Graduate
PhD in French Language and Literature
In the five-year PhD in French Language and Literature program, students complete eight 2000-level courses beyond the MA, take their PhD comprehensive exams, and research and write a doctoral dissertation on an aspect of French or Francophone literature and culture.
In addition, the candidate must present an oral explication de texte before a faculty committee, satisfy PhD language requirements , and pass written comprehensive examination.
Upon admission to candidacy, the candidate will write and defend a doctoral dissertation. The coursework must include:
1. At least one French graduate course that takes a linguistic perspective (e.g., History of French, Readings in Old and Middle French).
2. FR 2710 (if not taken at the M.A. level) and an additional course in literary or cultural theory.
3. With the adviser's consent, students are free to take some of the additional required courses in other departments. Students in French are encouraged to pursue certification in one of the various programs offered by the University (EUCE, Cultural Studies, Film Studies, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Women's Studies). However, only three exterior courses may count towards the degree in French.
Students must also complete two substantial article-length papers (20-30 pages) of publishable quality, one in French and one in English, usually based on papers written in graduate seminars.
Upon admission to candidacy, the candidate will write and defend a doctoral dissertation.
PhD Concentration
A special feature of our PhD program is the possibility of choosing from one the following interdisciplinary concentrations.
PhD in French with a Concentration in Romance Languages and Literatures
This concentration requires a focus on the literatures of two major and one minor Romance language. Students completing this concentration are especially well prepared for teaching positions in departments of Romance and/or Modern languages.
PhD Tracks
PhD in French with a Track in Literature and the Arts
This concentration enables students to link literary studies with the study of the visual arts in a period of their choice. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the strong programs in the history of art and architecture and film studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
PhD in French with a Track in Literature and Politics
This concentration is dedicated to studying literary representations in their political context. Students in this concentration are encouraged to choose courses and a research topic that analyze the complex interaction between literary works and social reality. This concentration has strong connections with programs in history and political science at the University of Pittsburgh.