Writing Sample and SOP

[fj20]

Actually, Chesterton's right, that first question I ask is pretty much the same one that is addressed throughout this thread. But I actually do ask at least one quite different question, namely "Is it problematic to claim [in your SOP] that you have two distinct subjects of interest (while at the same time being quite specific about your interest in at least one of those subjects)"?

[ecritdansleau]

Actually, Chesterton's right, that first question I ask is pretty much the same one that is addressed throughout this thread. But I actually do ask at least one quite different question, namely "Is it problematic to claim [in your SOP] that you have two distinct subjects of interest (while at the same time being quite specific about your interest in at least one of those subjects)"?

I don't think there's necessarily a simple answer to this question, because different professors might have different opinions about how heterogeneous a literary scholar's interests can be. This is total speculation, but I would imagine that a department/professor especially heavy on historicism would appreciate a tighter delineation on a specific historical period, whereas a more theoretical department might have more leeway for approaching certain conceptual/ideological issues. In either case, if your interests happen to be divergent/disparate, it would be wise to show a way that they are related. It's not as if the adcom expect we can name in our SOP every potential literary interest we've ever had--that would be a joke--(and they don't want a laundry list). One's best bet is to figure out a coherent theme and stick to it.

Edited December 12, 2010 by ecritdansleau

[fj20]

Great answer, thanks.