Academics

Table of Contents

Introduction

This departmental handbook is intended to describe the graduate programs in French and Italian and to summarize some of the policies of the Graduate College that pertain to graduate students. It is not intended to be a complete description of the policies and procedures of the Graduate College or the University. Students are advised to consult the Graduate College Handbook for a complete description of topics such as Credit Loads; Credit/No Credit; Time Limit; Travel for Conferences; Travel for Dissertation Research; Stipend Payments; Payroll Forms; Tax Status; Health Insurance; Vacation and Sick-Leave; University Resources (for TAs); Mediation of Conflicts between Faculty Supervisors and TA/RA; Resources and Procedures outside of Department (Grievance); Ethics; Academic Integrity, Professional Codes of Conduct; Academic Misconduct Policies (e.g. plagiarism, discrimination, sexual misconduct).

The Graduate College Handbook explains your privileges and responsibilities as a graduate student, describes many of the services provided to you by the University, and summarizes the Graduate College regulations that apply to all graduate students. Much of the Graduate College Handbook deals with rules and regulations, but it also contains a lot of helpful information. All policies in the Graduate College Handbook are followed by the Department of French and Italian.

In the event of any major changes to the departmental requirements described here, continuing students (i.e. beyond the first year of the M.A. or Ph.D.) may choose to fulfill the requirements in effect when they began their degree program or to adopt the changes in the revised document. In all such matters, students should consult their advisors.

We strive to provide each student in the department with the best opportunities for success in graduate school and beyond. We are sincerely interested in receiving any suggestions that could improve our graduate programs.

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Part I - General Information

1. Mailboxes

Graduate student mailboxes are located in the main office, 2090 Foreign Languages Building (FLB). These boxes provide a convenient means of getting in touch with you. Important messages will sometimes be left in your mailbox, so please be sure to check its contents regularly.

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2. Email and Internet

Departmental notices are sent out by email. Please read your email regularly. If you are not receiving departmental email notices, please notify the FRIT Office Manager in 2090 FLB (phone 244-8243, or at french-italian@illinois.edu). The Department web page is www.frit.illinois.edu.

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3. Computer Facilities

2124 FLB is the shared computer lab for French and Italian teaching assistants (TAs). Keys for this room are distributed at the beginning of the semester. For other computer sites, for U of I Box cloud storage and for the University's policies and procedures regarding both on- and off-campus computing, see Technology Services at Illinois.

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4. Keys

Graduate students in FRIT receive a key to their office and can request a key to the TA printer room on the 2nd floor. Requests should be directed to SLCL-Facilities (slcl-facilities@illinois.edu).

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5. Offices

The School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (SLCL) staff assigns shared graduate student offices to all graduate students with teaching assistant appointments. Smoking is not allowed in these offices or anywhere in the building or on campus.

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6. Supplies

Graduate teaching assistants may obtain office supplies for the course they are teaching. Specific requests should be made to the FRIT Office Manager in 2090 FLB. Research assistants should check with their supervisors before obtaining supplies for their work or operating the copy machine.

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7. Vending Machines

Vending machines stocked with cold and hot drinks and snacks are located on the ground floor behind and to the left of the elevators.

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8. Security

The emergency phone number is 9-911 from campus landlines, or 911 from cell phones.
Please be security conscious. Do not leave personal valuables in your office or desk. Do not share your keys or invite others to the graduate student offices or other department facilities. Close and lock your office door whenever you leave the office.

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9. GEO

See information about the Graduate Employees' Organization.

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Part II - Your Academic Program

1. Important Departmental Rules

1.1 All students must consult their academic advisor before registering for courses.

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1.2 Attendance at Departmental Events

Attendance at departmental events is expected from all graduate students in French and Italian, as these events are an essential part of graduate study. You are strongly encouraged to come to all dissertation defenses, unless it interferes with a class. You should also make every possible effort to attend talks given by invited scholars or by your peers, as well as any professional gathering organized by the department. These are important occasions for intellectual exchange with the faculty and with scholars from other institutions, and provide the opportunity to familiarize yourself with aspects of academic life.

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2. Graduate College Rules Regarding Course Load

The Graduate College specifies a minimum amount of credit for which a Teaching/Research Assistant must enroll in accordance with the following table:

Appointment Percentage Minimum Load in Hours

11-24 percent: 12 credit hours
25-67 percent: 8 credit hours

Students with fellowships should take 12 or more hours per semester. Students working on dissertations should register for the maximum number of hours permissible (either 599 exclusively, or a combination of a course plus 599). Teaching Assistants are strongly advised to take three courses during the semesters when they are teaching only one course.

