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• Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

UCSD Literature PhD Question

By caught_between October 16, 2009 in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

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caught_between

Hello All -

I had a question about UCSD's Literature PhD program. I just recently decided that I would like to apply for the PhD program, and I live in San Diego, so I thought an obvious choice would be UCSD. Their graduate Literature program is listed as #41 out of 100 on US News & World Report. However, their admission standards do not seem to be very stringent. On their website, their qualifications are as follows:

Minimum 3.0 GPA

GRE scores (scores for the general test only. Scores must be from an exam you have taken within the past three years.)

TOEFL score (if you are an international student)

Working knowledge of a second language and its literature

25 page writing sample (minimum) - multiple samples totaling at least 25 pages acceptable

3 letters of recommendation (minimum)

When browsing the FAQs, I also discovered that they do not require the GRE Analytical and they also do not require a bachelor's degree in literature, english, etc (although, of course, having taken some of these upper level courses is advisable). This sounds kind of strange to me because San Diego State University (SDSU) requires both the GRE Analytical AND at least 24 s.h. of upper division lit/english courses - all this just for their master's program. Is UCSD below average in terms of acceptance standards, or is this typical of PhD vs. Masters?

To give you an idea of my stats, they are fairly average. I will graduate in May 2010 with my bachelor's degree in business with a minor in english, with an expected GPA of 3.25. I will have 3-4 solid letters of recommendation and have a good pool of writing samples to submit. On the SATs (many years ago) I got a 650v. I know the GRE is much different, but just to give you an idea since I haven't taken a standardized test since then. As far as the language requirement, I am conversational in Spanish and am average at being able to read it. I am not familiar with Spanish lit, but I'm sure within the timeframe of May 2010 and August 2011 (when I would presumably begin the program), I could become more fluent and familiar with the lit. Does it sound like I have a chance at admission to the program?

Thanks much,

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Hello All - I had a question about UCSD's Literature PhD program. I just recently decided that I would like to apply for the PhD program, and I live in San Diego, so I thought an obvious choice would be UCSD. Their graduate Literature program is listed as #41 out of 100 on US News & World Report. However, their admission standards do not seem to be very stringent. On their website, their qualifications are as follows: Minimum 3.0 GPA GRE scores (scores for the general test only. Scores must be from an exam you have taken within the past three years.) TOEFL score (if you are an international student) Working knowledge of a second language and its literature 25 page writing sample (minimum) - multiple samples totaling at least 25 pages acceptable 3 letters of recommendation (minimum) When browsing the FAQs, I also discovered that they do not require the GRE Analytical and they also do not require a bachelor's degree in literature, english, etc (although, of course, having taken some of these upper level courses is advisable). This sounds kind of strange to me because San Diego State University (SDSU) requires both the GRE Analytical AND at least 24 s.h. of upper division lit/english courses - all this just for their master's program. Is UCSD below average in terms of acceptance standards, or is this typical of PhD vs. Masters? To give you an idea of my stats, they are fairly average. I will graduate in May 2010 with my bachelor's degree in business with a minor in english, with an expected GPA of 3.25. I will have 3-4 solid letters of recommendation and have a good pool of writing samples to submit. On the SATs (many years ago) I got a 650v. I know the GRE is much different, but just to give you an idea since I haven't taken a standardized test since then. As far as the language requirement, I am conversational in Spanish and am average at being able to read it. I am not familiar with Spanish lit, but I'm sure within the timeframe of May 2010 and August 2011 (when I would presumably begin the program), I could become more fluent and familiar with the lit. Does it sound like I have a chance at admission to the program? Thanks much, Sarah

This season is going to be tough and financially tight. The UC just underwent some serious budget cuts, staff losses, etc. So, here is my advice: If you have the time and money (app fees aren't cheap) to put into this application, you might as well do it. However, you must remember that you'll be competing with more people for fewer spots. Among the people with whom you'll compete are people who already possess BA's and MA's in Literature (whether English, comp lit, comp and rhet, etc). Of these, many will have substantially high GRE scores and GPAs. Writing samples include items such as a few essays (when they say 25 pages cumulative, don't submit more than two papers totaling 25 pages. Go for two papers of around 12-15 pages in length, since you probably won't have a min. 25 page paper on a lit. specific topic as an English minor). Also, in regards to your language ability, they don't look for conversational fluency, they're looking for literacy. So, you would have to convince them that you can read Spanish texts fairly well. Of course, they'll admit people whose language skills need work, but that's usually because those individuals had stellar applications.

Remember that applying takes a lot of time, and the fee can be pricey. I'm not totally discouraging you, but you should find out what they average GPA's and GRE scores of prior applicants were. If you could find out how many entered with a non-humanities bachelor's degree, that might be more telling as to their flexibility.

joeygiraldo

This season is going to be tough and financially tight. The UC just underwent some serious budget cuts, staff losses, etc. So, here is my advice: If you have the time and money (app fees aren't cheap) to put into this application, you might as well do it. However, you must remember that you'll be competing with more people for fewer spots. Among the people with whom you'll compete are people who already possess BA's and MA's in Literature (whether English, comp lit, comp and rhet, etc). Of these, many will have substantially high GRE scores and GPAs. Writing samples include items such as a few essays (when they say 25 pages cumulative, don't submit more than two papers totaling 25 pages. Go for two papers of around 12-15 pages in length, since you probably won't have a min. 25 page paper on a lit. specific topic as an English minor). Also, in regards to your language ability, they don't look for conversational fluency, they're looking for literacy. So, you would have to convince them that you can read Spanish texts fairly well. Of course, they'll admit people whose language skills need work, but that's usually because those individuals had stellar applications. Remember that applying takes a lot of time, and the fee can be pricey. I'm not totally discouraging you, but you should find out what they average GPA's and GRE scores of prior applicants were. If you could find out how many entered with a non-humanities bachelor's degree, that might be more telling as to their flexibility.

