ls7834

Wow, thanks for the feedback...very encouraging, indeed! I will begin researching schools... Do you, by chance, know if there's a difference in terms of landing a job with a degree in English (lit) vs. Comparative Lit? I ask b/c there seems to be a lot more of an interdisciplinary "bent" w/ the latter, but whenever I look at job posts, there seem to be A LOT more openings for those with a degree in English (lit or composition/rhetoric).

Hi all! I am interested in applying to various PhD programs in English (literature track) but I am wondering if my not having a formal BA or MA in the field will significantly decrease my chances. I should note that I do have a BA in the humanities, namely, in Film Studies and Philosophy (from USC) and an MA in Film Studies (from NYU). I have also taught 7 years of HS English (advanced, honors classes) and am currently taking a full load of upper-division English classes at a local university (by next semester, I should have about 9-10 classes under my belt). My overall GPA in all of my classes is very strong, GREs are in the 90th%, I am working on the writing sample and hope to submit something solid, and my letters of rec should all be strong. Given all of this, do you think that I have a shot at all? Should I even bother? A lot of schools indicate that it's recommended that the applicant have an English degree but that they'll consider those in a related field. Any of you in a similar situation or have any knowledge about this matter? (ps-I should note, too, that one of my research interests does have to do with the intersection of literature and film, particularly w/ regard to theories on authorship, spectatorship/readership, etc.) I appreciate any feedback!!