I.Overview of Program Objectives

The Ph.D. program in French is designed to train students as competent researchers and as well-rounded generalists. The main objectives of the program are to provide future teacher-scholars with: 1) the advanced knowledge in French and , Francophone studies and the research training they need to make original research contributions to the field; and 2) the teacher training and expertise that will enable them to become productive professionals.

The graduate program offers courses on French and Francophone literatures in all major areas of the French tradition as well as literature in French from the Maghreb , Lebanon , West and Central Africa and the Caribbean . The department's courses on French and Francophone literatures deal with current debates on topics that include identity, canon formation, the discipline and its history, and Francophonie, while presenting the classics in their historical and cultural contexts. The faculty employs a range of methods drawing on feminism, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, history and postcolonial theory among others. Likewise, students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary approaches and often enroll in courses in related fields such as Africana studies, Women's studies and Middle Eastern studies to name just a few of the options. Faculty in the department also offer graduate courses on second language acquisition, pedagogy and linguistics and contribute to the MA program in French and to the interdisciplinary doctoral in Second-Language Acquisition and Teaching.

Through course work and research in French and in related disciplines students gain an extensive knowledge of literary and cultural texts; a thorough understanding of field-specific and field-related methods, criticism, and theories; and the ability to integrate that knowledge into their own research. In addition to being trained as independent critics and scholars, Ph.D. candidates in French also undergo formal training as college teachers and acquire, by the time they graduate, the substantial teaching experience that will enable them to be highly competitive on the job market.

II. Admission to the Ph.D. Program in French

Applicants are responsible for submitting complete applications by the deadline.  Incomplete files will not be reviewed.

Both domestic and international applicants must submit their dossiers by December 15 for the following fall semester. Departmental deadlines are earlier than those posted by the Graduate College in order to allow for internal review and processing.

Decisions on admissions are based on previous academic performance and future promise. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the UA campus and to make arrangements to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies. The dossiers should include the following:

• Departmental Application
  http://www.coh.arizona.edu/french/Gradprogram/Graduate_Application.pdf
  
  
• Graduate College Admission Application available online at
    http://grad.arizona.edu/Prospective_Students/Apply_Now/
  
  
• Official Transcripts, in the original sealed envelope.  Applicants should submit two copies of their official transcripts to the department.
  
  
• Three letters of reference, preferably from persons in your own field of concentration who are directly acquainted with your work. (Letters of recommendation from outside your field of concentration may be given less weight in the final analysis). These letters should be current (no more than six months old).  They must be on official letterhead and signed, then sent directly to the Department of French and Italian.
  
  
• Statement of purpose: this statement should explain your reasons for undertaking study at the graduate level, your future area of research and professional goals.  For students at the doctoral level, this statement of research interest should provide compelling evidence for your interest and ability to conduct independent research at a sufficiently high level.  Please describe your proposed area of research in some detail, even if in somewhat provisional terms.  This document is read very carefully by the admissions committee. (Approximately 500 words).  
  
  
• A polished writing sample in French, preferably from a recent course in French or relevant field.  This paper is read carefully for evidence of the candidate’s ability to articulate a thoughtful and original argument in French.
  
  
• A CD or audio file recording of your voice (with passages recorded in French and English). See enclosed separate pages of passages to be read for this purpose.
  
  Additional Requirements for International Students:
  
  
• International applicants should submit two copies of their official transcripts to the department. Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied with certified translations.
  
  
• TOEFL, with a score of 550 (written based) or 213 (computer based) or better, is required of non-native speakers of English.  The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination can be submitted in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score requirement for admissions consideration is a score of 7, with a score of no less than 6 on any individual module.
  
  
• TSE (Test of Spoken English) or SPEAK test administered by the University of Arizona.
  
  Optional
  
• The GRE is recommended for all graduates of North American academic institutions, but not required.

III . Program Requirements

Study for an advanced degree in French consists of a combination of course work, independent reading, and research. Each individual student (not the Director of Graduate Studies) has primary responsibility for planning his or her program of study and for meeting, in the proper order, all requirements set forth by the Graduate College and by the Department. Graduate rules and regulations are available on the Graduate College website at the following address: http://grad.arizona.edu/catalog/doctoral/index.html.