This thread makes me laugh.

UCSD's program in Literature is highly, HIGHLY selective. Esp. the language requirements (dig deeper into that site, please).

My friend who just got accepted into there is from Belgium. He is fluent in 3 languages (with working knowledge of a fourth), and has TWO Master's: he has a M.A. from Antwerp in Germanic Languages, and an M.A. from SUNY in Comparative Literature (he was my classmate). For one of his classes, he wrote a 45 page final essay just for the hell of it (it wasn't a thesis).

That's the type of competition you are going up against.

This thread makes me laugh. UCSD's program in Literature is highly, HIGHLY selective. Esp. the language requirements (dig deeper into that site, please). My friend who just got accepted into there is from Belgium. He is fluent in 3 languages (with working knowledge of a fourth), and has TWO Master's: he has a M.A. from Antwerp in Germanic Languages, and an M.A. from SUNY in Comparative Literature (he was my classmate). For one of his classes, he wrote a 45 page final essay just for the hell of it (it wasn't a thesis). That's the type of competition you are going up against.

Thanks for the head's up. The deepest I can dig into the site regarding the language requirement is the FAQ section, which states the following:

I do not speak a foreign language. Can I start studying one once I get into the Program?

Once you are in the program, it is very difficult to start learning a language. Learning a language requires many hours of study, and you run the risk of getting behind in the program.

What is the language requirement for the PhD program?

Students entering UCSD's Ph.D. program are expected to demonstrate a graduate-level working knowledge of a language other than that of their specialization.  For French, German, Spanish and Italian, this is generally construed to mean at least two years of undergraduate study; for Latin and Greek, at least three years; for Chinese, at least four years. Ph.D. students are required to take at least two seminars in a language other than that of their intended specialization. (The Comparative Literature section requires seminars or the equivalent in two foreign languages). Competence in reading, understanding, and interpreting both literary and critical texts in a second language, and --when appropriate--ability to follow seminar discussions or lectures in a second or third language must be demonstrated by the end of the sixth quarter of study.

These guidelines did not seem particulary stringent or selective to me. I'm not saying that they aren't, I'm just saying I didn't interpret it to be so. As I said, I am already average in Spanish, and in 1.5 years time (from the time I finish my bachelor's to the time I would begin the program), I'm sure I could become fluent and familiar with the literature, if I apply myself. I do not intend to major in Comparative Lit; I intend to major in English Lit. Thus, fluency would be required in only one other language, which would be Spanish.

Another FAQ that caused me to be dubious about their selectivity is the following:

Do I need a BA in Literature to apply to the Graduate Program?



You do not need a BA in Literature, but most of our students have a strong background in Literature, Theory, and/or Cultural Studies. It would be to your advantage to take classes in Literature before you apply.

Perhaps they are simply being "nice", but saying something to the effect of "it would be to your advantage" to have taken one or two Literature classes in the past didn't seem like particularly harsh admission requirements. Also, they don't require the GRE Lit Analytical, which I don't understand. Wouldn't a highly selective school at least require that? I have admitted I am a newbie to this entire process, so I don't mean to offend or come off with an attitude, I am simply asking because I am unfamiliar with the process.

Thanks for the head's up. The deepest I can dig into the site regarding the language requirement is the FAQ section, which states the following: I do not speak a foreign language. Can I start studying one once I get into the Program? Once you are in the program, it is very difficult to start learning a language. Learning a language requires many hours of study, and you run the risk of getting behind in the program. What is the language requirement for the PhD program? Students entering UCSD's Ph.D. program are expected to demonstrate a graduate-level working knowledge of a language other than that of their specialization.  For French, German, Spanish and Italian, this is generally construed to mean at least two years of undergraduate study; for Latin and Greek, at least three years; for Chinese, at least four years. Ph.D. students are required to take at least two seminars in a language other than that of their intended specialization. (The Comparative Literature section requires seminars or the equivalent in two foreign languages). Competence in reading, understanding, and interpreting both literary and critical texts in a second language, and --when appropriate--ability to follow seminar discussions or lectures in a second or third language must be demonstrated by the end of the sixth quarter of study. These guidelines did not seem particulary stringent or selective to me. I'm not saying that they aren't, I'm just saying I didn't interpret it to be so. As I said, I am already average in Spanish, and in 1.5 years time (from the time I finish my bachelor's to the time I would begin the program), I'm sure I could become fluent and familiar with the literature, if I apply myself. I do not intend to major in Comparative Lit; I intend to major in English Lit. Thus, fluency would be required in only one other language, which would be Spanish. Another FAQ that caused me to be dubious about their selectivity is the following: Do I need a BA in Literature to apply to the Graduate Program?

 You do not need a BA in Literature, but most of our students have a strong background in Literature, Theory, and/or Cultural Studies. It would be to your advantage to take classes in Literature before you apply. Perhaps they are simply being "nice", but saying something to the effect of "it would be to your advantage" to have taken one or two Literature classes in the past didn't seem like particularly harsh admission requirements. Also, they don't require the GRE Lit Analytical, which I don't understand. Wouldn't a highly selective school at least require that? I have admitted I am a newbie to this entire process, so I don't mean to offend or come off with an attitude, I am simply asking because I am unfamiliar with the process. ~Sarah

I realize my post seemed a bit forward (sorry) and the tone was a little off. I'll just tell you facts: 1) My friend who got accepted into the program is one of the brightest people I know (smarter than me, yes), and the faculty in our previous grad program all agreed, and he is extremely lettered and knows many languages (all I'm saying here is this is the type of competition you'll be up against) and 2) UCSD's Literature program is not a traditional English program, but rather more of a Comparative Literature one (so thusly, I think even though they don't have specific language requirements on the site, I believe wholeheartedly that they expect serious language skills for admission).

Another FAQ that caused me to be dubious about their selectivity is the following: Do I need a BA in Literature to apply to the Graduate Program?

