Francophile1

LKs thank you for your input but I am really looking to hear answers to my particular questions now..from some other posters. It's not that I do not appreciate responses on whether it is advisable to go to grad school etc...but as I am making my decision here I need to get the answers to my questions above.

Just saw your post. I understand it but we mainly speak russian.

So, I have finally decided what I want to study (I think) and am seeking some advice now. I have done significant research in various PhD programs and need to make a right choice here. I've decided that I would like to specialize in literature, after debating long and hard between that and linguistics. My current MA is in Foreign lit/language and technically I could continue on to the PhD, however I am really interested in interdisciplinary work and am looking at Comp. Lit departments because of this. But before I make this huge decision I need some answers. As I understand, if I stay in a national language program I would have to concentrate in this language, and although it is possible to do some interdisciplinary work, the priority would be placed on that language. I am however more interested in the intersection of two languages/culture/lit disciplines and possibly other disciplines such as art and theater. Here are some of my main questions: - Is there a stigma against comp. lit PhD's? As far as jobs go, I know that people usually get employed mostly in National Lang. departments, so is it more advisable to follow a path within a national Lit department rather than Cop. Lit? - Do students in Comp. Lit departments actually teach Language classes, or they are mostly placed in comp lit or composition classes as TA's? - If you would advise someone like me with very interdisciplinary interests, would you advise for or against Comp. Lit? Your answers are much appreciated!

Hello, all I know I have been asking similar questions on this forum, and I apologize for that, but I am really confused right now so looking for some extra help here. To recap. So I am finishing my MA in French Lit. and discovered (through observations and previous coursework that I am very interested in Linguistics. However my main hesitation and confusion comes about in selecting the programs to apply to. I'm probably going to need an MA first either way because I lack some of the linguistic graduate classes, but I just cannot decide on these 3 options. Right now I am primarily interested in SLA, bilingualism and syntax- I know kind of broad, but I hope to narrow it down soon! These are some schools that offer Linguistics in all subjects (French/Slavic/ or general)- and they ALL seem excellent- so I really need some advice here! My native tongue is Russian and I could really excel in a slavic program, however my past studies have been in French, and if I were to admit it- I really have had a HUGE passion for French! However I am not a native or a person who lived in the country for a long time, so I can see the difference between someone like me and let's say a native speaker. Now there's the other choice of going into a regular Linguistic program. As I understand the primary difference here is that the focus is on general linguistics, and as I remember from my undergraduate classes this includes studying english as a large part of it?! Of course we did study cases of other languages, but nothing as focused as a foreign language linguistics would provide. Am I correct on this?? SO here I arrive to my dilemma: Do I go with my native tongue? Somewhere where I know my language skills are extremely strong? But since this language is also not that highly in demand, will specializing in it, and not in the broadly accepted lit. part of it...would be a good idea for jobs?? Or do I continue with french, work on fluency, perhaps go abroad for short times or get extra tutoring help? Then here my question is the same- how much will I restrict myself if I graduate with a PhD in French Linguistics?? ANd finally, maybe it is most wise to go with a general linguistic program? Would I be able to do research or take classes in other foreign language linguistics? I know this depends on the program, but what has been your experience? In this case would I be more marketable for jobs to teach linguistics and perhaps a foreign language? What does this depend on? What research I choose to work on? I know too many questions...but I just need to decide this soon! I am going to professors, advisors and whoever else will listen to get some more answers...but in the meantime...if you can contribute please do!

One follow up question on all of this. As I mentioned before I am in Lit now and really want to pursue a Linguistics PhD after but lack graduate courses. Would you, in my case get first an MA? SO according to everything that I've read it is more useful as far as job diversity goes to major in General Linguistics rather than through a foreign language department (i.e French Linguistics)?? I am sorry If I am repeating myself...just trying to find the best option

LKS thanks so much. Yes I am in a lit based MA now, and I can totally see that I am not that interested in Lit. So if I would focus on Linguistics do you think it would be better to train in a direct linguistic department- this means it will be english based, and then do my research in the foreign languages that interest me, rather than go through a French Linguistic department? I need to find this out because if so I will pursue Linguistics rather than looking through foreign language departments. It seems most linguistic professors in the French Linguistic departments get their degrees from Linguistic programs or one of the few on these lists above.

also found these: Purdue Louisianan STate, Georgia Maryland...but still none in the Ivy's.

