The PhD program in German Studies at the University of Waterloo is designed to prepare candidates for a wide range of employment opportunities both within and outside academe. The dual approach of this innovative program of studies encompasses applied linguistics (second language acquisition theories, computer-assisted language learning, sociolinguistics) and literature and film studies (literature, film, drama, and theory), and fosters productive independent learning and scholarship. Program participants are encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach to their studies, during the course of which they will attain a critical knowledge base in both core areas. Professional development and training for academic and non-academic careers are an integral part of the program. We encourage all graduate students to spend at least a year of study at one of our partner universities in Germany.
Students completing a PhD in German Studies at the University of Waterloo can choose between a focus on Applied Linguistics or on Literature/Film Studies for their dissertation.
Candidates for the PhD can expect four years (i.e., 12 terms) of financial support, usually in the form of teaching assistantships and scholarships. Students are therefore expected to finish their studies within that time period. A timeline outlining the normal progression of study toward the PhD is available from the department.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to the PhD program in German normally include:
- An MA degree or its equivalent in German with a 78% overall grade average
- Three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from academic sources
- Proof of proficiency in English (if applicable); accepted examinations and required minimum scores for graduate studies are listed on the English Language Proficiency page
- A study proposal
- A writing sample
The deadline for applications to the PhD program is normally February 1; however, the Department may accept applications after this date. Please contact the Department to discuss alternate deadline dates.
Degree Requirements
In proceeding to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the candidate will complete (after the MA or its equivalent):
- six graduate courses after the MA
- GER 600 (as one of the six required courses)
- Candidates must obtain a minimum overall average of 78% in the courses presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements
- reading proficiency test in a language other than German or English
- two qualifying examinations
- a prospectus and prospectus discussion
- two doctoral colloquium
- the dissertation and dissertation defence
Qualifying Examination
In addition to the general requirements (see degree requirements), candidates will pass one oral qualifying examination (a combined examination of both Literature/Film studies and Applied Linguistics), and one written qualifying examination in the area of their dissertation research. Guidelines for Qualifying Examinations are available from the Department.
Prospectus Discussion and Doctoral Colloquia
After completing the qualifying examinations, students submit a prospectus and participate in a prospectus discussion at which they present their dissertation proposal to their dissertation committee (supervisor plus two other department members, open to the public). Two subsequent presentations, at which the candidate updates the dissertation committee on the state of progress and research, must be held during the dissertation writing phase and are called doctoral colloquia. An outline of the PhD plan of study is available from the Department.
PhD Dissertation
Once a prospectus has been accepted and discussed, the candidate may begin writing the dissertation under the supervision of a mutually acceptable supervisor and with regular feedback through the dissertation committee at the doctoral colloquia. The supervisor must be an Approved Doctoral Dissertation Supervisor (ADDS).
Dissertations must normally be defended in a public forum. PhD dissertations must be available for public inspection at least four weeks prior to the defence. Examination committees are comprised of a minimum of five examiners, three from within the Department, one from another department within the University, and an external examiner from a different university who is an expert in the dissertation area. A neutral chair is appointed to oversee the proceedings. Particular importance is placed upon the views, challenges and recommendations of the external expert, who is also required to submit his or her evaluation of the dissertation in writing before the defence begins. At the conclusion of the defence, committee members discuss the dissertation and vote in camera to accept it, accept it with modifications or reject it. The dissertation cannot be accepted with more than one negative vote.
Language Requirement
Candidates for the PhD degree must pass a written examination in an approved language other than English or German. The written examination may be conducted by the Department if it is in a language in which our faculty members possess expertise, otherwise the assistance of a corollary department within the University is enlisted.