 You do not need a BA in Literature, but most of our students have a strong background in Literature, Theory, and/or Cultural Studies. It would be to your advantage to take classes in Literature before you apply. Perhaps they are simply being "nice", but saying something to the effect of "it would be to your advantage" to have taken one or two Literature classes in the past didn't seem like particularly harsh admission requirements.

This means nothing. I know someone currently at a top PhD program in English, TAing for a top professor in the field (and by "top professor," I mean Rock Star Tippity-Top Professor). His BA is in biology.

Also, they don't require the GRE Lit Analytical, which I don't understand. Wouldn't a highly selective school at least require that?

This doesn't mean anything, either. U Chicago and Columbia also don't require the Eng. lit. subject GRE, and both are excellent programs. (Although, you wrote "GRE Lit Analytical" -- not sure what you mean? Do you mean the Analytical Writing section of the regular GRE, or the Lit subject GRE, or both?)

sonicsustain

Good for him, I guess. This doesn't really do much for the OP, though.

I think it does. I think it gives the OP some perspective on the strength of the types of applicants and accepted students there and demonstrates that the school does expect a lot more than they lead on on their website.

I do admit it was an awkward way of me to show all this, by telling the OP about my friend, but I'm sticking to it.

Thank you all for your information - I do really appreciate you taking the time to answer me and offer your advice and/or share your experience. It sounds to me like perhaps it would be best if I pursue my M.A. before applying to the Ph.D. programs. After all, this would give me a chance to really stand out amongst fellow applicants as well as work on my graduate-level foreign language requirement. My intention was to apply to both SDSU's M.A. program and UCSD's Ph.D. program in 2010 for Fall 2011 admission and see what happens.

I'm quite settled in San Diego at the moment, and so that is why I'm applying for admission only at San Diego schools. I have a good feeling that I will at the very least be accepted to SDSU's M.A. program, so not too worried about that. I realize, however, that in the future I will likely have to branch out. I'm just not ready yet to relocate as of yet, especially since my fiance and I are currently in the process of buying a house!

rising_star

What is the language requirement for the PhD program? Students entering UCSD's Ph.D. program are expected to demonstrate a graduate-level working knowledge of a language other than that of their specialization. For French, German, Spanish and Italian, this is generally construed to mean at least two years of undergraduate study; for Latin and Greek, at least three years; for Chinese, at least four years. Ph.D. students are required to take at least two seminars in a language other than that of their intended specialization. (The Comparative Literature section requires seminars or the equivalent in two foreign languages). Competence in reading, understanding, and interpreting both literary and critical texts in a second language, and --when appropriate--ability to follow seminar discussions or lectures in a second or third language must be demonstrated by the end of the sixth quarter of study. These guidelines did not seem particulary stringent or selective to me. I'm not saying that they aren't, I'm just saying I didn't interpret it to be so. As I said, I am already average in Spanish, and in 1.5 years time (from the time I finish my bachelor's to the time I would begin the program), I'm sure I could become fluent and familiar with the literature, if I apply myself. I do not intend to major in Comparative Lit; I intend to major in English Lit. Thus, fluency would be required in only one other language, which would be Spanish.

UCSD is basically a comparative literature program without the name. Though they don't say this explicitly, they're expecting applicants to have two non-English languages generally speaking. So you'd be taking graduate seminars not only through their department (which would be in English) and then graduate seminars in Spanish and possibly another department. And, FWIW, I know one of my friends who spent four years living and working in Mexico City found graduate seminars in Spanish challenging not only due to the volume of the reading but also the difficulty of reading things like literary criticism in another language.

Another FAQ that caused me to be dubious about their selectivity is the following: Do I need a BA in Literature to apply to the Graduate Program?

 You do not need a BA in Literature, but most of our students have a strong background in Literature, Theory, and/or Cultural Studies. It would be to your advantage to take classes in Literature before you apply. Perhaps they are simply being "nice", but saying something to the effect of "it would be to your advantage" to have taken one or two Literature classes in the past didn't seem like particularly harsh admission requirements. Also, they don't require the GRE Lit Analytical, which I don't understand. Wouldn't a highly selective school at least require that? I have admitted I am a newbie to this entire process, so I don't mean to offend or come off with an attitude, I am simply asking because I am unfamiliar with the process. ~Sarah

Of course you don't need a BA in literature to apply but if you don't have one, you'll need to convince the admissions committee of your ability to do graduate coursework in literature. Also, it's not common for comparative literature programs to require the English Lit GRE because it focuses on things that most comparative literature students (and faculty) do not.

Just so there's no doubt, UCSD is an incredibly selective PhD program and they also weed students out by flunking them on their comprehensive exams (so the competition doesn't end when you get in).

rising_star, thank you for your input! This gives me even better perspective.

• 1 year later...

Hello, I am a Pakistani college teacher with an MPhil in English literature and a Masters in ELT (English language teaching). I am interested in applying for a PhD in English at UCSD. I have four years of college teaching experience and good GPA's. My GRE score is 540 v 460 maths and 5.5 in AWA (not very good I know). Do i stand a chance for admission. (Please give honest feedback even if its discouraging) Plus, the languages I know besides English is Urdu (and a regional language Punjabi). I am interested in working on Asian/ South Asian literature basically. Is it a problem that i dont meet 2nd language requirements of most universities? I am confused because half the programmes talk about french, german and what not.... any feedback from a current UCSD student will be immensely useful.(I am intending to apply for 2012)

