Popular Culture

COURSES

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 32 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the baccalaureate degree. Students must complete the following core requirements:

• • POPC 6750, Popular Culture Theory and Methodology;
  • POPC 6600, Folklore and Folklife;
  • Three graduate seminars in popular culture; and
  • One departmental course in international popular culture.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

Master's candidates are required to pass a written departmental comprehensive examination in order to complete the requirements for graduation.  Candidates are responsible for mastering the content of a core reading list provided to them at the beginning of their academic program, as well as that of the required core courses listed above.

THESIS AND NON-THESIS OPTIONS

The MA degree is offered under Plan 1: Thesis Option or Plan II: Non-thesis Option.

Plan I: An MA thesis is required for Plan 1.  Up to six semester hours of credit for thesis researcht can be applied toward the degree.

Plan II: In addition to the written comprehensive examination described above, each candidate in Plan II must pass a two-hour oral examination over an area of specialization or complete a project that presents the candidate's research.  Three additional courses beyond the core requirements listed above are required for Plan II.

GRADUATE COMMITTEE

Candidates select the members of their individual advisory committee in close consultation with the Popular Culture Graduate Coordinator.  Each committee includes a chair from within the Department of Popular Culture and at least one other faculty member from within the Department. An optional third member can be from within or outside the Department of Popular Culture. All members of the committee must have Graduate Faculty Status. In the case of the Plan I-thesis candidates, the committee advises and approves the thesis. In the case of the Plan II-non-thesis candidates, the committee prepares and evaluates the oral examination over the candidate's area of specialization or advises and approves the project that presents the candidate's research. Students are expected to have created their committee by no later than the end of the second semester in residence in the program.