Departmental Requirements:

French Language Proficiency

Incoming students who have not had an on-campus interview must pass an oral proficiency examination (TFI, Test de Frangais International) before assuming their teaching duties. In some cases, students may be required to improve oral proficiency as a condition for continuing in the program.

Graduate Course Work

Minimum of 21 units of graduate-level course work beyond the M.A. and 18 dissertation units.

Required Courses

FREN 511, Topics in Literary History, Criticism, and Theory FREN 696, Seminar in French Literature

Minor

12 additional units in a Minor field approved by the Department of which up to three units of credit may be at the 400 level. The minor may be taken either within the department of French and Italian, or outside the department. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged.

Two Minor options are available to Ph.D. candidates in French through the department of French and Italian: Francophone Literature, or SLA/Pedagogy.

Minors taken outside the department in related fields such as Africana Studies, Women's Studies, or Middle Eastern Studies must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee and the Department Head.

For non-departmental Ph.D. students minoring in French, up to six units of credit may be applied for courses taught in English.

Ph.D. minors are tested on course work (i.e., on the syllabi of courses taken).

Foreign Language(s)

In order to satisfy the departmental Foreign Language requirement, students must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language in addition to French. Certification of proficiency is accepted by departmental examination (see Administrative Form I), or with a grade of B or better in a fourth-semester, university-level course. A student minoring in another language (e.g., Spanish) will normally fulfill the foreign language requirement by satisfactory completion of the Minor requirement.

Academic Progress

Students normally proceed through the Ph.D. program in eight semesters past the Entrance Evaluation--i.e, four semesters to the Comprehensive Examinations; four semesters to the Ph.D. Defense. Satisfactory progress is determined by the Department Head in consultation with the faculty and the Graduate Studies Committee. (See Administrative Form II, Satisfactory Academic Progress).

Entrance Evaluation

An entrance evaluation is required of all doctoral candidates who have been awarded a Masters of Arts degree by an institution other than the University of Arizona . Its purpose is to assess the candidate's preparation for the Ph.D. program and to advise him or her on his or her future plan of study.

This oral interview lasts at least an hour and is administered by the Graduate Studies Committee. The Director of Graduate Studies is automatically a committee member and serves as chair. Pursuant to the regulations of the Graduate College , this evaluation takes place during the first semester of residency at the University of Arizona .

The student prepares for this interview by filling out a Student Entrance Evaluation Form (Administrative Form III ). This form is to be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies no later than the second week before the completion of the first semester of course work. The oral interview is to follow within one week.

At the conclusion of the Entrance Evaluation, and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Graduate College , the evaluating committee provides a formal evaluation of MA preparation and makes recommendations for the Plan of Study at the PhD level. The student also identifies a major professor to serve as his/her mentor and academic advisor (See Administrative Form IV, Entrance Evaluation Committee Member Form). If none is selected, the DGS assigns a temporary major professor. Students must select a major professor during the first year and inform the DGS of this selection.

As soon as possible after the completion of the Entrance Evaluation, candidates will begin to focus on an area for dissertation research in consultation with their major professor.

Reading List/Comprehensive Exam Bibliography

To provide a base of common reference and common working knowledge, all students are expected to be familiar with the works listed in the departmental M.A..I Reading List. At the next level, the Ph.D. list, also known as the Comprehensive Exam Bibliography, is formulated individually by each student in consultation with his or her major professor.

Plan of Study

The candidate is responsible for submitting the doctoral "Plan of Study" form during the third semester in residence.

Graduate Support

GATships are contingent on budget, academic records (for incoming students) and reports of satisfactory progress (for continuing students). When all requirements are met, and budget permitting, graduate students who are GATs may receive support for eight semesters. (An additional semester of support is possible in special circumstances). For additional information pertaining to teaching, consult the departmental GAT manual.

Completion of Requirements

All required courses and language requirements must be satisfied prior to taking the Comprehensive Examination.