globalizing perspective on texts and culture. Student may fulfill this requirement in one of two ways:

1. Demonstrate language proficiency (by meeting one of the following options):
   1. Taking a reading exam administered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. The Foreign Language Department offers optional preparatory courses for students planning to take the reading exam: FLS 401 Spanish Graduate Reading, FLF 401 French Graduate Reading, FLG 401 German Graduate Reading.  
   2. Enrolling in and passing with a C- or better a 300-400 level course taught in the language (not translation).^*
   3. Having an undergraduate major or minor in a foreign language within the past five years.^*
   4. Speaking a language other than English as your first language.^*
2. Take a World Literature course or an approved alternative.  This course will typically count toward the degree as a literature or unrestricted elective, but there may be some instances in which the course can fulfill a core requirement.

If you’re considering doctoral work in literary study, we encourage you to consult with your advisor. In some cases, certifying language proficiency via reading exam may help satisfy a doctoral language requirement later on.

Faculty