Thanks for the head's up. The deepest I can dig into the site regarding the language requirement is the FAQ section, which states the following: I do not speak a foreign language. Can I start studying one once I get into the Program? Once you are in the program, it is very difficult to start learning a language. Learning a language requires many hours of study, and you run the risk of getting behind in the program. What is the language requirement for the PhD program? Students entering UCSD's Ph.D. program are expected to demonstrate a graduate-level working knowledge of a language other than that of their specialization. For French, German, Spanish and Italian, this is generally construed to mean at least two years of undergraduate study; for Latin and Greek, at least three years; for Chinese, at least four years. Ph.D. students are required to take at least two seminars in a language other than that of their intended specialization. (The Comparative Literature section requires seminars or the equivalent in two foreign languages). Competence in reading, understanding, and interpreting both literary and critical texts in a second language, and --when appropriate--ability to follow seminar discussions or lectures in a second or third language must be demonstrated by the end of the sixth quarter of study. These guidelines did not seem particulary stringent or selective to me. I'm not saying that they aren't, I'm just saying I didn't interpret it to be so. As I said, I am already average in Spanish, and in 1.5 years time (from the time I finish my bachelor's to the time I would begin the program), I'm sure I could become fluent and familiar with the literature, if I apply myself. I do not intend to major in Comparative Lit; I intend to major in English Lit. Thus, fluency would be required in only one other language, which would be Spanish. Another FAQ that caused me to be dubious about their selectivity is the following: Do I need a BA in Literature to apply to the Graduate Program?

 You do not need a BA in Literature, but most of our students have a strong background in Literature, Theory, and/or Cultural Studies. It would be to your advantage to take classes in Literature before you apply. Perhaps they are simply being "nice", but saying something to the effect of "it would be to your advantage" to have taken one or two Literature classes in the past didn't seem like particularly harsh admission requirements. Also, they don't require the GRE Lit Analytical, which I don't understand. Wouldn't a highly selective school at least require that? I have admitted I am a newbie to this entire process, so I don't mean to offend or come off with an attitude, I am simply asking because I am unfamiliar with the process. ~Sarah

I think that they give low-end requirements for language study/undergrad major in their FAQ section in order to avoid discouraging exceptional but nontraditional applicants from applying. Those application requirements do not mean that they are likely to accept people with little language study or a non-English background; it just means that they theoretically could accept someone who showed great potential but lacked some of the standard preparation. As for the Literature GRE, if that is the test you are referring to, many schools are beginning to question its value as an indicator of graduate success. The fact that they do not require it does not mean they are not selective, but rather that they do not think of it as a useful tool. Many top programs do not require the test--Vanderbilt, Brown, Wisconsin, etc.

If you are trying to decide when to apply, however, I would not recommend making that decision based on whether you think you will get in. Instead, I would recommend making that decision based on whether or not you feel ready to commit to a PhD program at this point in your academic and personal life. In other words, do you have a clear idea of what you want to specialize in? Which scholars you would like to work with? Are you ready to live in one city for 5 to 7 years, supporting yourself with a graduate stipend? Are you willing to commit yourself to very serious and time-consuming study for 5-7 years, knowing that it is very difficult to get a job in academia even after successfully completing your PhD? If not, then go for the MA and use that as a time to develop your interests, better understand your own goals, and improve your application. If you do feel ready for the PhD, then do your research, find programs that are truly good fits, and don't let the possibility of not getting in stop you. Best of luck with the whole application process!

• wreckofthehope

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Graduate Program

Wiley blackwell publishes new rankings: , uc san diego philosophy department ranks in top 20 philosophy programs in the u.s..

The Department of Philosophy at UC San Diego boasts a highly distinguished faculty and an excellent PhD program, with roughly 42 full-time students in residence , in

• Science Studies (along with History, Communications, and Sociology), and
• Cognitive Science (along with Cognitive Science).

The faculty engage in research throughout a broad range of traditional and interdisciplinary topics, with special strengths in

• moral and political philosophy (metaethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law)
• history of philosophy (ancient, early modern, Kant)
• philosophy of mind and language (perception, cognitive science) and
• philosophy of science (physics, biology, ecology).

We take seriously our obligation to help produce the next generation of researchers and teachers in philosophy. Prospective students are encouraged to look over the information on faculty research and publications included under Areas of Study .

The Setting

UC San Diego is a  nationally acclaimed research university  spread out over 1,200 of the most scenic acres in America, much of it on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. UC San Diego ranks as among the top 20 best universities in the world ( U.S. News & World Report , 2016 Academic Ranking of Wold Universities released by the Center for World-Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong, and The Center for the World University Rankings). Graduate programs at UC San Diego continue to rank highly as noted in the 2016 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” guidebook. UC San Diego boasts an extraordinary array of Nobel laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and national academy members.

Diversity Statement

Our department seeks to do all it can to make philosophy an inclusive discipline. We understand the value that diversity brings to philosophical inquiry, and that the health of our profession depends on greater inclusion of under-represented groups. As a leading Ph.D. program, we play an important role in training and cultivating a diverse philosophical community. One of our most important goals is thus to recruit and sustain a diverse graduate student body .

To realize this goal, we

• encourage a full range of applicants with diverse backgrounds, for instance from two-year community colleges (especially in California), from colleges with traditionally underrepresented minorities, and from “non-elite” undergraduate institutions;
• provide financial support, academic assistance, and mentoring that reflects the diverse needs of a diverse population;
• strive for a curriculum that illustrates that a diverse group of philosophers have contributed in the past, and should contribute in the future to the richness of philosophy;
• continuously strive toward an environment of greater inclusion and respect through critical self-examination, paying due attention both to overt forms of prejudice or exclusion and to its subtler manifestations.

Graduate Class Size

In any given year, there are usually between 35 to 45 philosophy graduate students in residence, almost all of whom are full-time students.

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Staff contact.

Caroline Wells Graduate Program Coordinator Hours: Contact via email Email:  [email protected]

Faculty Contact

Kerry McKenzie Director of Graduate Studies Phone: (858) 534-2566 Email:  [email protected]

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• Secondary Language & Literature Requirement

In order to broaden their preparation, all students in Literature must undertake study of a secondary language.  The range of languages includes ASL, Classical Greek, Hebrew, Latin, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.  For those majoring in Spanish Literature, English is also an option. Students will satisfy this requirement by completing the lower-division course sequence in a second language, through the designated terminal lower-division course in that language as outlined below. Students should see an adviser to confirm the selection of the specific courses that will be taken to satisfy the secondary language & literature requirement.

