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Critical Theory Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Critical Theory is an integrated curriculum offering students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge, expertise, and certification in the interdisciplinary and international field of critical theory

Students enrolled for the M.A. or Ph.D. degree within any department at the University of Maryland at College Park may apply to participate. The Certificate is presently administered through the Department of English and the Program Coordinator is Professor John Drabinki (jdrab@umd.edu).

The Certificate is earned by successful completion of an 18-credit curriculum which includes the requirements listed below and on this worksheet.

An Introductory Course in Critical Theory (3 credits)

This requirement will normally be satisfied by completion of the graduate-level introduction to theory offered in the student's home department.  Students may also satisfy this requirement, however, by enrolling in any introductory theory course approved by the Program Coordinator.  The following courses are currently approved to fulfill this requirement:

  • AMST 602: Interdisciplinary Research Methods
  • ARTH 692: Methods of Art History and Archaeology
  • CMLT 600: Introduction to Theory
  • COMM 652: Contemporary Rhetorical Theory
  • ENGL 602: Critical Theory and Literary Criticism
  • FREN 600: Introduction to Literary Theory
  • GERM 620: Methods of German Literary Studies: Theory
  • HIST 601: History and Contemporary Theory
  • SOCY 621: Contemporary Sociological Theory
  • THET 686: History of Modern Theory
  • WMST 601: Advanced Feminist Theory
  • WMST 602: Advanced Feminist Theory II

Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the Coordinator.

Two Certificate Core Courses (6 credits)

Students are required to take two Certificate in Critical Theory Core Courses: PARADIGMS OF THEORY (ENGL 701), which focuses on critical thinkers whose works provide the theoretical paradigms for the contemporary human sciences, and CULTURES OF THEORY (ENGL 702), which explores the socio-historical, cultural, and material contexts of various theoretical traditions and practices. As these courses are offered infrequently, however, others may readily be substituted to meet the requirement, with the approval of the Coordinator.

Selected Topics in Critical Theory (6 credits)

Students are required to select two additional graduate courses in theory from relevant course offerings throughout the University, subject to approval of the Program Coordinator. Such courses might focus on specific critical issues, traditions, or approaches.  

Colloquium in Critical Theory (1 credit for each of 3 semesters)

Students are required to enroll in and attend the Colloquium in Critical Theory (ENGL 798) for three semesters (1 credit per semester; 3 credits total required). In addition, at least once during their time in the program, students working toward the Certificate must present to the Colloquium a formal paper on theory or in which theory figures prominently. The Colloquium is also open to all University of Maryland graduate students and faculty.

Minimum Grade Point Average

Students must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in Certificate course requirements in order to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Critical Theory.  The Colloquium, taken on a pass/fail basis, is excepted from this calculation.