Hi all I am looking for programs (PhD) in french linguistics...please help! So far I found these: UT Austin Indiana U illinois urbana ucdavis (u of brit columbia)Canada... any others? any Ivy's who do linguistics through French department?

I have heard that they are less strict with GRE's for foreigners...I guess it depends on your TOEFL. I would say you could try (it depends on the programs). GRE's are really used to separate applicants, so it depends how competitive is the program to which you're applying. It would be better though if you aim for a higher Verbal.

what about analytical does it really matter especially if you send writing sample?

thanks, yes for my field so far I wasn't able to find any scores in my field. What score do you think "would cut it"?

I would appreciate if people could contribute what GRE score is needed for such programs as HArvard, YAle etc... I know it is only part of the app. But considering mediocre grades in undergrad and 3.6+ in grad MA, + second MA (which I haven't completed yet but aiming for 4.0, what grades are needed? I currently have 152/146/4.0 and will be retaking test 3rd time... Humanities field..any advice? If you have been accepted to such a program what was your score?

I have been following your posts and wanted to see if any people that applied to Slavic linguistics could answer a few questions. I know there are not too many programs in the U.S in this field...I found about 6 PhD programs Would 6 schools be enough to apply? I know this depends on a lot of things but on average is that a good number? -If you've applied for this PhD are you planning to teach in slavic departments or linguistics? -Why did you choose SLavic instead of general linguistic department? -If anyone knows of any good programs in Canada please let me know. Can we get funding in Canada like in US?

Thanks. I didn't mean to sound harsh or anything just wanted to clarify things! The reason why I am asking all this is because of the fact that I do not want to continue in Lit and am interested in Linguistics. Actually I know that in spanish it is very common to have ling. track, but for the other languages much less so. Yes I primarily wanted to know if someone receives PhD in (any language) with linguistics focus would they also qualify to enter linguistics market, so could they apply to both departments, their language and linguistics, since under such a track they take a lot of similar courses. I am talking about theoretical linguistics here. And as far as your remark about getting MA in French and then PhD in Linguistics, so far most of the programs I have contacted suggested getting a MA or significant exposure to post graduate linguistic classes before applying to a PhD. SInce I do not have that, I would have to get a 2nd MA in linguistics.

fuzzylogician- thanks for the input. A few things....this is not a decision hat I just came up with just because I do not know what to do with my life...I really want to be a professor and do research I just had to find out after my MA in lit, that I am more interested in language itself and it's scientific applications rather than lit theory. I am also not a student who is like 23-24 right out of grad school with no real world experience. I took some time off after BA to work and returned to academia because this is truly what I want to do. Yes technically I could go back to the workforce teach at HS or community college, which I considered as well...but that is not ultimately what I want to do and would basically just prolong my education (time wise). Now about my linguistics question. I thank you for your response. I have already been on the Linguistic site you mentioned and saw job posts, they seem to be a variation of computational linguistics/applied and some with foreign languages. What I was asking and wanted to know specifically is in relation to programs in foreign language which are based in linguistics. Not applied but theoretical. Just so I can explain myself clearly consider these 3 scenarios. 1. I complete an MA in foreign language-focus linguistics (theoretical or applied)- then go onto phd with same focus 2. Complete MA in Linguistics (general)-then do same PhD Do you (or anyone else who reads this) think with option #1 I would have more chances to be employed across the board in foreign lang programs AND linguistics or would I be at a disadvantage for the latter (competing with students who did option #2)? My MA was financed, and I will only apply to financed programs for the 2nd one (they do exist!) And one more thing. I find it funny when people suggest making sure this is what you really want to do by getting real world experience or anything like this. How can you possibly find this out without taking linguistic classes??? Just a thought

So, I am finishing up an MA in lit, and would like to get another MA and PhD in linguistics in the future (since this field interests me more than lit). I noticed that there are two kinds of linguistic paths. Basically one can go through a regular linguistic course or one through a foreign lang department (such as French linguistics/Slavic linguistics/spanish..etc) Is one path better than the other? Is it possible to get let' say a linguistic job in Linguistic department with a PhD in foreign language linguistics? Or is it better to take the regular linguistic route? Of course I understand that I could get a job in the foreign language department easily with such a degree, but am wondering about flexibility to be employable in linguistic departments.

thanks!