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3. Role of Faculty Advisors

At the M.A. and early doctoral level, FRIT graduate students are advised by the designated graduate advisor for the program and specialization they have chosen: French Studies, French Applied Linguistics, Italian Studies. For current information about the graduate advisor for each of these specializations, click on the specialization.

Students meet with their graduate advisor at least once per semester, prior to registering, in order to discuss their choice of courses for the following semester and to ensure that they are fulfilling the degree requirements. Graduate advisors record students' progress in their online files (maintained by SLCL Graduate Student Services). It is mandatory to meet with the advisor before registering for courses.

At the advanced doctoral level, each student selects a Director of research whose expertise will permit them to direct the student's program of course work and research leading to the preliminary examination and dissertation defense. It is the student's responsibility to identify a faculty member who will agree to direct their dissertation project.

All FRIT graduate students (whether at the M.A., early Ph.D., or advanced Ph.D. level) are required to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies once per academic year to discuss their goals and progress to degree.

The Graduate College's Guidelines for Graduate Student Mentoring outline the respective roles and responsibilities of students, faculty, and programs.

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4. The M.A. Program and Examinations

4.1 Course Work

All M.A. programs in French and Italian require 32 semester hours of graduate credit. Programs and specializations have specific requirements about courses: French Studies, French Applied Linguistics, Italian Studies.

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4.2 Changing Graduate Specialization (French)

Students admitted to the M.A. in French are expected to complete their degree in the specialization to which they were admitted. If a student wishes to switch from one specialization to another, they may do so at the Ph.D. level, through an internal application for admission to the other specialization during the semester the M.A. exam is taken (normally the third or fourth semester after a student's entry into the original graduate program).

The Department's Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid shall evaluate (1) the student's statement of purpose explaining the reasons for the intended change of specialization and the interest in doctoral studies in the chosen specialization, (2) the student's academic record, (3) three letters of recommendation by Illinois faculty, and (4) two writing samples. The student's internal application for entry into a different specialization will be evaluated in consideration of the pool of external applicants for that specialization.

In exceptional cases, a switch of specialization may be authorized during the first year of the M.A. In a written statement to the Department Head and the Director of Graduate Studies, the student shall petition for changing specializations and lay out their reasons for it. The academic advisors for the two specializations involved also shall explain why the student's switch is in the best interest of the student and the department, and a faculty member of the specialization to which the student wants to switch shall provide a statement in support of the student's petition. These statements shall be provided as soon as possible, before the end of the Academic Year. The Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid shall evaluate the petition, also taking into account the pool of external applicants.

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4.3 Guidelines for the M.A. Examination

Detailed information on department procedures for M.A. and Ph.D. examinations is found in the respective description of each specialization posted on the departmental website (French Studies, French Applied Linguistics).

Students normally take the examination during the year in which they finish course work for the M.A. (i.e., the third or fourth semester of the M.A.). The examination cannot be scheduled during the Summer Term.

Before scheduling the written and oral M.A. examinations, the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Advisor in the student's specialization name a chair of the examination committee, informing the Head of the Department. The Director of Graduate Studies checks the student's dossier, to make sure that the student is on track to complete the require 32 hours of course work in the distribution specified for their chosen specialization. When dates are agreed upon, the chair of the committee informs SLCL Graduate Student Services. Students registered with DRES (Disability Resources & Educational Services) who require disability accommodations such as extended time should notify the chair of the exam committee in advance of scheduling the exams.

A combined result for both components of the exam (Pass, Terminal M.A., Fail) is reported to the Graduate College. Students who receive a "Terminal M.A." grade may not apply to the Ph.D. program. If the oral or written component results in a grade of "Fail," it may be retaken once, usually the following semester and with the same committee. A student with two failures in the M.A. exam (including failing different components) must withdraw from the program. Appeals may be considered only on grounds of alleged unfair treatment and would be directed to the FRIT Graduate Studies committee.

The exam committee fills out the "M.A. Comprehensive Examination Report Form" (there is a different form for each specialization) and returns it to SLCL Graduate Student Services. The chair of the exam committee should notify the Director of Graduate Studies, who will notify Graduate Student Services that the student's name should be put on the graduation degree list once all course work is completed.

