Francophone, Italian and Germanic Studies, PhD: Germanic Studies
The Department of Francophone, Italian, and Germanic Studies at Penn takes a forward-looking perspective on developments in the field. In contrast to many Ph.D. programs in German, we provide a solid grounding in the entire German literary tradition. At the same time, we vigorously pursue interdisciplinary study informed by the latest methodological and theoretical movements, and provide state-of-the art pedagogical training and instruction.
Our Department has particular strengths in gender and sexuality, intermediality, history of the material text, German-Jewish studies, translation theory, cinema studies, environmental humanities, and pedagogy. Our students are trained with an eye to their career objectives. All of our students receive a full five-year Benjamin Franklin Fellowship package, which includes guaranteed summer funding and significant mentored teaching experience.
All candidates must complete 17 course units by the end of year 3. Our curriculum toward a Ph.D. in Germanic Studies details steps on the five‐year path to degree. By the end of spring term of year 3, students shall have completed a successful prospectus meeting with their dissertation committee. In years 4 and 5, students work on the dissertation. Students teach in years 2 and 3, although they may choose to gain additional teaching experience. Students are encouraged to spend periods of research in an academic setting in a German-speaking country.
For more information: https://figs.sas.upenn.edu/germanic/graduate
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program in Germanic Studies is planned as a five-year sequence. Requirements for the Ph.D. include:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| FIGS 7770 | Francophone, Italian and Germanic Proseminar | 1 |
| FIGS Topics Course | 1 | |
| FIGS 5000 | M.A. Exam Preparation | 1 |
| GRMN 5990 | Teaching and Learning | 1 |
| Literary Theory Course 1 | 1 | |
| Comparative Literature Proseminar | ||
| Modern Literary Theory and Criticism | ||
| Seminar on Literary Theory | ||
| Modern Literary Theory and Criticism | ||
| Modern Literary Theory and Criticism | ||
| Modern Literary Theory and Criticism | ||
| Seminar on Literary Theory | ||
| Electives at the 5000 level and above | 12 | |
Including Germanic Anchor courses chosen in consultation with advisor | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| M.A. Examination 2 | ||
| Language Requirements | ||
| German Language Exam 3 | ||
| Other Language Exam 4 | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Four semesters of undergraduate teaching are required, one course per semester of the second and third years. | ||
| Dissertation Proposal | ||
| Following successful fulfillment of the Ph.D. Examination, the candidate will shape a dissertation project and writing schedule. | ||
| Total Course Units | 17 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
A FIGS topics course—a content course (topic varies every year) usually taken in the second semester of the first year.
- 2
At the end of the first year, in order to continue in the program, students must pass an oral M.A. exam, focused on a reading list of 25 titles. Students will attend a course in the second semester of their first year to prepare for the exam.
- 3
All students will take a German OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) in accordance with ACTFL (American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages) guidelines within the first four weeks of the fall semester of year 1 to assist in ascertaining German linguistic proficiency and to customize an effective course of study. A second OPI will be administered no later than May 10 of year 1. To teach German, students must demonstrate advanced language skills.
- 4
It is our belief that languages are integral to our intellectual projects and to encouraging international careers. Penn offers the richest choice of language instruction of the Ivy League institutions, and our students can profit from this wealth (free of tuition) at any point in their path to the Ph.D. Students must demonstrate reading knowledge in at least one additional language (other than English) that supports their research and teaching; all language exams must be completed by the end of spring term year 3.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.