I. The designated terminal course in each language

• American Sign Language: LISL 1E (see " Linguistics ")
• French: LTFR 2C (or LTFR 50, if taken prior to SU21)
• German: LTGM 2C
• Greek: LTGK 3
• Hebrew: JWSP 3 (see “ Jewish Studies ”)
• Italian: LTIT 50
• Korean: LTKO 2C (or LTKO 3, if taken prior to SU21)
• Latin: LTLA 3
• Russian: LTRU 2B
• Spanish: LTSP 2C  or  LTSP 2E (or LTSP 50A, 50B, or 50C, if taken prior to SU21)
• English: Any one of LTEN 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29

Intensive Track Option

The department also offers an   intensive   secondary language & literature track, which will be noted on the student’s transcript.  This track is encouraged for students who intend to attend graduate school or are interested in international careers.  In addition to the secondary language requirements above, students in the intensive track will complete at least two upper division literature course taught in the language they used to fulfill their secondary language requirement.  Students should consult with the faculty advisor for that language when choosing their upper division course for the intensive track.

Undergrad Advising

Current students must use the VAC (valid student PID required) or in-person advising. We cannot advise students via email or over the phone (to preserve student privacy standards).

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We will respond to questions Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.

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Walk-in advising is currently unavailable, but we will post updated hours/locations here (once available again). Please use the VAC.

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Administrative Office Literature Building, Room 130 (858) 534-4618

Graduate Office Literature Building, Rooms 115/139 (858) 534-3217

Undergraduate Office Literature Building, Room 110 (858) 534-3210

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

The Department of Literature at UC San Diego is unique both conceptually and structurally in that it combines all literary study in a single department, enabling students to concentrate on single-language or national literatures, while at the same time facilitating student engagement in dialogue across literatures and languages. The department also houses undergraduate and graduate study in the craft and theory of creative writing. The department brings together writers, teachers, scholars, and students of several different languages and literatures, uniting them by the nature of the studies they pursue. This lends a comparative aspect to both undergraduate and graduate programs, which lead to the bachelor of arts, master of fine arts, the candidate in philosophy, and doctor of philosophy degrees. All literature students require knowledge of a second language. Courses are offered not only in the literatures themselves but also in the theoretical aspects of literature and—often in cooperation with other departments—in the relationship of literary study to other disciplines such as philosophy, visual arts, music, sociology, history, psychology, linguistics, and communication. With special permission, undergraduates may take graduate courses for credit, and graduate students may also take undergraduate courses for credit.

The Mandeville Special Collections Library, located in the Geisel Library, offers the undergraduate and graduate literature student an excellent range of resources, including single-author collections, rare and out-of-print books, tapes, maps, and historical archives. Of special interest are the Southworth Collection of Spanish Civil War materials, the Hill Collection of South Pacific Voyages, the Don Cameron Allen Renaissance collection, and the Archive for New Poetry. Within the latter collection are an extensive series of single-author archives, including the papers of Paul Blackburn, Donald Allen, Lew Welch, Charles Reznikoff, Joanne Kyger, Jerome Rothenberg, and others. The Archive for New Poetry is one of the largest collections of contemporary poetry in the United States. Graduate students also have access, facilitated by travel grants, to all other University of California research collections.

Literature majors in languages are trained

• To write effectively, marshalling textual evidence in their engagement with complex and diverse ideas.
• To read texts and other cultural productions in a nuanced manner, sensitive to factors of historical context and aesthetic form.
• To develop a critical vocabulary and framework that will promote and facilitate their engagement with texts.
• To work at an advanced level in a second language/literature.
• To read, evaluate, and apply secondary sources to their analyses of primary texts.
• To develop a lifelong appreciation of the subtleties of cultural texts and the ongoing need to engage with and evaluate their meanings.

Literature majors in writing are trained

• To write clear expository prose.
• To produce original works of fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.
• To demonstrate in-depth familiarity with the literary history of their chosen genre, including canonical and alternative texts across some breadth of time.
• To develop a critical vocabulary for understanding, discussing, and evaluating literary techniques and aesthetic arguments while honing editorial skills.
• To become active, sophisticated, articulate consumers and producers of a variety of texts.

Careers for Literature Majors

Literature majors develop skills and perspectives that prepare them for careers in education and numerous other professions. The writing, analytical, and cultural breadth of majors makes them attractive as preparation for professional schools as well as advanced graduate studies. A degree in literature provides a strong background for the LSAT and law school. Medical schools seek out students who are prepared not only in the sciences, but also in the humanities and writing. The business world seeks college-trained English majors, and international corporations actively recruit students with a specialty in French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish. Literature majors’ skills also prepare them for work in advertising, editing, publishing, journalism, communications, mass media, and other professions where writers and editors are in demand. The knowledge of a second language and culture provides literature majors with a decided career advantage.

Secondary School English Teaching

The literature department offers an excellent preparation for teaching English/ESL in secondary schools. Suggested majors include World Literature and Culture, Literatures in English, and Literature/Writing. If you are interested in receiving a California teaching credential from UC San Diego, contact Education Studies (EDS) for information about prerequisites and professional preparation requirements. Please consult EDS and the Department of Literature early in your academic career to plan an appropriate literature curriculum.

The Undergraduate Program

The major in literature.

There are four majors available to students within the Department of Literature: Literatures in English, Literatures in Spanish, World Literature and Culture, and Literature/Writing. Requirements vary from major to major as described below. Once a student has decided upon a major in literature, he or she is required to meet regularly with an adviser in the Department of Literature. Worksheets defining major requirements are available in the literature undergraduate office to help students organize their course work.