In addition, the committee will provide the student and the Director of Graduate Studies with a written evaluation of the student's performance. For students who receive a grade of "Pass" and plan to apply to the Ph.D. program, the evaluation is also forwarded to the admissions committee, along with examination copies.

If the student wishes to enter the Ph.D. program, they must apply to the Department's Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid. In addition to the recommendation of the M.A. examination committee, the admissions committee evaluates two samples of written work and a statement of research interest submitted by the student, and considers the student's grade point average, which should be no lower than 3.5. For internal candidates, no letters of recommendation are required.

Students wishing to apply to the doctoral program should take the M.A. examination before the end of February during their second year. In French Studies, the M.A. examination should be scheduled in the third semester of the M.A. stage of graduate study (usually in October or November of the second year of M.A. courses).

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4.4 The M.A. Examination in French Studies

Detailed guidelines for the M.A. examination in French Studies

Students should take the M.A. examination in French Studies no later than the Fall of their second year in the graduate program.

The members of the M.A. exam committee in French Studies (three faculty in French Studies) are named by the Graduate Advisor in French Studies and the Director of Graduate Studies, informing the Head.

The examination is conducted in French. It has two components, written and oral, and is based on two of the four French Studies reading lists covering periods of French literature and culture (Medieval and Renaissance; 17th and 18th Centuries; 19th Century to mid-20th Century; and mid-20th Century to 21st Century including Francophone). The student, in consultation with the Advisor in French Studies, selects the two periods to be covered in their M.A. examination.

The written component of the exam is 8 hours long in total, divided into 2 days (not necessarily consecutive). The oral component is 1.5 to 2 hours long.

The M.A. examination in French Studies is designed to test students’ knowledge of the selected texts, their ability to discuss them critically, and the quality of their written and spoken French. 

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4.5 The M.A. Examination in French Applied Linguistics

Detailed guidelines for the M.A. examination in French Applied Linguistics

The M.A. examination in French Applied Linguistics has a written and an oral component; the oral component includes a section on French literature and culture. The written component can take one of two forms: a long M.A. paper centered on a research topic, or three short essays featuring core areas (e.g., phonetics and phonology, sociolinguistics, history of French) and applied areas (e.g., acquisition, pedagogy) of French Linguistics. 

The written examination (for the essay option) typically lasts 4 hours; the oral examination, 1.5 to 2 hours. The oral is typically administered a week after the written, if the student has passed the written.

The written examination and the Linguistics part of the oral examination are based on an extended reading list of books, book chapters and articles covering key areas of French Applied Linguistics:

Sample readings for the MA examination in French Applied Linguistics

The French literature and culture part of the examination (in the oral component) is based on a short list of works selected by the student in consultation with the French Studies faculty member of the M.A. examination committee. This list includes a selection of titles from the French Studies reading lists, usually based on courses taken by the student. Students are advised to cover a broad range of periods and genres.

The oral examination includes a discussion of the written examination (M.A. paper or short essays) and questions about selected topics defined in the reading list. It is typically conducted in French.

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4.6 The M.A. Examination in Italian Studies

To receive the MA in Italian Studies, every student is required to complete an MA exam. Each student taking the MA examination will compile and present a reading list to the members of the examination committee at least one month before scheduling the exam. The list needs to include a combination of canonical texts and of sources specific to the student’s interests. After receiving approval for the list, the student is expected to take the exam in the 4th and final semester of enrollment in the program. The examination, based on the student’s list and on the material and courses covered in the MA program, consists of three written parts to be taken in three successive sessions. The exam covers the major historical periods of Italian literature, culture and language: Medieval, Early Modern, Late Modern. The student might be able to choose between two different topics for each of the exam sessions. 

Students are expected to write coherently and professionally an essay for each of the sessions and prove their mastery of the bibliography included in their lists. No texts will be available to the students during the exam, but a clear knowledge of the sources is required. The committee may elect to require the student to write either in Italian or in English for each of the exam questions. Each of the exam sessions will be graded by at least two members of the committee. A student can pass or fail each of the three sessions individually and the committee can decide if the student is allowed to take any part of the failed exam a second time. If the student fails to pass any of the exams, the student will fail to complete the requirements for the MA in Italian Studies.

