Doctoral Candidacy

To earn a PhD at Washington University, a student must complete all courses required by their department; maintain satisfactory academic progress; pass certain examinations; fulfill residence and Mentored Experience Requirements; write, defend, and submit a dissertation; and apply to graduate via Workday Student. For the details of doctoral degree general requirements in Arts & Sciences, including an explanation of Satisfactory Academic Progress, students should review the Doctoral Degree Academic Information page of the Arts & Sciences Bulletin.

Program Requirements

• Total Units Required: 63 units (Note: Remission applies for a maximum of 72 graduate-level units.)
• Degree Length: 6 years (5 years if admitted with MA) 
  • Note: Students must be enrolled in 9 graduate credits each semester to retain full-time status. As students complete their course work, if enrolled in fewer than 9 graduate credits, they must enroll in a specific Arts & Sciences graduate course that will show 0 units but does count as full-time status. Students should connect with their department to ensure proper enrollment prior to Add/Drop.
• Grade Requirement: B-

Dual PhD in German and Comparative Literature

Required Courses

• Four courses comprising the Comparative Literature core requirement, including COMPLITTHT 5200 Introduction to Comparative Literature and three additional courses distributed among designated categories (Refer to the PhD in Comparative Literature for the listing of designated categories.)
• Courses as required for the PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures (Refer to the PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures for the listing of course requirements.)

Minimum Grade Requirement: B-

Languages Requirement

Students must meet the language requirements of the PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures.  

Qualifying Examinations

Progress toward the PhD is contingent upon the student passing examinations that are variously called preliminary, qualifying, general, comprehensive, or major field exams. The qualifying process varies according to the program. In some programs, it consists of a series of incremental, sequential, and cumulative exams over a considerable time. In others, the exams are held during a relatively short period of time. Exams may be replaced by one or more papers. The program, which determines the structure and schedule of the required examinations, is responsible for notifying the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, of the student’s outcome, whether successful or unsuccessful.

Dual PhD Comparative Literature degree students will take the comprehensive examinations required in the PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures program. At least one of these examinations must entail a comparatist element; this element is to be identified and negotiated with the examination committee, which will include at least one faculty member representing Comparative Literature. 

Mentored Experience Requirements

Doctoral students at Washington University must complete a department-defined Mentored Experience. The Mentored Experience Requirement is a doctoral degree requirement that is notated on the student’s transcript when complete. Each department has an established Mentored Experience Implementation Plan in which the number of units that a student must earn through Mentored Teaching Experience(s) and/or Mentored Professional Experience(s) is defined. The Mentored Experience Implementation Plans outline how doctoral students within the discipline will be mentored to achieve competencies in teaching at basic and advanced levels. Some departments may elect to include Mentored Professional Experiences as an avenue for completing some units of the Mentored Experience Requirement. Doctoral students will enroll in ASGS 8005, 8010, or 8015 Mentored Teaching Experience - Assistant in Instruction; ASGS 8020 Mentored Teaching Experience - Mentored Independent Teaching; or ASGS 8120 Mentored Professional Experience to signify their progression toward completing the overall Mentored Experience Requirement for the degree.

The Doctoral Dissertation

A Research Advisory Committee (RAC) must be created no later than the end of the student's third year; departments may set shorter timelines (e.g., by the end of the student's second year) for this requirement. As evidence of the mastery of a specific field of knowledge and of the capacity for original scholarly work, each candidate must complete a dissertation that is approved by their RAC.

A Title, Scope & Procedure Form for the dissertation must be signed by the committee members and by the program chair. It must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, at least six months before the degree is expected to be conferred or before the beginning of the fifth year of full-time enrollment, whichever is earlier.

A Doctoral Dissertation Guide and a Dissertation Template that give instructions regarding the format of the dissertation are available on the website of the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences. Both should be read carefully at every stage of dissertation preparation.

The Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences, requires each student to make the full text of the dissertation available to the committee members for their review at least one week before the defense. Most degree programs require two or more weeks for the review period; students should check with their faculty.

Note: The dissertation committee should include at least one faculty member representing Comparative Literature. The dissertation itself should — in its theoretical grounding, approach, transnational or transcultural scope, and/or interdisciplinarity — speak to the field of Comparative Literature as currently constituted. 

