A Master's Essay based upon original sources is also required. All courses, as well as the topic for the Master's Essay, are chosen with the approval of the graduate advisor. Doctor of Philosophy Students wishing to pursue the Ph.D. degree in Japanese Literature must first satisfactorily complete the A.M. degree in this Department or another institution, and must have the permission of the graduate faculty to undertake the Ph.D. program. These courses are chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor. Upon completing coursework and meeting language requirements, students petition for candidacy by submitting a dissertation prospectus and two seminar papers demonstrating the capacity to undertake independent research.
Candidacy is granted after an oral examination conducted by the graduate faculty.
This examination will cover the student's coursework in general as well as the more specific issues raised by the seminar papers and the dissertation prospectus. To be granted the Ph.D. degree, a candidate must submit a dissertation that significantly contributes to current scholarship and must pass an oral defense before a dissertation committee appointed by the faculty. For information on the dissertation committee, final oral examination, and publication of dissertation, see the Graduate Student Handbook .