4.7 Internal applications to the Ph.D.

If a student currently finishing an M.A. in the Department (or who recently earned an M.A. from the Department) wishes to continue to the corresponding Ph.D. program, they must apply to the Department's Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid. In addition to the recommendation of their M.A. examination committee, the admissions committee evaluates two samples of written work and a statement of research interest submitted by the student, and considers the student's grade point average, which should be no lower than 3.5. For internal candidates, no letters of recommendation are required. Internal applicants to the Ph.D. should notify the Director of Graduate Studies and contact SLCL Graduate Student Services.

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5. The Ph.D. Program and Examinations

Please refer to the Graduate College Handbook for detailed information about doctoral requirements and policies at the University of Illinois.

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5.1 Course Work

All Ph.D. programs and specializations in FRIT require 96 semester hours of graduate credit: 

  • 32 semester hours of graduate credit at the M.A. level (usually, eight graduate-level courses);
  • 32 semester hours of graduate credit at the Ph.D. level (usually, eight further graduate-level courses);
  • 32 semester hours of research credit (dissertation work): FR 599 or ITAL 599. Students can register for research credit (599) courses starting in the semester when their preliminary examination is to be taken.

Programs and specializations have specific requirements about courses: French Studies, French Linguistics, French SLATE, Italian Studies.

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5.2 Ph.D. Language Requirements

5.2.1 The Latin Requirement

In the French Studies specialization or the Italian Studies program, doctoral students specializing in Medieval or Renaissance Studies must demonstrate a reading knowledge of Latin.

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5.2.2 The Modern Foreign Language Requirement

Doctoral students in all FRIT programs and specializations must fulfill the modern foreign language requirement by demonstrating satisfactory proficiency in a language other than English and French (for students in French) or Italian (for students in Italian). Students who are native speakers of a third language may opt to fulfill the requirement with that language.

In general, the foreign language fulfilling the requirement should be chosen according to a student's need to read essential scholarship for their doctoral research. Each student should therefore select the foreign language in consultation with their academic advisor. Students in the French program can choose Italian as their foreign language and vice versa.

Satisfactory proficiency can be proven by passing a fourth-semester language course in the language offered at the University of Illinois (the "Pass/No Pass" option may be chosen), by passing an Illinois course offered to graduate students equivalent to FR 501 (e.g. GER 501), or through a proficiency exam or placement test administered by a department at the University of Illinois.

Ph.D. students in French Linguistics who wish to receive course credit for the Ph.D. Concentration in Romance Linguistics should take a Romance language for their modern foreign language requirement, as defined in the Program Catalog. Students may fulfill this requirement by passing a fourth-semester course with the grade of B or better, or by demonstrating equivalent ability by examination.

Note: the foreign language requirement may be fulfilled after passing the Ph.D. preliminary examination.

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5.3 Ph.D. Qualifying Examination (French Studies)

Detailed guidelines for the Ph.D. qualifying examination in French Studies

The Ph.D. qualifying examination in French Studies should be scheduled early in the fourth semester of the Ph.D. stage of graduate study (usually no later than March of the second year of Ph.D. courses).

The examination is conducted in French. It is similar in structure to the M.A. examination: it has two components, written and oral, and is based on the French Studies reading lists covering four periods of French literature and culture (Medieval and Renaissance; 17th and 18th Centuries; 19th Century to mid-20th Century; and mid-20th Century to 21st Century including Francophone). The qualifying exam is cumulative and covers all four periods: for students who received their M.A. from FRIT, the written component of the qualifying exam mostly focuses on the two periods not chosen for the M.A. exam.

Students also prepare a short reading list of additional works for their planned period of specialization. This may be one of the two periods chosen for the M.A. examination, or one of the two periods remaining for the Ph.D. qualifying examination. This additional list should be designed in consultation with the relevant faculty member. 

Note: there is no Ph.D. qualifying examination for students in French Linguistics, French SLATE, or Italian Studies.

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5.4 Preliminary Examination

5.4.1 French Studies

Detailed guidelines for the Ph.D. preliminary examination in French Studies

After passing the Ph.D. qualifying examination, the student will choose an advisor who will in most cases serve as the chair of their doctoral committee. The preliminary (prospectus) examination should be scheduled to take place approximately 2 years after beginning doctoral coursework, usually in the Fall of the third year of the Ph.D. stage of graduate study.

The committee will consist of the chairperson, who must be a member of the graduate faculty in French Studies, and three other professors, up to two of whom may be chosen from a different program in FRIT, a different department (usually from the list of FRIT affiliate faculty), or from another institution. At least three of the committee members must be graduate faculty; at least two, tenured; at least two must be faculty in French Studies. The committee must be approved by the Graduate College. In consultation with the committee, the student will prepare an annotated bibliography and prospectus that will serve as a basis for future thesis research. 