The Dissertation Defense

Approval of the written dissertation by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) is strongly recommended before the student can orally defend the dissertation. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee that examines the student during the defense consists of at least five members. Normally, the members of the RAC also serve on the Doctoral Dissertation Committee. The dissertation committee is then additionally augmented to ensure that the following criteria are met:

1. Three of the five members (or a similar proportion of a larger committee) must be full-time Washington University in St. Louis faculty members or, for programs involving Washington University in St. Louis-affiliated partners, full-time members of a Washington University in St. Louis-affiliated partner institution. All members must be authorized to supervise PhD students and have appropriate expertise in the proposed field of study. One of these three members must be the PhD student's primary thesis advisor, and one may be a member of the emeritus faculty.
2. All other committee members must be active in research/scholarship and have appropriate expertise in the proposed field of study whether at Washington University in St. Louis, at another university, in government, or in industry.
3. At least one of the five members must bring expertise outside of the student's field of study to the committee, as judged by the relevant department/program and approved by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

The approval processes outlined in the RAC section of the Doctoral Council bylaws also apply to the doctoral dissertation committee, including approval of each dissertation committee by the Office of Graduate Studies, Arts & Sciences.

The student is responsible for making the full text of the dissertation accessible to their committee members for their review in advance of the defense according to program rules. Washington University in St. Louis community members and guests of the student who are interested in the subject of the dissertation are normally welcome to attend all or part of the defense but may ask questions only at the discretion of the committee chair. Although there is some variation among degree programs, the defense ordinarily focuses on the dissertation itself and its relation to the student's field of expertise.

Attendance by a minimum of four members of the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, including the committee chair and an outside member, is required for the defense to take place. This provision is designed to permit the student's defense to proceed in case of a situation that unexpectedly prevents one of the five members from attending. Students should not plan in advance to only have four members in attendance. If four members cannot attend, the defense must be rescheduled. The absence of all outside members or of the committee chair also requires rescheduling the defense.

Students, with the support of their Doctoral Dissertation Committee chair, may opt to hold their dissertation defense in person or by utilizing a virtual or hybrid format.

As part of their degree requirements, PhD students must complete a program-defined Mentored Experience Requirement (MER) as per these guidelines. The Mentored Experience Implementation Plan (MEIP) is the written articulation of a program-defined degree requirement for PhD students to engage in mentored teaching activities and/or mentored professional activities, collectively referred to as MERs.

Mentored Experience Requirements (MERs)

Philosophy of Teaching

German Languages and Literatures Philosophy of Teaching includes the following:

• Close mentoring of graduate students as they develop as teachers, scholars, and professionals. 
• Preparing students for a variety of career options both within academia and in other sectors. We believe that both teaching and internship opportunities are critical for developing skills that translate across professional fields: organization, time management, flexibility and adaptability, public speaking, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback. All students should have the opportunity to (and be encouraged to) take advantage of both Mentored Professional Experiences and Mentored Teaching Experiencess during their course of study.
• Specific values for Mentored Teaching Experiences: 
  • Thoughtful and intentional pedagogical training that includes an introduction to teaching in the profession, theories of second-language acquisition, and practical methods for classroom management and teaching.  
  • Preparing students who hope to pursue academic jobs for teaching expectations at a variety of types of institutions (including those where they may be asked to do multiple language courses in addition to language/culture content courses). 
  • Maintaining a supportive, collaborative teaching culture (facilitated through observation, conversation, and constructive feedback sessions).
  • Providing opportunities for students to develop increasing independence and responsibility as teachers, beginning with co-teaching and potentially having the chance to teach as the instructor of record.

Preparatory Engagement

Preparatory Engagement activities are those that represent an introduction to the foundational skills associated with teaching or communication. Pedagogical preparation engagement activities are normally completed before students are permitted to engage in assisting or teaching in a classroom.

All students are required to take GERMAN 5051 and 5052. GERMAN 5053 is required for students who have no previous foreign language teacher training.

