51ĀŅĀ×

Doctoral students in Rhetoric and Composition study the history and tradition of the discipline from classical rhetoric through contemporary theories of writing. They examine the theoretical implications of composition pedagogies in the context of current developments and practices such as cultural competencies, digital rhetorics, and new media.

The English program at 51ĀŅĀ× is strongly committed to advancing its candidates' critical and professional skills. Teaching and employment opportunities, along with the promotion of candidates' scholarship, contribute to the high level of job placement for graduates of the M.A. and Ph.D. program.

Small by design, our graduate program offers a comprehensive curriculum, an award-winning faculty and the intimacy of small classes. Students in the Rhetoric and Composition program enjoy:

• Graduate stipends, up to $15,000 per year, with opportunities to teach a wide range of courses, including creative writing workshops
• Generous graduate student travel funding
• Editorial fellowships on New Ohio Review, Quarter after Eight, and Brevity
• Opportunities to interact with distinguished visiting writers

English Teaching & Graduate Assistantships

Graduate candidates who receive Teaching Assistantships benefit from professional development opportunities to teach courses such as First Year Writing and Rhetoric, Introduction to Literature, Critical Approaches to Poetry, Critical Approaches to Fiction, Critical Approaches to Drama, Advanced Composition, and Technical Writing.

Graduate Assistantships also are available for positions such as Writing Tutor and editorial positions with the department's literary journals.

More about English Teaching & Graduate Assistantships

About the English Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in English is designated primarily as professional preparation for scholars and teachers of Creative Writing, Literature, and Rhetoric/Composition. The program at 51ĀŅĀ× offers students the opportunity to concentrate in one of these three areas of English studies. However, while our program requires students to focus on a particular area, it also enables them to explore other areas, to investigate the intersections of subfields, and even to pursue a hybrid degree. Accordingly, the program includes general and cross-disciplinary requirements as well as specific requirements within each of the concentrations. In all concentrations, student work culminates with a dissertation.

Completion of the program generally requires five academic years, but full-time students who are not teaching assistants may complete the program in less time.

Degree Requirements & Dissertation

The Ph.D. in English requires a minimum of 90 hours, including any credited from prior graduate work. Students must fulfill the requirements for one of the three concentrations (Creative Writing, Literary History, or Rhetoric and Composition). The Director of Graduate Studies will determine which specific courses may fulfill each requirement category.

The programā€™s small seminars, which consist of both M.A. and Ph.D. students, provide a friendly and supportive atmosphere, with students receiving ample personal attention. Doctoral students will take six courses in Rhetoric and Composition, including seminars and teaching apprenticeships. Rhetoric & Composition students also take classes in critical theory, literary history, and creative writing.

Many students also earn certificates in Womenā€™s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies or in TESOL.

Culminating Experience

All students complete a dissertation, a book-length manuscript typically at least 200 pages in length, and defend their work to a committee of faculty members both within and outside of the department. A minimum of 6 dissertation hours (ENG 8950) is required and a maximum of 45 dissertation hours (ENG 8950) may count toward degree requirements.

Rhetoric & Composition Ph.D. Exam Sequence

Examination for Rhetoric & Composition

English Doctoral Dissertation Prospectus and Defense

The Rhetoric & Composition Ph.D. process takes students through a structured program to insure that they are prepared for participation in the broader community of Rhetoric & Composition on a national and, increasingly, international scale. For this reason we have three examinations:

• First is a written, comprehensive exam that faculty recommend students take at the beginning of the third year, but must be taken by the beginning of the fourth year. This exam asks students to read and synthesize one decade of three different professional journals. Students then write three essays tracing the development of an important issue through each one of the journals.
• Second is an oral exam on the dissertation prospectus that must be taken within six months of the written exam.
• The final exam is an oral defense of the studentā€™s dissertation.

Teaching Assistantships

Financial Aid & Teaching Assistantships for Graduate Students

Nearly all Rhetoric & Composition graduate students receive funding in the form of teaching assistantships, with additional fellowships available for select doctoral students. 51ĀŅĀ× has a tiered composition program in which undergraduates take a first-year composition course followed by an advanced composition course in the junior or senior year. All TAs begin their careers by teaching ENG 1510 using a curriculum. TAs also have the opportunity to teach advanced composition courses, including Women and Writing, Writing and Rhetoric II, Professional Writing and Rhetoric, and Writing about Sustainability.

Professional Development

The program offers teaching associates a variety of teaching and related professional development opportunities. Advanced TAs have the opportunity to develop their administrative abilities as Assistant Director of Composition or Assistant Director of the Student Writing Center. Writing tutoring positions also may be available.

The department brings in nationally recognized scholars in the field, such as Peter Elbow, Lester Faigley, Keith Gilyard, Richard Lanham, Kate Ronald, Victor Villanueva, Jonathan Alexander, Heidi McKee, Cynthia Selfe, Richard Selfe, Ann Francis Wysocki, Doug Downs, and Nancy Sommers.

Ready for the Next Step?

Contact the Director

Graduate Director: Dr. Jeremy Webster