5.4.2 French Linguistics and SLATE

The preliminary examination is based on a reading list approved by the exam committee and on the thesis proposal. It will include a written and an oral part. The exam result (Pass, Fail) will be reported to the Graduate College. If the preliminary examination results in a grade of "Fail," it may be retaken once. A student who fails the preliminary examination a second time must withdraw from the program. Appeals may be considered only on grounds of alleged unfair treatment and would be directed to the FRIT Graduate Studies Committee.

A French/French dictionary may be used for the written portion of the preliminary exam.

Prelims should be scheduled normally about 2 years after beginning doctoral course work. Before scheduling, the director of research or academic advisor as well as the Director of Graduate Studies should check the student's record to make sure 32 hours have been taken. No outstanding Incompletes are permitted.

5.4.3 Italian Studies

As a first step to advance to candidacy in Italian Studies, students are required to pass three preliminary written exams. Each student taking the examination will compile a reading list in close consultation with the advisor and present it to the members of the examination committee. The list needs to include a combination of canonical texts and of sources specific to the student’s interests. After receiving approval for the list, the student is expected to take the exams in a timely fashion from the end of their second year to the beginning of their third year in the program.

The examination, based on the student’s list and on the material and courses covered in the PhD program, consists of three written exams to be taken in three successive week long sessions. The exams cover the major historical period of Italian literature, culture and language, and the field of study specific to the candidate. The student might be able to choose between different topics for each of the exam sessions. 

Students are expected to write coherently and professionally an essay for each of the sessions and prove their mastery of the bibliography included in their lists. A professional essay that discusses the relevant primary and secondary sources for each of the exam sessions is what the candidates are required to write in order to pass the examination. The committee may elect to require the students to write either in Italian or in English for each of the exam questions. Each of the exams will be graded by the committee. Students can pass or fail each of the three exams individually and the committee can decide if the students can be allowed to take any failed exam a second time. If the student fails to pass any of the exams, the student will fail to complete the requirements to progress in the PhD program.

In order to advance to candidacy, the students in the doctoral program in Italian Studies need to pass an oral examination. The students will present a detailed prospectus of their proposed dissertation to their dissertation committee at least 2 weeks before the oral examination takes place. The prospectus, written in coordination with the student’s advisor, must include a general description of the dissertation topic, a detailed synopsis of each of the chapters, and a preliminary bibliography. During the oral examination the student will be required to address any concern and question that the committee might have about the proposed dissertation prospectus. The student will also be required to address any concern or doubt that the committee might have about the written preliminary exams. A successful oral examination is required to advance to candidacy in the PhD program in Italian Studies.

5.5 Preliminary examination logistics (all specializations)

At least four weeks before the student's examination and as early as possible, the chair of the examination committee sends a completed Request to Schedule Ph.D. Exam form to SLCL Graduate Student Services. On this form, the chair is asked to provide a date, time, and room preference for both the written and oral parts of the preliminary exams. The committee chair will also list all the committee members. After receiving the completed form, Graduate Services will fill out and submit the Request for Appointment of Doctoral Examination Committee form. This is sent to the Graduate College, which must approve the constitution of the committee.

Graduate College examination policies and procedures are detailed in the Graduate College Handbook.

The committee should include 4 voting members. At least 3 must be Graduate faculty; at least 2, tenured. At least 2 members of the committee must be in the Department of French and Italian.

All committee members need not be physically present for the preliminary exam. If not present, they must participate in the examination via "appropriate electronic communication technology" (usually Zoom or Skype).

The approved examination committee must render a unanimous decision, reported on a form provided by SLCL Graduate Student Services to the chair of the committee. The form is returned to Graduate Student Services.

The Director of Graduate Studies should be advised of the projected date of the prelims.

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5.6 Guidelines Regarding Dissertation Direction

Any changes in the doctoral committee should be made by the director of research and communicated by the director of research to the rest of the committee, to the Director of Graduate Studies, and to Graduate Student Services in a timely fashion, in no case less than 90 days before the scheduled defense date.

The final draft of the dissertation should be distributed to the doctoral committee a minimum of three weeks before the scheduled defense.

Each member of the doctoral committee should submit in written form to the candidate and director of research the changes they require to be made before the thesis may be deposited.

