PhD English Literature

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in literature program at ASU promotes the study of the production, distribution and reception of texts, of their linguistic, rhetorical and literary structures and functions, and of internal and external forces that create literature.While catalog offerings reflect a chronological approach with emphasis on biography, history and aesthetic appreciation, content and methodology in these courses vary. Modes of inquiry include both traditional and recent critical approaches to literary studies; many courses explore issues relating to gender, class, race and ethnicity. This flexibility allows the juxtaposition of high cultural with low cultural texts and the traditional canon with neglected texts.The program prepares students for entrance into the profession as both teachers and scholars.