They must also take at least one course in literature or theory and one Writing Studies Elective. I and Writing Studies II and two additional courses in literature and theory if they have not had equivalent graduate-level work elsewhere. Lists are representative of the field of Writing Studies and include two or three concentrations within it. Completion and two-hour oral defense of a dissertation. Students also present a public lecture on their dissertation research to the Colloquium Series of the Center for Writing Studies.
Students working on their dissertations are eligible for released time or fellowship support.
All students in good standing and making good progress will receive at least one course off from teaching. A few students receive a year or more of time released from teaching to work on their dissertations.