German (PhD)

Program Description

The German Department at NYU fosters innovative intellectual work that is both responsive to established scholarship and proactively engaged in the future of the field. Combining the study of German literature with the history of German critical thought and its legacies in contemporary theory, the program offers a challenging course of study that invites transdisciplinary approaches and stresses theoretical sophistication.

For students who choose to concentrate on the study of German literature we offer a rigorous training in contemporary methods of literary criticism. We also greatly welcome those whose interests include a more theoretical bent. The program encourages taking German critical thought as a point of departure for a wide range of investigations. The German Department maintains strong links with other departments to ensure that students can make full use of NYU’s exceptional strengths across the humanities.

The graduate program is conceived to encourage and guide each student in developing an individual course of study that at the same time affords fluency in the broad field of German Studies. We stress tailoring each program of study to make the student competitive in a constantly evolving academic market as well as for other career opportunities they may wish to pursue.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

See German for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 72 credits, comprised of one required 4-credit course and 68 elective credits.

Additional Program Requirements

Language Requirement

Students are required to demonstrate proficiency sufficient for research purposes in a language other than German or English. The choice of language is subject to approval by the student’s academic adviser. Students are expected to complete this requirement before taking the PhD comprehensive examination. This requirement may be fulfilled by one of the following:

1. A passing grade on the foreign language proficiency examination administered by the Graduate School of Arts and Science. (The test is given several times a year.);
2. Native proficiency demonstrated by a degree from a non-Anglophone foreign university;
3. A passing grade in a graduate-level literature course in any of the language departments at NYU;
4. A grade of B or better in an upper-level undergraduate literature course taken within two years of the student’s first registration at NYU; or
5. an NYU Summer Language for Reading Knowledge course completed with a passing grade.

It is recommended that every student plan to study at a university in a German-speaking country for at least one semester.

Comprehensive Exam

A comprehensive examination must be taken within one semester after completion of the PhD course requirements. The comprehensive examination is a process with several components. Students complete the written portion in the form of a take-home exam. The comprehensive examination concludes with a 90 minute oral examination. This examination should take place no later than two weeks after the written exam. Successful completion of the examination permits the student to proceed to the dissertation proposal. Students who do not pass may take the examination a second time. A detailed examination of the procedures and requirements of the department can be found in the department’s Graduate Student Handbook.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense

The student should work in consultation with his or her dissertation adviser to produce a formal dissertation proposal within two months after completion of the PhD comprehensive examination. All dissertation proposals require the approval of the department’s graduate faculty. The completed doctoral dissertation must be approved by the departmental committee and must then be defended by the candidate in an oral examination.

Departmental Approval

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation (MAINT-GA 4747) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. Knowledge of the German literary canon from 1750-present.
2. Fluency in the history of German critical thought and philosophy.
3. Expertise in literary theory, media theory, and psychoanalysis with an emphasis on transdisciplinary approaches.
4. Teaching experience in the German language as well as liberal arts teaching through the Core
5. Preparatory training in academic writing and publishing.

Policies

Transfer Credit Policy

No more than 32 credits of credit toward the Ph.D. course requirements may be transferred from another institution. Students who have studied at German universities should note that transfer credit can be awarded only for Haupt- or Masterseminare. One of the two courses, GERM-GA 1115 Origins German Critical Thought I and GERM-GA 1116 Origins German Critical Thought II, are required of all degree candidates in the department. The academic progress of each student is reviewed and evaluated after the second semester of study by means of a 45-minute consultation. Two faculty members are chosen by the student to review the highly individualized course of study and to develop a plan for advancement to the degree.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.