All departmental courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the literature major, including courses in the secondary literature, must be taken for a letter grade. No grade below C– is acceptable for a course taken in the major.

At least six of the upper-division courses for the major, including a minimum of four in the primary literature, must be taken at UC San Diego.

Lower-Division Preparation

Lower-division requirements vary, depending on the literature major in which the student elects to concentrate. However, the department strongly recommends that, as part of the first-year/sophomore course work, students who have chosen or are considering a major in literature begin an appropriate lower-division language sequence in the Departments of Linguistics or Literature. All literature majors require knowledge of a second language.

Secondary Language and Literature

The terminal course for each secondary language is as follows: American Sign Language 1E; French (LTFR) 50; German (LTGM) 2C; Hebrew (JUDA) 3 (see “ Jewish Studies ”); Italian (LTIT) 50; Greek (LTGK) 3; Latin (LTLA) 3; Russian (LTRU) 2B; Spanish (LTSP), choice of 50A, 50B, or 50C. For literatures in Spanish majors, English (LTEN), choice of 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29. Alternative secondary languages are subject to approval and petition.

Intensive Track Option

The department also offers an intensive secondary language and literature track, which will be noted on the student’s transcript. This track is encouraged for students who intend to attend graduate school or are interested in international careers. In addition to the secondary language requirements above, students in the intensive track will complete at least two upper-division literature courses taught in the language used to fulfill their secondary language requirement. Students should consult with the faculty adviser for that language when choosing their upper-division course for the intensive track.

Writing Component in Literature Courses

It is the departmental expectation that students in lower-division courses will write a minimum of 2,500 words per course. In upper-division courses the minimum requirement is 4,000 words per course.

Honors Program

The department offers a special program of advanced study for outstanding undergraduates majoring in literature. Admission to this program requires an overall GPA of 3.5, a literature major GPA of 3.7, and enrollment in one of the literature capstone courses (LTWR 194 for writing majors and LTWL 194 for all other majors) at the beginning of the senior year. During fall quarter, students meeting these requirements will be invited to participate in the Honors Program. Interested students who anticipate that they will not meet the established criteria may petition to participate in the program. During the winter quarter of their senior year, all honors students will write their theses (LT__ 196), under the supervision of a faculty member who specializes in the literature of the student’s primary concentration. The Honors Program concludes with each student presenting his or her thesis at the Honors Program conference (within the department). Students from this program will also be recommended for the Burckhardt and Williams Prizes, which are awarded for outstanding achievement in the literature major. The capstone course and thesis course may be applied toward the primary concentration in the literature major, if applicable.

Special Studies

These upper-division independent study opportunities are intended for advanced students, able to work on their own, and interested in a topic not normally covered by departmental offerings.

Students with upper-division standing, a departmental GPA of at least 3.0, an overall GPA of at least 2.5, and completion of lower-division prerequisites in the subject, are eligible to take special studies courses (198s and 199s). Those not satisfying these criteria may, with justification supported by the proposed special studies instructor, petition for an exception to the regulation. 198s and 199s require at least 4,000 words of writing or an equivalent project as determined by the instructor. Information and Special Studies Enrollment forms are available in the literature undergraduate office. Enrollment requires departmental approval. Special studies courses may not be taken for a grade. These courses may not be used to satisfy upper-division requirements for majors or minors.

Study Abroad

Study abroad can significantly enhance a student’s major, particularly in ways in which it relates to international issues. Literature students are encouraged to study abroad before their senior year. Students who take Education Abroad Program or Opportunities Abroad Program (EAP/OAP) courses in a country appropriate to their major may use up to five upper-division courses to satisfy major requirements and up to three toward a minor. These must be approved by the department after they have been entered on the student’s official record at UC San Diego. The approval process is described in a handout on receiving transfer credit, available in the Literature Undergraduate Office. Before leaving to study abroad, students should meet with an adviser to identify which EAP courses are appropriate to fulfill the major or minor requirements.

Information on EAP/OAP is given in the “ Education Abroad Program ” section of the UC San Diego General Catalog . Interested students should contact the Study Abroad UC San Diego Office in the International Center and visit its website at http://studyabroad.ucsd.edu/ . Financial aid can be used for EAP/OAP study, and special study-abroad scholarships are also available.

Individual Programs

Literatures in English

Literatures in Spanish

World Literature and Culture

Literature/Writing

Individual Program Requirements

Literatures in english major.

• Six lower-division courses:
• LTEN 21, 22, 23, 25, and 26
• One of the following: LTEN 27, 28, or 29
• Eight upper-division courses from literatures in English offerings, including a course from each of the following four a–d categories:
• British Literature before 1660
• British Literature after 1660
• US Literature before 1860
• US Literature after 1860
• One upper-division course in the history of criticism or in literary/cultural theory and methods from among the following: LTTH 110; LTTH 115; or LTCS 100.
• Three upper-division courses in comparative breadth, consisting of the following:
• One course in Literatures of the Americas (LTAM)
• One course in Literatures of Europe (LTEU)
• One elective course from Literatures of Africa (LTAF), Literatures of the Americas (LTAM), Literatures of East Asia (LTEA), Literatures of Europe (LTEU), or Literatures of the World (LTWL)
• At least one course in a secondary language or literature; that is, a course taught in a language other than English. See “ Secondary Language and Literature ” above.

Literatures in Spanish Major

• Two lower-division Spanish literature courses from below:
• LTSP 50A. Peninsular Literature
• LTSP 50B. Latin American Literature
• LTSP 50C. Latin American Literature
• Nine upper-division courses as follows:
• One course in Spanish Peninsular literature or Latin American literature before 1900, as follows:
• Spanish Peninsular literature LTSP 100, 107, 115, 119AB, 119C, 122, or the following topics course when the topic is pre-twentieth-century literature: LTSP 123
• Latin American literature before 1900: LTSP 116, 135A, or any of the following regional, genre, or topics courses when the topic is pre-twentieth-century literature: LTSP 134, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141, 142, 171, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178
• Seven additional upper-division courses in Spanish, Latin American, and/or Chicano literature (taught in Spanish)
• At least one course in a secondary language or literature; that is, a course taught in a language other than Spanish. See “ Secondary Language and Literature ” above.
• Upper-division electives from Department of Literature offerings, whether in Spanish or in another literature, to make a total of twelve upper-division courses.

