A few more, please

[Jbarks]

I've perused this forum along with several others, and I'm still in need of some assistance. I'm applying to PhD programs this fall. I just graduated with my MA. My areas of interest are the late Middle Ages (a little of the Early Modern period) and psychoanalysis (mainly Freud). Generally, I'm interested in exploring the relationship between past and present through deferred action and how time is experienced in both medieval works and contemporary representations of the Middle Ages. Furthermore, I hope to explore the literary structure of Freud's writing in terms of temporal arrangements. In a nutshell, I like medieval lit, Freud, and temporality.

So far, I have a list of 13 schools, but I would like to apply to a minimum of 15 in order to help my chances. In addition, a few of the schools on my list, I'm still questioning (funding, fit, etc.).

1. GWU

2. SUNY Buffalo

3. Boston College (? fit)

4. Boston University

5. UT Austin

6. UT Knoxville

7. Purdue

8. UNCG

9. U Missouri

10. Kent State

11. UCSB (? funding, even though it would be a great fit)

12. UCONN

13. OU

I would welcome any other suggestions of programs I can explore. I'm trying to be practical here, and I'm not looking to apply only to top 15 schools. I just graduated from a reputable program in NYC, but I'm not looking to attend the Harvards and Yales. I want to find a place where I can perform great research, earn invaluable teaching experience, and live happily for the next 5 years of my life.

Thanks, everyone!

[stillthisappeal]

Have you thought about Notre Dame? I've heard that they have a strong medieval program and their funding is very competitive. I know less about Washington University in St. Louis, but their program might be worth a look as well.

[lyonessrampant]

Notre Dame does have a great Medieval program, but it is a bit traditional. I was accepted there and turned it down because of that reason. It seemed psychoanalysis wasn't well liked there (I do work in that area as well), but that may have just been my impression. UChicago may be a reach, but Mark Miller's work is something you should totally check out based on your stated research interests. Edited to add: Fradenburg is at UCSB. Is that why you're looking at that program? I've heard it's great for Medieval/psychoanalysis. You might look at CUNY too, though funding is really questionable there. ..

Edited June 15, 2011 by lyonessrampant

[Jbarks]

Thanks for the responses so far!

On 6/15/2011 at 11:19 AM, stillthisappeal said:

Have you thought about Notre Dame? I've heard that they have a strong medieval program and their funding is very competitive. I know less about Washington University in St. Louis, but their program might be worth a look as well.

WashU may be a possibility. Joe Loewenstein is there. He does a lot more with Spenser, Milton and Shakespeare.

I agree with lyoness about ND. I looked at the program initially, but I found it too traditional for my taste. And, yes, I'm applying to UCSB b/c of Fradenburg. I'm a little concerned about funding, though.

[noxrosa]

Just thought I'd pipe in on the UCSB front--I got in this year and not only did they offer me funding for my whole time there, they also let in an entering class this year that's larger than the last 3 years because they felt they could afford to. So don't write them off....

On 6/15/2011 at 2:04 PM, Jbarks said:

Thanks for the responses so far!

WashU may be a possibility. Joe Loewenstein is there. He does a lot more with Spenser, Milton and Shakespeare.

I agree with lyoness about ND. I looked at the program initially, but I found it too traditional for my taste. And, yes, I'm applying to UCSB b/c of Fradenburg. I'm a little concerned about funding, though.

[Jbarks]

Just thought I'd pipe in on the UCSB front--I got in this year and not only did they offer me funding for my whole time there, they also let in an entering class this year that's larger than the last 3 years because they felt they could afford to. So don't write them off....

Thanks for the insight. I know that UCSB would make for a great fit, and I would like to go there. What are your general impressions of the program? Any advice on effectively applying there? Thanks!