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5.7 Thesis Defense or "Final Examination"

The Ph.D. thesis defense is called the "Final Examination" in the Graduate College Handbook. The student's director of research requests the defense committee just as for prelims (see above). According to Graduate College recommendations, this committee should be appointed as early as possible after the prelims. There is no time limit on the committee's approved service other than the length of time the student is permitted to complete the degree.

Note: At least 2 members of the thesis defense committee must be faculty in the Department of French and Italian. The director of research does not have to be a member of the Graduate Faculty, but the committee chair does. The constitution of the defense committee does not have to be exactly the same as that of the prelims committee.

In exceptional cases, some committee members may not be present for the defense. As in the case of the prelims committee, if members are not present, they must participate in the defense via "appropriate electronic communication technology" (usually Zoom or Skype). The candidate passes the final exam if the director(s) of research vote "Pass" and no more than one of the remaining committee members votes "Fail." The results of the defense are reported on an examination result form provided by SLCL Graduate Student Services and sent to the Graduate College. The chair of the defense committee will also have received from the Graduate College a Supplemental Grade Report for the student. This changes all the 599s from DF (Deferred Grade) to either S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) depending on the decision of the committee. The director of research or the chair of the defense committee must sign this form after the defense and forward it to Graduate Student Services. At the conclusion of the defense, the committee shall also sign a Thesis/Dissertation Approval Form and forward it to Graduate Student Services. The Thesis/Dissertation Approval Form is also signed by the Department Head once the student is ready to deposit the thesis.

Students should advertise their defense by contacting SLCL Graduate Student Services, who will prepare a flyer and distribute it (through email and around FLB) about a week before the defense.

Students and their director of research should contact SLCL Graduate Student Services after the defense has been successfully completed.

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5.8 Thesis Deposit & Format Rules

Students and directors of research should consult the Thesis guidelines available from the Graduate College.

SLCL Graduate Student Services must approve the format of the final version of the thesis before the student takes it to be checked at the Graduate College Thesis Office. See Thesis Format Rules below.

Please also see and use this checklist for graduating doctoral students provided by the Graduate College.

The SLCL Graduate Student Services office must be notified when the thesis has been deposited so that they can verify that the student's name is on the appropriate degree list.

The Director of Graduate Studies is required to approve the format of a Ph.D. thesis before it can be deposited. This format check takes place after the thesis has been defended and all final changes have been made to its contents. A format approval form must accompany the thesis, in addition to the Thesis/Dissertation Approval Form. Shortly after degree conferral for each graduation period, the Graduate College transfers the theses of graduates to IDEALS, the Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship. IDEALS is the digital repository for research and scholarship produced at Illinois and contains over 40,000 graduate theses. Dissertations are made publicly available through various release options: they should look like professional work, hence the university's requirement for the format check.

The format check concerns matters of typography, spacing, reference style, title page format, table of contents format, and so on. There are very specific guidelines for some of these items from the thesis office, but in addition every discipline has discipline-specific formatting that must be adhered to. In our case, this usually means the most recent edition of either the Chicago Manual of Style, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, or the MLA Handbook, with a preference for the first, which is used almost universally by book publishers. Students may consult the Chicago Manual of Style in the French Library (2142 FLB) or online (login required; VPN required for off-campus access). Thesis advisors should inform students about an accepted style sheet for dissertations in each of our areas of study (for instance, linguistics usually follows a different format than literary studies).

Students writing a dissertation should follow the appropriate style guidelines from the moment they start to write. Any style manual used in our fields is acceptable, as long as it is approved by the thesis director and followed consistently. The Graduate College also provides formatting guidelines (note that these are not discipline-specific). 

The Graduate College holds workshops on depositing the thesis, typically in early September and in March.

Issues such as typography and spacing are very important, but in addition it is absolutely essential for the student to proofread the thesis very carefully. Typographical errors, spelling mistakes, errors in proper names, grammatical mistakes, and glaring inconsistencies are simply not acceptable after final revisions. The format check performed by SLCL Graduate Student Services is not proofreading or editing; the student is responsible for these types of review.

It is a good idea to bring sample pages to the Director of Graduate Studies for a preliminary format check.

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5.9 Student Checklist for Preliminary Examination and Thesis Defense

  • One month prior to preliminary or final examination, submit a Request to Schedule PhD Exam to SLCL Graduate Student Services.
  • One month prior to the preliminary or final examination, reserve a room for the examination through SLCL Graduate Student Services.
  • Two weeks prior to preliminary or final examination, reserve any AV equipment.
  • Ten days prior to final examination, give SLCL Graduate Student Services information for a flyer announcing the thesis defense to the public.
  • After the examination, forward signed paperwork to SLCL Graduate Student Services.
  • Notify the Director of Graduate Studies of the examination results.

