Shakespearean PhD?
Shakespearean PhD?
#1Shakespearean PhD?
Posted: 3/3/13 at 4:08pm
Good day!
I am interested in a PhD in Theatre that focuses on Shakespearean Studies. Does anyone know of programs in the U.S.? I see one in Birmingham (UK). I would be even more interested in something that is virtual (where I could continue teaching), even if that means the program is more literary centered (PhD in English), rather than a Theatre PhD.
#2Shakespearean PhD?
Posted: 3/3/13 at 5:19pm
Most serious English Literature departments have at least one Shakespeare scholar on faculty. Do a bit of research and you'll be able to find plenty. Fair warning though: most PhD programs in the US require an MA or equivalent; if you don't have an MA, you should consider pursuing that first.
I am less familiar with theatre PhDs (I have a PhD in English) so I'm not too sure about programs that have a specific PhD on Shakespeare. Unless you are interested in the performance studies aspect of Shakespeare you might want to focus on Lit PhDs instead of theatre departments.
#2Shakespearean PhD?
Posted: 3/3/13 at 5:23pmI possess a MFA in Theatre Directing (Shakespearean Emphasis). So, I have the necessary entry requirements to such a program.
#3Shakespearean PhD?
Posted: 3/3/13 at 7:01pmI'm doing a PhD in English, though my emphasis is on American lit/queer studies, I know a lot of Shakespeare students in my program and there's at least two professors in the department who have published books and articles on Shakespeare. One colleague focuses particularly on performances so you can still look at that kind of aspect of Shakespeare within the context of an English department, you just gotta make sure you go somewhere they are a bit more open about what they let you do, some departments are a lot more strict than others.
#4Shakespearean PhD?
Posted: 3/3/13 at 7:27pm
^ Right. Almost every department has one or more Shakespeare specialists; when you're doing research, you should look into what specifically professors at specific schools are interested in. For example, at the school where I earned my doctorate, the Shakespeare professor in the English department wrote about philosophical interpretations of the plays. So, someone who was interested in performance studies probably wouldn't do well there, or even be admitted. Try to find a few schools where the folks on faculty have similar interests to you. Figuring out what Shakespeare scholars have interests that align with yours--and what schools they're associated with--is probably the best research approach you could take.
As far as entry requirements go: you'll need to take--or retake--the GRE general test, and for most PhD programs in English, you will have to take the Literature subject exam. You'll also need a writing sample: for most schools, this will be a 15-20 page, publication-quality essay on a topic in your area of expertise. If you don't have an article-length paper ready to go right now, you should start one ASAP. (I imagine theatre studies PhDs would require both the GRE general and a writing sample, as well)
I hope this helps. There is a lot of competition to get into advanced-degree programs these days, so best of luck to you.
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