I have just come across this program and it seems very appealing. Is it highly regarded? Also can someone give me some advice between E.D.d and PhD degrees. I know the difference but I am just wondering if one is better to go into university teaching when the other?

Thanks, I have also heard that many gamer companies actually prefer potential employees from a diverse background and training and they don't view trade degrees -2 year as serious. Do you think this is true?

Hello all, I am currently leaning towards a PhD in linguistics, as after being in a Lit based MA, I have decided that I am really not that interested in lit. research. Please answer any or all the following questions if you can! 1. I already will have an MA in literature, and I understand that without substantial linguistics background it is very hard to get accepted into a PhD program. So how do I go about this? Should I get another MA in linguistics?? I have a minor in linguistics from my undergrad. years 2. SInce my specialization throughout my BA and MA has been in foreign language I was always interested in specializing in Linguistics in that language-French. However, I have noticed that in the U.S many such programs only exist in spanish, and just a select few in french linguistics. My question is would I be limiting my job prospects if I get a PhD in French Linguistics down the road rather than general linguistics? 3. Also, I have been thinking about going abroad to get this 2nd MA and PhD. It will take way less years and possible allow me to improve my language skills and save significantly on the MA costs. But my concern is how good this would be in terms of finding employment after in the U.S? My options with this choice is basically: -either doing MA-abroad the US PhD- this will take longer (7 years), but I will have a US PhD -MA+PHD abroad-5 years/cheapest option, but limited teaching opportunities -MA+PhD- here, also 7 years but more costs for MA. I assume that I really need to do a second MA since I have no research papers or concrete Ideas what I would specialize in. I have some thoughts, but I think I really need to delve in the field before committing to PhD. ANother concern is ofcourse costs. I already have significant loans taken out (around 100K)...which I know is really BAD...but I had no choice! This is why I am really concerned about even taking out another 20K (to get 2nd MA). Any advice is appreciated. P.S I feel like I would have been better off going to an MA in linguistics in the first place, but then again I would have never discovered that lit. is not really my passion, and since I wanted to be involved in the foreign language and most of these programs are lit. based I ended up here!

Please list school schools that you know of in the US that have French Linguistics PhD's... I only know of two...looking for more! UT AUstin Indiana

Hello! I know this is primarily for graduate studies advice, but I am reaching out today to potentially get some advice from graduate students about careers in interactive media and game design for undergraduates. I have been scouring through the forums and have not gotten any useful information so hopefully someone can help here! As I understand there are two pathways for someone who wants to work in gaming- the programming route or the more artistic. Now,I am interested to find out the artistic one and what degree would be most well suited. If you can answer any of these questions please respond! 1. Is there a big difference, career wise if someone finishes a "game design" degree or is a more diverse path such as digital arts/media is better for the job market? 2. ANy major significance between a BA/BS and BFA? Is one better than the other? 3. Is there a preference between going to an Art school or regular university? I am in search of these questions/answers for someone who is currently in community college and is looking for the best degree possible to get into the gaming profession. All answers are appreciated!

Hello all, I wanted to apply for the Fullbright MA scholarship this cycle but started late and now will probably delay it for next year. If you guys can answer a few qns and give me some advice - I would appreciate it! 1. How early do you reccommend to start the application process? 2. Any advice on constructing statements of purpose for MA program funding? 3. And I will be actually graduating from my current MA, and so I am wondering if I apply for fullbright after this, do I still need to contact my MA school's Fullbright adviser and apply through them? Much appreciated

I just saw your post. I am actually from Moldova so if you need any info about the country just write or pm me!

queen of Kale-what field are you in?