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6. Graduate Minors, Concentrations, and Certificates

Graduate students are encouraged to consider the completion of a minor, concentration, or certificate during their course of study. Before pursuing any of these additional qualifications, students should consult with their academic advisor about its usefulness and feasibility.

A graduate minor is an approved program in a secondary area of study that relates to, but is outside of a student’s chosen specialization and may be included on an academic transcript.

Important: Course credit hours counted toward the completion of a minor may not be applied toward the completion of any other transcripted credential. In other words, all course work toward a minor is undertaken in addition to course work required for the major degree (M.A. or Ph.D. in French or Italian). Course work counted toward one minor also cannot be counted toward another minor.

The following minors may be of particular interest to graduate students in French and Italian:

African Studies

Cinema Studies

College Teaching

European Union Studies

Gender & Women’s Studies

Medieval Studies

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

Latina/Latino Studies

Jewish Culture & Society

This list is not exhaustive. Students should consult their advisor and the relevant unit’s website for current requirements and availability.

Concentrations

In consultation with their advisor, students may pursue the following transcripted concentrations (appear on the transcript):

Romance Linguistics (for French Linguistics)
Second Language Acquisition & Teacher Education (SLATE)
Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies (HGMS)

Other campus concentrations may be appropriate depending on your research interests; discuss options with your advisor.

Certificates

Certificates provide focused training and, in most cases, a separate credential (noted by the awarding unit). Popular options include:

Criticism & Interpretive Theory
Translation Studies
TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language)
Digital Humanities

Always verify admission and completion rules for minors, concentrations, and certificates with the offering unit.

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7. Graduate College and Campus Resources

The Graduate College and campus offices provide advising, professional development, wellness services, and funding information. Key portals include the Graduate College website, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling Center, the Writers Workshop, and the Library.

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7.1 Graduate Degree Audit Tool

Use the Graduate College Degree Audit tool to plan and track your progress toward degree completion. Contact SLCL Graduate Student Services with questions about how courses are applied on your audit.

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8. Grants and Fellowships

Students are encouraged to apply regularly for internal and external funding. Work closely with your advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) to craft competitive applications.

8.1 Guidelines for Applying for Financial Support to Present a Paper at a Conference

When presenting your research at a professional conference, you may request travel support as outlined below. Submit requests well in advance of travel (normally at least four weeks).

8.1.1 Graduate College Conference Presentation Awards

The Graduate College offers limited awards to defray expenses for graduate students presenting at conferences. Read the current call carefully and provide required documentation (acceptance proof, budget, advisor endorsement). Reimbursements are subject to University travel policies.

8.1.2 Support from the Department of French & Italian

FRIT may provide modest supplements for students presenting research. Priority is typically given to presenters, to those without other funding, and to students in good standing who demonstrate timely progress toward the degree. Contact the DGS and FRIT Office Manager with a brief request, budget, and confirmation of participation.

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8.2 External PhD Research and Dissertation Completion Fellowships

Competitive external fellowships and grants (e.g., ACLS/Mellon, Chateaubriand, DAAD, FLAS, Fulbright, Rome Prize) can support advanced coursework, pre-dissertation research, fieldwork, archival study, and dissertation completion. Discuss timelines with your advisor early; many programs require campus endorsement and have early deadlines.

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9. Departmental Prizes

Each year, the department may award prizes recognizing outstanding teaching, research, and service. Calls for nominations/applications are circulated by email; criteria and deadlines are included in each call.

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10. Teaching Opportunities in Italy, France and Francophone Countries

Students often gain valuable experience through teaching or assistantship programs abroad (e.g., TAPIF in France and similar programs in francophone countries and Italy). Consult with your advisor and the DGS regarding fit with your academic timeline and any visa/eligibility requirements.

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11. Graduate Student Teaching Assistantships

11.1 Department Policy Regarding Graduate Teaching Assistant Appointments

TA appointments are contingent on satisfactory academic progress, effective teaching, and program needs. Appointments typically include a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits as defined by campus policy and the GEO agreement.