1. GERMAN 5051 Introduction to the Teaching of German (1-credit course taken Spring Year 1 prior to first Assistant in Instruction [AI] or Mentored Independent Teaching [MIT] experience)
2. GERMAN 5052 Teaching Practicum (1-credit course; corequisite taken during first year of AI/MIT)
3. GERMAN 5053 Theories of FL Pedagogy (2-credit course; corequisite taken during first year of AI/MIT)

 2 to 4 credits (Credits are included in the 51 total for the German PhD degree of 63 total for the dual German/Comparative Literature PhD.)

Mentored Teaching Experiences (MTEs)

Assistant in Instruction (AI)

An Assistant in Instruction (AI) is a PhD student who is directly engaged in the organization, instruction, and/or support of a semester-long course primarily taught by a faculty member. An AI receives mentorship from a faculty member related to best practices in classroom engagement, instruction in the field, interpersonal engagement, and other relevant skills. Students and mentors complete a mentorship plan prior to the start of each AI experience. To complete each AI assignment and to ensure that it applies toward their degree requirements, students must register for the appropriate course number for each semester of engagement. Refer to the "Required Pathways for Completion" section below for course numbers and details.

German offers AI opportunities for 5, 10, or 15 units.  A minimum of three AI engagements or 35 units are required.

Observation/Guest Teaching AI (5 MER Units)

• Observing/Guest Teaching AI in 4000-level literature/culture courses in German, undergraduate seminar or lecture in another humanities department taught in English 
  • Tasks: AI confers with instructor of record about syllabus and class goals, assists with group work, leads two discussions or lectures. 
  • Frequency: Attends all class sessions, 3 hours a week for 14 weeks

Beginning Language Teaching or Observation/Guest Teaching AI (10 MER units)

• AI in Language courses 1010-2020
  • Tasks: AI meets weekly with instructor of record, assists with group work and grading homework assignments, holds one office hour a week.  
  • Frequency: Depending on level experience, AI may start with designing a single activity for a lesson but will eventually take over teaching one day a week. 
• Observing/Guest Teaching AI in 4000-level literature/culture courses in German, undergraduate seminar or lecture in another humanities department taught in English language.
  • Tasks: AI duties of 5-unit Observation/Guest Teaching AI, and in addition holds office hours and assists with test/quiz/essay writing or grading.
  • Frequency: 3 hours a week for 14 weeks 

Advanced Language Teaching or Observation/Guest Teaching AI (15 MER Units)

• Teaching AI in Language courses 1010-2020 (advanced teaching):  
  • Tasks: AI duties of a 10-unit Teaching AI and in addition creates and participates in writing and evaluating assignments. 
  • Frequency: AI begins teaching 1 day a week with the opportunity for additional days of teaching after the midpoint of the semester. 
• Teaching AI in Language courses 3010-3020: 
  • Tasks: Duties of a 10-unit Teaching AI and in addition, grades first drafts of essays.  
  • Frequency: AI teaches weekly writing tutorial and guest teaches in main section two times during the semester. 
• Teaching Discussion Section of a Lecture course (e.g., GERMAN 3310) 
  • Tasks: Duties of a 10-unit Observation/Guest Teaching AI  
  • Frequency: AI teaches weekly discussion section and guest teaches in main section once during semester. 
• Observing/Guest Teaching AI in 4000-level literature/culture courses in German, undergraduate seminar or lecture in another humanities department taught in English 
  • Tasks: Duties of 10-unit Observation/Guest Teaching AI, and in addition, student creates a fully fleshed out portfolio-worthy syllabus for a course teachable at an institution such as Washington University. 
  • Frequency: 3 hours a week for 14 weeks 

Mentored Independent Teaching (MIT)

MIT is a semester-long experience for PhD students who engage as the primary instructor or co-instructor of a course under the mentorship of a faculty member as part of the MER. Students and mentors complete a mentorship plan prior to the start of each MIT experience. To complete each MIT assignment and to ensure that it applies toward their degree requirements, students must register for the appropriate course number (ASGS 8020) for each semester of engagement. Refer to the "Required Pathways for Completion" section below for more details.

