Graduate Certificate in
Theory, Literature, and Culture
A
note on Graduate Certificates
The Department of
English at the University of Southern Maine offers an interdisciplinary
graduate certificate in literature and culture designed for students or
faculty who want to develop or expand their understanding of culture and
its material reality. The certificate program features prominent scholars
from the field of cultural studies along with classes on the newest and
most controversial topics in the humanities and social sciences.
Certificate
requirements
14 credit hours taken in the form of 4 classes (3 credit hours each) and 2 colloquia (1 credit hour each). The sequence is designed so that students can complete the certificate program over the course of two summers. Each student must take the following:
One class entitled Introduction to Theory, Literature and Culture (3 hours)
Any three topics classes entitled either Topics in Theory, Literature, and Culture I or Topics in Theory, Literature, and Culture II (3 hours x 3 = 9 credit hours total)
Two classes entitled Colloquium in Theory, Literature, and Culture (1 hour x 2 = 2 credit hours total)
Typically, a three-hour course will run during a four-week summer session. At the conclusion of the last four-week class, graduate students will be expected to complete a three-day colloquium featuring speakers from outside the institution. The invited faculty will conduct public lectures and at least one workshop or panel for enrolled students only. The theme for the colloquium will change each time it is offered, but will fit under one of the five rubrics also covered by the introductory course: subjectivity/identity; signification; ideology/hegemony/discourse; audiences/readers/ spectators; culture/popular culture. The subject matter of at least one of the topics courses in a calendar year will complement the colloquium.
In 2002, the topics course was ‘Sexualities’ taught by Professor Lisa Walker. The visiting faculty were Professor Jane Gaines, founder and director of the film and video program at Duke University; Judith Halberstam, professor of literature at the University of California, San Diego; and Susan Willis, associate professor of English and of literature at Duke University.
A Note on Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates offer the chance to pursue a course of study that goes beyond that offered by a baccalaureate program but that does not require the time and expense of a master’s program. A graduate certificate suggests to an employer or Graduate/professional School that the holder of the certificate is serious about their area of study and about the prospect of further graduate work. Certificate programs are usually known for their flexibility and focus on a specific area of expertise. Students who earn certificates might do so for several different reasons: to prepare for a career change; to supplement their bachelor’s education; to test the ground for a possible master’s degree; to advance in a job through graduate credits (as a secondary teacher, for example); to teach in a junior or community college; to supplement a broader-based master’s education; to further their knowledge and skills.
Admission Requirements
Graduate students: a bachelor’s degree (with a copy of your transcript from the degree-granting institution); a writing sample; an optional statement of purpose.
Undergraduate students: senior standing (83 hours); a copy of your transcript listing your completed and current courses; a writing sample; an optional statement of purpose; permission of the Director.
Applications for entry into the certificate program during the summer will be reviewed as they are completed until May 1, though applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications by mid-April.
Please note that some classes may be cross-listed with other departments or graduate programs at USM and that all classes are open to qualified undergraduate students at the 400 level for undergraduate credit only. Entry into a class at the 500 level is reserved for students who have been accepted into the certificate program.
For an
application form and further information:
Dr. Shelton Waldrep
Graduate Certificate in Theory, Literature, and Culture
Department of English
University of Southern Maine
Box 9300, 96 Falmouth St.
Portland, Maine 04104-9300
Tel: (207) 780-4086 Fax: (207) 780-5457
e-mail: waldrep@maine.edu
General Course Descriptions
For a description of this year’s offerings,
please see the accompanying insert or visit our website.
TLC 501: Introduction to TLC
Introduction to Theory, Literature, and Culture
An introduction to major concepts for interpreting language, culture, literature, and social practice. The course will include such topics as Marxism, psychoanalysis, deconstruction, cultural studies, and theories of gender/sexuality. Taught by USM faculty.
Please note that this course fulfills the Criticism and Theory Requirement for the USM English Major.
TLC 515: Topics in Theory, Literature, and Culture I
TLC 525: Topics in Theory, Literature, and Culture II
Topics in Theory, Literature, and Culture
An advanced seminar whose topic will change each time the course is offered, but which will focus on a sub-discipline or area of specialty within one of the general rubrics covered in the Introduction to TLC. Possible topics include sexuality, globalization, and popular culture. If offered during the summer, at least one Topics course will complement the theme of the Colloquium. Taught by USM faculty. Courses may be taken in any combination and can be repeated for credit.
Please note that these courses fulfill the
Interdisciplinary and Cultural Studies requirement for the USM English
major.
TLC 590: Colloquium in TLC
Colloquium in Theory, Literature, and Culture
A three-to-four-day event featuring distinguished faculty from outside of USM. The colloquium will consist of a formal presentation and workshop/panel taught by the colloquium faculty, who will present on their current or on-going research. The theme for each year’s colloquium is determined by the TLC Committee.
Please note that the
colloquium may be taken by students who are not part of the certificate
program.