Question about Notre Dame English PhD Program

[Samux]

Unlike other schools I'm applying to, at Notre Dame there seems to be a strict division between American and British poetry. Faculty do either one or the other, and the same appears to be true for students. This is a problem for me as my project encompasses both American and British poets. On the application you can indicate two specializations, which makes me think that a combination such as the one I propose would be acceptable. But all the other information on the website makes me think otherwise. Does anyone out there - who's applying or already admitted - have any insight on how they view candidates interested in more than one area?

[spartaca]

Unlike other schools I'm applying to, at Notre Dame there seems to be a strict division between American and British poetry. Faculty do either one or the other, and the same appears to be true for students. This is a problem for me as my project encompasses both American and British poets. On the application you can indicate two specializations, which makes me think that a combination such as the one I propose would be acceptable. But all the other information on the website makes me think otherwise. Does anyone out there - who's applying or already admitted - have any insight on how they view candidates interested in more than one area?

While I'm not familiar with Notre Dame, you can always play with your language and term your interest in both as transatlantic poetry. If you plan to look at a specific time period, you can throw that in, too. While I only listed one specialty - 19th C American Lit - I expressed an interest in multiple theoretical frameworks and a desire to gain more knowledge in women's and ethnic literatures. I don't think it's frowned upon to have more than one interest as long as you're explicit about your main interest and the kinds of questions you plan on asking.

Hope this helps!