Students majoring in Spanish can choose to concentrate on either Spanish or Latin American literature. All students, however, are encouraged to take courses in the various national literatures as well as in Chicano literature for a broad background in Spanish language literatures.

Students not having a solid linguistic base in Spanish are advised to take intermediate language courses from the LTSP 2 and 50 sequences for additional review of Spanish grammar, development of writing skills, and introduction to literary analysis. Only LTSP 50A and either 50B or 50C, however, can count toward the major.

World Literature and Culture Major

World Literature and Culture allows students to design an intellectually rigorous plan of courses with the flexibility to explore multiple areas of interest. Four broad options are possible: 1) focus on a single non-Anglophone language, literature, and culture; 2) focus on literature and culture of a historical period prior to 1800; 3) focus on the literature and culture of a geographical region (for example, Europe, the Americas, East Asia, Africa, or the Near East); 4) focus on cultural production in a variety of media, including courses on film and television, digital media, and music, as well as courses on the history of the book and translation.

In all of its variants, the World Literature and Culture major aims to provide students with broad cultural literacy and critical thinking skills—in language, literature, visual media, social practices, and theories of interpretation—which are basic, necessary cornerstones of a humanities education. The undergraduate major in World Literature and Culture seeks to develop literacy in a range of traditional and modern cultural forms (literature, film, and the visual arts) and methods for interpreting these cultural forms in a way that will prepare students to engage with a society whose literature and culture is, and will become increasingly, diverse, international, and multilingual.

Lower division (three courses):

All World Literature and Culture majors are required to complete a sequence of three lower-division courses.* 

There are many ways to fulfill this requirement, including: 

LTCS 50, 52, and a third course selected from LTEN 25, 26, 27, 28, 29; LTWL 4A-B-C-D-F-M; TWS 21-22-23-24-25-26; or LTWL 19A-B-C.

Or: a three-course sequence in literature chosen from any section in literature. For example, students can take a yearlong sequence of intermediate language courses: LTFR 2A-B-C or 50; LTGM 2A-B-C; LTGK 1, 2, 3; LTIT 2A-B, 50; LTKO 2A-B-C; LTLA 1, 2, 3; LTRU 2A-B; LTSP 2A-B-C and/or LTSP 50A-B-C. 

Students can also combine courses in an original national language/literature with courses in translation to satisfy this requirement, such as LTFR 2A-B plus LTWL 4A (Film and Fiction in Twentieth-Century Societies: French).

Students may also use either the Revelle College Humanities sequence (HUM 1–5), Eleanor Roosevelt College’s Making of the Modern World (MMW 1–6), Marshall College’s Dimension of Culture (DOC 1–3), or Sixth College’s Culture, Art, and Technology sequence (CAT 1–3) to satisfy the lower-division sequence for the World Literature and Culture major.

*Courses not listed in the examples above may be petitioned for credit. Please see an academic adviser.

• Upper division (twelve courses):
• Upper-Division Concentration: Students may choose one concentration from the options below. Double concentrations are not permitted. (Choose a minimum of six courses, maximum of nine courses):
• Language : Focus on literary and cultural production in a single non-Anglophone language.
• Course Options:
• Chinese: LTCH 100–190
• French: LTFR 100–190
• German: LTGM 100–190
• Greek: LTGK 100–190
• Italian: LTIT 100–190
• Korean: LTKO 100–190
• Latin: LTLA 100–190
• Russian: LTRU 100–190
• Spanish: LTSP 100–190
• Any languages or courses not listed above must be petitioned through the department.
• History : This concentration focuses on literature written prior to 1800.
• Course Options: LTEN 107, 110, 112, 113, 117, 120, 138; LTFR 121, 122; LTGK 100–190; LTIT 115; LTLA 100–190; LTEA 110A; LTEU 105; LTWL 100, 106, 110B, 111, 158A
• Media : Includes courses on film and television, digital media, and music as well as courses on the history of the book and translation.
• Course Options: LTCS 108, 119, 132, 170, 172, 173; LTEN 155, LTGM 134; LTAF 120; LTEA 120A-B-C, 138, 142; LTWL 134, 144, 157, 159, 180, 181, 183, 184
• Region : Focus on non-Anglophone literature and cultural production of a single region such as Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Mediterranean, or Europe. Other regional concentrations can be petitioned.
• Africa: LTAF 100–190
• The Americas: LTAM 100–190; LTEN 152, 154, 155, 156, 158, 159, 169, 171, 172, 174, 175A-B, 176, 180, 181, 183, 185, 186, 188; LTSP 116, 130B, 133, 134, 135A, 135B, 136, 137, 138, 140, 141, 142, 150A-B, 151, 154, 159, 160, 162, 166, 170, 171, 172
• Asia: LTEA 100–190; LTCH 100–190; LTKO 100–190
• The Mediterranean: LTEU 105, 140, 145, 146; LTGK 100–190; LTLA 100–190; LTIT 100–190; LTFR 100–190; LTSP 100, 119C, 122, 123, 129, 130A; LTWL 106, 158A-B-C
• Europe: LTEU 100–190; LTFR 100–190; LTGM 100–190; LTGK 100–190; LTIT 100–190; LTLA 100–190; LTRU 100–190; LTSP 100, 119C, 122, 123, 129, 130A; LTWL 106, 111, 166
• Any region or courses not listed above must be petitioned through the department.
• Three upper-division courses in comparative breadth, comprised of the following:
• One elective course from Literatures of Africa (LTAF), Literatures of the Americas (LTAM), Literatures of East Asia (LTEA), Literatures in English (LTEN), Literatures of Europe (LTEU), or Literatures of the World (LTWL)
• The remaining upper-division electives, to total twelve upper-division courses can be from any literature subject.
• At least one course in a secondary language or literature; that is, a course taught in a language different from that of the primary literature. See “ Secondary Language and Literature ” above.

