Philosophy and Literature
Informational Brochure
Courses and Requirements
A master's degree in Philosophy, English or Foreign Languages (a relevant foreign language) is a prerequisite. Applicants should have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Doctoral students must complete with a grade of B or better seven graduate courses in English or FLL and seven graduate courses in philosophy. Each student has one Home Department (Philosophy, English or FLL), normally based on a student's master's degree, and one correlative department for their concentration (Philosophy/English or Philosophy/FLL). Students may choose from more than 100 graduate courses in the departments of English, FLL, and Philosophy, and also arrange to take courses in other departments and programs. The sole required course is Philosophy/English/FLL 576, Philosophy and Literary Theory. Course choices are otherwise left free so that each student may follow his or her own interests, while also constructing a coherent program. In addition, there is a requirement of competence in at least one foreign language, which can be satisfied by course work or exam.
In general, for all Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. students special competence is required in at least three areas:
- a traditional field of the chosen literature or language (e.g., English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese or by permission, a classical literature or language such as ancient Greco-Roman literature or languages)
- a traditional field of Philosophy
- a special field combining the chosen literary or language focus and Philosophy
All Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. students are required to take:
- a total of fourteen graduate courses. Of these, one must be Philosophy/English/FLL 576
- three area examinations:
- Preliminary Examination in Philosophy*
- Preliminary Examination in Literature (either English or FLL)**
- Prospectus Examination (dissertation examination) in a combined field of the dissertation***
- One foreign language requirement****
Cost and Financial Support
For information on tuition and fees, see The Graduate School Bulletin (http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/faculty/resources/). Financial support is available in the following forms: University Fellowships - one- and two-year stipends (depending on fellowship) and remission of tuition and most fees. Graduate Assistantships - stipend, remission of tuition and most fees, renewable with merit raises (teaching assistantships are also available from the Departments of English, Foreign Languages & Literatures, and Philosophy). Interdisciplinary Lynn Fellowships may be available to qualified incoming students - one year stipend and remission of tuition and most fees for the first year Ph.D. student at Purdue followed by three years of guaranteed teaching assistant support.
Applications
The Graduate School at Purdue accepts only electronic applications. Candidates should apply on-line at http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/admissions/ and be sure to select a home department (either Philosophy, English or Foreign Languages & Literatures).
The first round of admissions and funding will begin after January 10. Complete your application by January 10th. The Graduate School at Purdue accepts only electronic applications. Candidates should apply on-line at http://www.purdue.edu/GradSchool/admissions/apply.html and be sure to select a home department (either Philosophy, English or Foreign Languages and Literatures). Students who seek to enter the program must be admitted by the admission committee of the Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. program; each student is admitted with a Home Department designation (Philosophy, English or FLL). Candidates should realize that the time required to earn a doctoral degree in literature and philosophy may exceed that normally required to obtain a traditional literature or philosophy degree.
You have the choice to be considered for more than one program. If your first choice is Philosophy and Literature, then select under “Select Your Proposed Graduate Major” [Philosophy & Literature].
If your second choice is the Department of Philosophy then select under “Enter Second Program of Interest Choice” [Philosophy] (At this prompt, please identify either Philosophy, English or Foreign Languages & Literatures) according to the area of your M.A. degree.
Select an Area of Interest. Available for selected programs only. Not all areas of interest are available for both Master’s and Ph.D. degrees. At the drop-down box, enter either Philosophy, English or FLL)
Students admitted to the Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. Program will be able to pursue a graduate minor in areas of specialization offered by three other interdisciplinary programs - African American Studies, Jewish Studies, and Women's Studies. The graduate minor requirements generally comprise four graduate courses and one comprehensive exam or the equivalent; some individual programs may have additional requirements. Applicants to the Philosophy and Literature Ph.D. Program should indicate their interest in a graduate minor by including in the application a separate letter of purpose addressed to the program from which the minor is sought. Students interested in one of the graduate minor areas may also apply for funding from the collaborating interdisciplinary program. Deadlines and requirements for applying for funding by graduate minor programs are set by the respective programs. Obtain more information on graduate minors directly from the respective programs.
For More Information...
The Philosophy and Literature Program offers an interdisciplinary course of study on the graduate level leading to the Ph.D. degree. The program encourages the interplay between philosophy and literature in such areas as social and critical theory, feminism, hermeneutics, narrative, semiotics, psychoanalysis, aesthetics, African-American studies, and cultural studies. In consultation with faculty, each student designs a plan of study to accommodate his or her specific goals and interests. The program seeks to foster critical and independent thought while providing cohesive professional training.