Master's Theses and PhD Applications

[rmexiq]

I'm trying to choose a topic for my master's thesis. Am I right in thinking that it would be better to choose a "safe" topic in a big subfield (e.g. modernism) rather than something less traditional (e.g. science fiction) outside the major subfields? I'm assuming ad-comms expect some continuity between your MA work and PhD application, and that pigeon-holing yourself into an obscure area might get you ruled out at some departments.

This seems like kind of a backwards question to ask; ideally you'd research whatever you wanted and apply only to departments where you could expand those interests. But certain areas are less in vogue than others, and I don't want to diminish my chances of getting into a good PhD program. The thesis is only two semesters, and it's not like there aren't cool things to write about in the major subfields. Plus, there's all that stuff about professionalization.

Answers are bound to be speculative, but I'm curious what you guys think.

[rainy_day]

I think that what matters is that it is in your subfield, for the sake of your writing sample. I did not have my thesis yet, so my writing sample was from a different era and, while it was a strong paper, I think that hurt the cohesive narrative of my scholarship that you want to present in your application. I also think that it must be something that interests and is important to you--otherwise there won't be any real life in it--and that you produce a quality, nuanced paper that contributes to the field. IMO, I do not see the value of "playing it safe." To put it bluntly, if that is your attitude now, when will you stop playing it safe and how far will that reach into your scholarship? It's a dangerous path to tread.

[rmexiq]

Thanks for your response.

I also think that it must be something that interests and is important to you--otherwise there won't be any real life in it--and that you produce a quality, nuanced paper that contributes to the field. IMO, I do not see the value of "playing it safe." To put it bluntly, if that is your attitude now, when will you stop playing it safe and how far will that reach into your scholarship? It's a dangerous path to tread.

For clarification, I wouldn't write on a topic I wasn't already interested in. It's just that my interest in contemporary literature (a poorly represented period at most departments) stretches into aspects of modernism, and I'm wondering if it would be better to focus more on the latter. It seems like that would keep things more open-ended for PhD applications.

Edited March 20, 2012 by rmexiq

[Timshel]

I didn't use my Master's thesis as my writing sample since my interests shifted a bit after I started working on my thesis.

[Stately Plump]

I did write my thesis with my writing sample in mind (though of course, I fine tuned it later). I found it to be a helpful way of preparing myself intellectually and for narrowing my potential research interests. My writing sample fit nicely into a verifiable and well-represented subfield, but I still managed to write about something that is largely understudied. I think, overall, it was beneficial in my presentation of myself as a "complete" or focused candidate.

I wonder if you might be able to fit your peripheral interests into a larger subfield? I know that science fiction and modernism are pretty different topics, so perhaps try to emphasis the areas where, as you say, your interests stretch into aspects of modernism. Can you frame your arguments about science fiction within a modernist literary tradition? Can you suggest though your thesis (and thus, your writing sample) how studying modernism can help in the study of science fiction? Can you state those points even more clearly in your personal statement? Can you find faculty at your schools of interest who might be able to help you with your research interests, whether they be in modernism or science fiction? If so, you may actually be able to present yourself as a more unique and attractive applicant.*

At the schools to which I applied, my research interests were not a perfect fit; there was no one studying precisely what I wanted to study. I actually think this was a good thing, because I could frame my interests around their interests, suggesting that--rather than just repeat or copy their research--I might be able to contribute to it in mutually beneficial ways. While I might benefit from the work going on in the rest of the department, so too might the department benefit from my work. If you can present your interests in ways that overlap, you may be able to prove that you will be a positive contribution to the scholarly community at their school.

*I know there is lots of work being done with science fiction and postmodernism. Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo, for example, are often studied through a postmodern/science fiction/contemporary literature lens. Kit Hume at Penn State offers a course in contemporary literature that might be of interest to you. Additionally, I would look at departments' offerings in contemporary literature more closely; you may find some interest in science fiction, even if it does not appear to be "science fiction" as traditionally conceived.

[Timshel]

Also, I just wanted to mention that the University of California Riverside is known for their work with science fiction. It has a huge collection at the library and well-known people in the field that work there.