Courses

Students are required to take courses in a variety of departments relevant to their interests. Each student must be enrolled full-time for four semesters, and the typical schedule is four courses per term. To ensure a coherent program of study, schedules will be made in consultation with the DGS and must include:

–The Colloquium in American Studies (American Studies 200 and 201) covering major themes and works in American Studies
–Two graduate-level courses in two different departments
–Two courses focused outside the United States
–Pedagogy and Professional Development (American Studies 314) taken over the course of a full academic year in concert with teaching

To ensure compliance with Harvard Griffin GSAS rules, the DGS may allow students to receive credit for participation in the American Studies Workshop or comparable academic experience.

All coursework requirements (with the exception of 314) must be met prior to taking the general examination.

Students must maintain a grade average of B+ or better, and must earn a grade of A or A- in one seminar. Only one incomplete may be carried into the next term and all incompletes must be resolved before taking the General Examination.

Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate fluent reading knowledge of one language other than English relevant to their work in consultation with the DGS. Students ordinarily fulfill this requirement by passing an examination given by the History or English departments, or through special arrangement. Students should work with the DGS and program administrator to develop language competency as needed. The language requirement must be met prior to taking the general examination.

The General Examination

Students must pass a two-hour oral examination conducted by four faculty members by the beginning of their third year. One hour is devoted to the student’s major field, and one half-hour each to two minor fields.

The major field must cover the full sweep of a single discipline such as history, literature, law, or musicology. There are normally two examiners in this field, and it may be divided chronologically or thematically as long as there is full coverage of central themes and scholarship.

The minor fields should be chosen from two areas of study distinct from the major field. They may be defined chronologically or thematically as long as it covers a significant range of material and are meant to compliment the students’ major field and interests.

Students will work with the DGS and individual faculty members to identify their fields and exam committee. By the end of the third semester, the student will present the DGS their exam fields and examiners. At least one member must be a member of the Committee on Higher Degrees in American Studies, and one member may be from outside Harvard.

If a student fails the general examination, and the examining committee agrees that the student may retake it, a new date will be chosen no sooner than six months later. Students may not teach until they have passed their general exam.

Teaching

Students begin teaching during the fall semester of their third year. Most students lead two sections a semester, with a teaching guarantee of four semesters.

While not a requirement for the degree in American Studies, teaching is expected and an intrinsic part of a students’ funding. For specific information on teaching, please visit https://gsas.harvard.edu/financial-aid/teaching.

All third-year students must take Pedagogy and Professional Development (American Studies 314) during their third year in concert with their first year teaching.

The Dissertation

After passing their general examination, students will select a dissertation topic and identify an advising committee of three to four faculty members, with a Chair or Co-Chairs. The committee and mode of advising will be chosen at the time of prospectus submission. Some restrictions and guidelines:

–The Chair of the committee must be affiliated with the Program in American Studies.

–One member of the advising committee must be affiliated with the Committee on Higher Degrees in American Studies.

–At least two members of the advising committee must be members of the FAS.

–One member of the advising committee may be from outside Harvard.

Prospectuses are due after Spring Break during the student’s third year and will be presented during a colloquium of Program faculty and fellow students. Upon completion of the first chapter, students gather once again to present their work to faculty and students, normally in the fourth or fifth year.

More information on the dissertation committee can be found here.

The Dissertation Review (Defense):

–A final draft is due to the review committee two months prior to the Review. The student will inform the Administrator that the draft has been finished and sent, at which time the Review is scheduled.

–Dissertation reviews must be completed by April 15 for May degrees, September 1 for November degrees, and December 15 for March degrees.

–Reviews last 90 minutes. They begin with a short presentation by the student on their thesis, method, argument, and findings. The candidate will also offer their assessment of the work’s contributions to scholarship and where feedback is sought. Following this brief presentation, committee members will offer feedback and discuss the work. The committee may require edits before final completion.

–Once the review is complete, the committee will sign the Dissertation Acceptance Certificate, which will be attached to the final dissertation and uploaded in accordance with Harvard Griffin GSAS policies.