German’s MIT is optional and available to students who have completed the 35 MER unit core. An MIT engagement is equal to 20 MER units:

• Instructor of Record for GERMAN 3130 (Conversational German)  
  • Tasks: Student designs the syllabus and is fully responsible for creating course content 
  • Teaching frequency: 90 minutes per week (1-credit course) 
• Instructor of Record for Language Course GERMAN 1010-2010
  • Tasks: Student is fully responsible for teaching the course, using syllabus and materials developed by faculty mentor 
  • Teaching frequency: 3 hours a week (3-credit course) 
• Instructor of Record for English-language Course in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, the Writing Program, or Global Studies 
  • Tasks: Follows guidelines of the other department

Mentored Professional Experiences (MPEs)

The MPE is an unpaid professional experience for PhD students that allows students to develop skills and experiences relevant to their intended career outcomes. Students and mentors complete a mentorship plan prior to the start of each MPE. To complete each MPE assignment and to ensure that it applies toward their degree requirements, students must submit the Mentorship Registration Request form for approval and register for the appropriate course number (ASGS 8120) for each semester of engagement. Refer to the "Required Pathways for Completion" section below for more details.

MPE for German is optional. Up to three MPE engagements at 60 MER units each are allowed. 

MPE placements may be on or off campus; recent placements include the Arts & Sciences College Office, Olin Library, Special Collections, Center for the Humanities, Public Scholarship, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Missouri History Museum. Students will be matched according to their scholarly interests and/or the professional skills they are looking to develop. Students sign an agreement that lays out their responsibilities prior to beginning the internship that is signed by them and their mentors. They write a reflection on the experience at the end of the semester.

Required Pathways for Completion

Students work with their faculty mentor and their Director of Graduate Studies to plan how and when they will complete their MERs. Students register during the normal registration period for courses in accordance with one of these approved pathways.

Requirement: 95 units total of MTE and MPE Experiences with a core and three potential tracks.

“Core” = 35 units of AI experiences (minimum one language course AI and one round of observing/syllabus writing AI). Most students will complete Core A. Cores B and C are available options for students who come with more teaching experience or who would like more varied observational experiences in advanced courses or in courses outside of the German department. 

A. 0 × 5 + 2 × 10 + 1 × 15 
B. 2 × 5 + 1 × 10 + 1 × 15
C. 1 × 5 + 0 × 10 + 2 × 15

Three potential tracks = 60 units of varied numbers of advanced AI (15 unit), MPE (20 unit), or MIT (20 unit) experiences, depending on the student's professional goals. 

Track 1 — Goal: Diverse Teaching/Professional Portfolio = 95 units 

• Core: 2× Teaching AI/Language courses (10 units) + 1× Observation AI (15 units) = 35 units 
• Track requirements can be fulfilled through the following:  
  • 2× Teaching AI (15) + 1× Observation AI (10 units) + 1 MPE (20) = 60 units
  • 1× Teaching AI (10) + 1× Observation AI (10 units) + 2 MPE (20) = 60 units 

Track 2 — Goal: Independent Teaching = 95 units 

• Core: 2× Teaching AI/Language courses (10 units) + 1× Observation AI (15 units) = 35 units 
• Track requirements can be fulfilled through the following:  
  • 2× Teaching AI (15) + 1× Observation AI (10 units) + 1× MIT (20) = 60 units 

Track 3 — Goal: Focus on Professional Experiences / Teaching Creative Praxis = 95 units 

• Core: 2× Teaching AI [1× Language course (10 units), 1× Upper-level course in English (15 units; ideally related to creative praxis) + 1× Observation AI (10 units) = 35 units
• Track requirements can be fulfilled through the following:  
  • 3× MPE = 60 units 

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Optional Activity: Teaching Intensive Pathway (TIP)

The TIP is an optional pathway for those students whose career interests lie in academia or another field that would benefit from extended teaching experiences. This immersive experience allows students to further explore the breadth and depth of teaching best practices and pedagogy related to their respective field. Students who are interested in participating in this elective experience must formally request to participate, which is subject to program approval. Due to this experience being an elective, unpaid experience, students who participate in the TIP will not receive compensation.

Students may apply to this track (a short statement of intent to the Director of Graduate Studies that will be approved by the German faculty) after completing the “core” 35 units. This TIP does not count toward the other 60 units required for MTE.

Optional Pathway