Literature/Writing Major

The writing major is designed to provide direct experience in writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as engage the student writer in both the world of “writing culture”—public readings, publication, and the media—and literary theory and practical critique. An indispensable feature of this program is that it engages students with one another’s work, both critically and communally. Writing majors will move through a sequence of courses within (and between) genres in order to develop their own style and confidence in the work of writing and critique. Students who are interested in teaching writing will find this major an opportunity both for writing extensively and dealing critically with the act of written composition. The major requirements are as follows:

• LTWR 8A, 8B, and 8C.
• Three lower-division courses:
• Any two of the following: LTEN 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29; TWS 21, 22, 23, 25, 26
• Twelve upper-division courses:
• Six upper-division courses in Literature/Writing from the writing workshop sequence (LTWR 100–129). These workshops may be repeated for credit (see course listing for number of times workshops may be repeated), but the requirement should show a range of writing experience in at least two major writing types. No other courses may be substituted for this basic requirement of six upper-division workshops.
• One course from the group numbered LTWR 140–148.
• Two upper-division electives chosen from Department of Literature offerings, excluding LTWR 100–148 courses.
• At least one course in a secondary language or literature; that is, a course taught in a language other than English. See “ Secondary Language and Literature ” above.

Double Major within the Department of Literature in Literature/Writing and Another Literature

Students who wish to major both in Literature/Writing and in literature (any section) should see the department for information regarding appropriate double major requirements. Generally, all requirements for each major must be completed, though the secondary language and literature course(s) and two upper-division courses, where appropriate, may overlap from one major to the other.

Students must submit a double major petition for approval by the department and the student’s provost office.

The Minor in Literature

The department offers a wide range of possibilities for noncontiguous minors. The options include courses in a single regional or national literature, courses in more than one literature, and a combination of language and literature courses. The minors require seven courses. All courses taken to complete a literature minor must be taken for a letter grade. No grade below C– is acceptable. Advanced Placement (AP) credit will not satisfy minor requirements.

Please see the department undergraduate office for specific minor requirements.

• A minor in literature will consist of seven courses as described below.
• French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Russian, or Spanish literature: seven courses, at least four of which must be upper-division in the same literature.
• Literatures in English, Literatures of the World, and Literature/Writing: seven courses, at least five of which must be upper division.

Lower-division courses applicable toward minors:

English—LTEN 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

French—LTFR 2A-B-C, 50

German—LTGM 2A-B-C

Greek—LTGK 1, 2, 3

Hebrew—JUDA 1, 2, 3 (see “ Jewish Studies ”)

Italian—LTIT 2A-B, 50

Latin—LTLA 1, 2, 3

Russian—LTRU 2A-B

Spanish—LTSP 2A-B-C-D-E, 50A-B-C

Writing—LTWR 8A-B-C

Literatures of the World—seven literature courses, at least five of which must be upper division—usually 1) a two- or three-course lower-division sequence and 2) five upper-division courses with a single unifying theme. Students may use either the Revelle College Humanities sequence (HUM 1–5) or Eleanor Roosevelt College’s Making of the Modern World (MMW 11–15) to satisfy the lower-division sequence for the LTWL minor.

Writing minor—seven courses, at least five of which must be upper division. The minimum of five upper-division courses must cover at least two major writing genres, with course work chosen from writing courses (LTWR) numbered 100 through 148.

Please see the department for further information and specifics regarding minors in literature.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Emily Waller Singeisen

Learn more about Singeisen’s research interests below:

“My current research examines privately printed illustrated English translations of banned literature from Greco-Roman antiquity, including titles such as The Golden Ass, Mimes of the Courtesans, and Daphnis and Chloe. By studying the transmission of these texts, I intend to highlight the way in which the publications stage an alternate dialogue on sexuality—and the history of sexuality. In so doing, they also facilitate an alternate discursive community in the first part of the twentieth century amongst those who saw nonnormative and taboo sexual expression reflected in the canon of ancient literature.

“Two illustrators from the 1920s that have been particularly inspiring in my work are Clara Tice and the little-known Charles Cullen. Known as the ‘Queen of Greenwich Village,’ Tice illustrated a number of privately published erotic books, including Pierre Louys’ lesbian poetry, ‘Songs of Bilitis,’ Voltaire’s Candide, and Gautier’s Mademoiselle de Maupin. She was targeted insistently by Anthony Comstock for the so-called obscenity of her work, but she responded to threats of censorship with a playful defiance that has made her a particular favorite in my research. I have also been captivated by Charles Cullen’s illustrations for Mimes of the Courtesans. Cullen worked with translator A.L. Hillman on the project, and, both queer men in New York in the 1920s, they used the edition as an opportunity to insist on the beauty of “natural” sexual desires and the prevalence of queer love in the ancient world.

“As a queer woman, the research I do is not only intellectual but also deeply personal—feminist and queer theory is about a liberatory politics that extends beyond the ivory tower, and I intend to contribute to that liberation with all of my research and writing. While my research straddles both literary studies and the visual arts, I am always drawn to creating projects that span these disciplines and mobilize my research in the communities I am a part of. Last year, through a microgrant from the Society for Classical Studies, I had the privilege of working with my sister, who is an artist and activist against sexual violence, on the project ‘Mythic Women, Modern Incarnations.’ The project was a guerilla art installation combining sculptures inspired by mythic women with feminist receptions of the myths to raise awareness of the emancipatory potential of classical imagery.”