literature

The Literature program at the University of Notre Dame offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of literary history, theory, and Criticism. This undergraduate major is designed to cultivate analytical, interpretive, and writing skills through the study of a diverse range of texts from different periods, genres, and cultural contexts. Students engage with classical and contemporary works in English and other languages, developing a nuanced understanding of literary movements, themes, and techniques.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to explore major authors and movements, analyze poetic, narrative, and dramatic texts, and understand the social, political, and philosophical contexts that shape literary production. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, critical thinking, and research skills, preparing students for a variety of careers including education, publishing, journalism, law, and graduate studies.

The department also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, philosophy, cultural studies, and other fields, allowing students to develop a well-rounded perspective on literature’s role in society. Students can partake in seminars, workshops, and research projects that enhance their interpretation and analytical skills.

Notre Dame’s Literature program also emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad programs, and engagement with local literary communities. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty scholars who are active researchers in their fields. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or professional careers where literary literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential. Overall, the program aims to produce informed, articulate, and culturally aware individuals capable of contributing thoughtfully to academic, professional, and cultural discourses.

The program requires its students to complete a minimum of 51 credit hours from regular graduate courses. During their first three semesters students are required to take the program’s two basic courses: (a) the course in literary and critical theory and (b) a course in literature that exemplifies transnational and/or interdisciplinary approaches to literary studies. Courses that fulfill the latter requirement will be defined by the program director.

Every student in the PhD in Literature program must be registered for a minimum of nine credits per semester.All students are also required to take two courses in disciplines other than literature, such as philosophy and theology, which enable them to understand the historical disciplines that have shaped the way we talk and think about literature.

Additionally, students are required to fulfill three credits in the area of professional development. In the first year, students will enroll in the course “Learning the Profession” (LTP). Students may opt to take this course on an S/U basis, in which case the credits earned will not count towards the 51 credits of coursework required by the program. The content of this course will include preparation for entering professions in academia and will also discuss other career options. This course will also provide a forum for students entering the job market to practice their job talk and other critical skills.All students in the Ph.D. in Literature Program are expected to be able to read and conduct research in English and at least two other languages. Any of these languages may be defined as the primary language. If the language of the major area of study is English, then near-native competence must be demonstrated in the secondary languages.The Ph.D. Candidacy examination must be successfully completed by no later than the end of the third year—and preferably earlier. It consists of a written and an oral component.The dissertation proposal must also be submitted and approved before the end of the third year of study, at the very latest.

Incoming students begin studies in the fall semester. Students applying to enter in the fall should have complete dossiers on file with Notre Dame’s Office of Graduate Admissions no later thanFebruary 1.

Dossiers should include:

1. Complete and electronically submit the online application form

2. Submit the application fee ($75) by credit card, check, or money order using the payment system associated with the online application. 

3. Transcripts are to be uploaded in the application system.

4. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted through the online recommendation system associated with the online application.

5. Arrange for submission of official Graduate Record examination (GRE) General Test scores

6. Submit a curriculum vitae/resume through the online application.

7. Submit through the online application. Two writing samples that demonstrate the applicant’s skills in writing, analysis, literary research, and proficiency in foreign language(s):

A) English paper (literary theory or criticism);

B) Foreign language paper demonstrating facility in examining literature in an untranslated text.

8. Submit a Statement of Intent through the online application system
In the Statement of Intent, applicants should describe their areas of interest, the fields they intend to specialize in, foreign language(s) they intend to study, and preferably the faculty they would like to work.

9. International/Non-native English Speakers:

• If you are taking the TOEFL IBT, then the minimum score is a total of 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
• If you are taking the IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0

For the 2015–2016 academic year, Notre Dame’s standard stipend for doctoral students is $19,000 on a nine-month basis for humanities and social science students.The University offers a number of select fellowships that provide higher levels of support—up to $37,500/year—and full health care coverage.

All students who are accepted into doctoral programs at Notre Dame will be considered automatically for these fellowships. Selection of Fellows is competitive and based on nominations from the admitting departments:

Premier Fellowships:

• The Richard and Peggy Notebaert Premier Fellowships
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend of $30,000 to $37,500, according to program, on a 12-month basis for up to six years
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost
  • Priority in accessing professional development funds

Presidential Fellowships:

• Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Fellowships in Science and Engineering
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend of $32,500 on a 12-month basis for up to five years
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

• Clare Boothe Luce Fellowships for Women in Science and Engineering
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend of $32,500 on a 12-month basis for up to five years
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

• University Presidential Fellowships in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend of $26,000 on a 12-month basis for up to five years
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

• Voll Family Presidential Fellowships in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend of $26,000 on a 12-month basis for up to five years
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

Exchange Fellowships

• Naughton Fellowships
  • Full tuition to one of four Universities in Ireland
  • Stipend of US$20,000

Special Fellowships:

• Kinesis – Fernández Richards Family Fellowships
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend for doctoral students of $24,000 to $30,000, according to program, on a 12-month basis for up to five years;
  • Stipend for master’s students of $16,000 on a 12-month basis
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

• Gaia Fellowships
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend of $26,000 on a 12-month basis for up to five years
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

• Deans’ Fellowships
  • Full tuition
  • Stipend for incoming doctoral students of $24,000 to $28,000, depending on program, on a 12-month basis for up to five years
  • Stipend for master’s students of $15,000 on a 9-month basis
  • Full coverage of the University’s health insurance premium cost

• Mellon Fellows in Religion
  • Summer stipend support for continuing students only

The Ph.D. in Literature program at Notre Dame would like to announce that for Fall 2016 admissions, we will only be accepting applications in two areas, Spanish and Italian