11.1.1 Criteria for Reappointment
  • Good academic standing and timely progress to degree;
  • Strong teaching performance (evaluations, observations, professionalism);
  • Fulfillment of contractual duties (meetings, trainings, grading deadlines);
  • Availability of funding and curricular needs.

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11.2 Responsibilities of Graduate Student Teaching Assistants

11.2.1 Contract Dates and Presence on Campus
11.2.1.1 Contractual Dates

Your appointment letter specifies the start and end dates. Duties may begin before classes start (orientation, training) and may extend through final grading and submission.

11.2.1.2 Fall Presence

TAs must be available on campus prior to the first day of instruction for required meetings/workshops and throughout finals week.

11.2.1.3 Spring Presence

Spring appointments likewise require presence before classes begin and through the close of the grading period.

11.2.1.4 Vacation and Holidays

Vacation and holiday schedules follow University policy and the terms of the GEO agreement. Absences during the term must not disrupt instructional duties.

11.2.1.5 Absences

Notify the Course Supervisor and FRIT Office Manager in advance of any necessary absence and arrange appropriate coverage. Medical or emergency absences should be documented per policy.

11.2.1.6 Meetings, Workshops, and Orientations

Attendance at required pedagogical meetings and orientations is part of the assistantship.

11.2.2 Teaching Expectations
11.2.2.1 Teaching Methods

Follow program-approved communicative, proficiency-oriented methods and course policies. Coordinate with the Course Supervisor regarding pacing, assessments, and materials.

11.2.2.2 Instruction in Target Language

Maintain target-language use at levels appropriate to the course while ensuring student comprehension.

11.2.2.3 Syllabus and Materials

Distribute a clear syllabus by the first class meeting; use approved textbooks/platforms; secure desk copies as needed (see 11.5).

11.2.2.4 Timeliness and Preparation

Arrive on time, prepare daily lesson plans, post assignments promptly, and return graded work within program timelines.

11.2.2.5 Records and Student Feedback

Keep accurate grade records; provide constructive, timely feedback; submit midterm/final grades by deadlines.

11.2.2.6 Exam and Quiz Creation

Follow course-wide assessment guidelines; coordinate with team instructors to ensure consistency and integrity.

11.2.2.7 DRES Accommodations

Implement approved accommodations from Disability Resources & Educational Services (DRES) and consult the Course Supervisor as needed.

11.2.2.8 Daily Lesson Planning

Prepare measurable objectives for each class, incorporating communicative activities, assessment, and reflection.

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11.3 Evaluation of Graduate Teaching Assistants

11.3.1 Evaluation by Students

End-of-term student evaluations are administered for every section. Results are reviewed by the Course Supervisor and DGS.

11.3.2 Observing Other Sections or Courses

TAs may be asked to observe peers or faculty to enhance pedagogical development and share best practices.

11.3.3 Observations and Evaluations

Course Supervisors and/or the DGS conduct teaching observations; written feedback is provided and may inform reappointment decisions.

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11.4 Communication

11.4.1 Professionalism

Communicate respectfully and responsibly with students, staff, and faculty; maintain FERPA confidentiality.

11.4.2 Timely Communication

Check Illinois email daily on business days and respond to inquiries within two business days unless otherwise specified.

11.4.3 Office Hours

Hold and advertise weekly office hours (in person and/or virtual) and be available by appointment as needed.

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11.5 Desk Copies

Request desk copies and instructor resources through the FRIT Office Manager or your Course Supervisor according to publisher procedures.

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11.6 Grade Books

Maintain accurate electronic records in the approved LMS (e.g., Canvas/Moodle). Export and retain a copy at term’s end in accordance with unit policy.

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12. Ethical Conduct

Graduate students are bound by University policies on academic integrity, research ethics, non-discrimination, and professional conduct. Violations may lead to disciplinary action. When in doubt, consult the Graduate College Handbook and your advisor.

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13. Grievances

Students are encouraged to resolve concerns informally with the parties involved and/or the DGS. Formal grievances should follow department and Graduate College procedures. The Office of Student Conflict Resolution can provide guidance.

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14. Policy on Sexual Misconduct

The University prohibits sexual misconduct and retaliation. Resources and reporting options are available through the Title IX Office and the Confidential Advisors. Employees with reporting obligations must follow campus policy.

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15. Graduate Students in French and Italian (GSFRIT)

GSFRIT is the graduate student organization for FRIT. It sponsors professional development, colloquia, and social events, and serves as a liaison between students and the department. All graduate students are welcome to participate.

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