Help Finding the Right PhD Program

[Tweedledumb]

Ok...I know I can't be the only one whose interests are too broad for the main programs available in English studies. I'm looking to apply for PhD programs for Fall 2014. I'll have my BA in Lit and MA in Writing: Comp/Rhet, but I have no idea what programs to apply for. I'm leaning toward Comp/Rhet -- but has anyone come across a program that combines history and writing/lit studies? I love lit and writing but I get truly excited about my studies when I can look into ancient or Renaissance cultures and their texts. That being said, I don't even know what kind of programs to look for -- help?

[ProfLorax]

Perhaps look into University of Maryland's English program. Because University of Maryland doesn't have a separate rhet/comp program, it is easy to study both rhetoric and literature as an English PhD student. I met a student who focused on both lit and rhetoric from the Renaissance. He was graduating, and already had a TT job lined up! They seem to have a lot of faculty working on medieval and Renaissance lit and rhetoric: http://www.english.umd.edu/people/areagroups/medieval Specifically, Jane Donawerth works on rhetoric from the Renaissance. I met her during my visit day, and she seemed both approachable and brilliant. 

[Tweedledumb]

Thank you proflorax, I will definitely look into Maryland's program!

[muchado]

One of the girls I met at my Louisville visit did her MA at Alabama, and I'm pretty sure she combined some Comp/Rhet studies with Renaissance studies. So, that could be another option. 

 

Also, check out this map of Doctoral programs that have a specialty in Rhet/Comp - http://batchgeo.com/map/1a491427ce89c24f0206905a57091e6e

[Tweedledumb]

Wow, that's really useful, thank you!