Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (French and Francophone Studies) (MA)

Track III: National Literatures and Cultures

French and Francophone Studies

The majority of students pursue the doctorate in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture (French and Francophone Studies) in preparation for a career of teaching and research at the college or university level in the field of French and Francophone literature and cultural studies. Students preparing for these careers must obtain a broad knowledge of major French and Francophone literary texts and traditions from the Middle Ages to the present, which is achieved through a combination of course work and exams. They should also develop the intellectual depth that allows them to produce an original dissertation in a timely manner.

Course Requirements

Completion of at least 8 courses (29–32 units) distributed as follows: (1) CSLC 501 , CSLC 502  and CSLC 503 ; two core courses, FREN 501  and FREN 503 ; (3) three additional courses in French or, with permission, in a related field. No more than two of the eight courses may be at the 400 level and no more than one course may be in directed research (590).

First-year Review

The program conducts a thorough review of all first-year students at the end of the second semester. To be permitted to continue doctoral work, students must receive a satisfactory evaluation in this review.

Track III (French) Comparative Field Exercise

The exam consists of the oral defense of a paper developed in consultation with a faculty adviser. It is normally taken at the end of the semester in which MA course work is completed.