After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• work independently in scientific research in the field of general theory of literature, and conduct comparative research into Slavonic literatures, their historical development, and contemporary trends
• conduct pedagogical work in teaching the theory of literature, the history of Slavonic literatures of individual nations, and their comparison
• work independently in creating study texts and teaching aids for teaching literary theoretical disciplines, or for teaching concrete Slavonic literatures
• write and publish popular science materials and reviews in literary magazines and newspaper literary supplements

Graduates of the doctoral degree study programme in the theory and history of Slavic literatures have very good knowledge of the history of philosophy, general and comparative literary theory, and expert insight into the development of the studied literature in its comparative, cultural, and historical contexts. They have deepened their knowledge of Slavonic languages (particularly those matching studied literatures) and knowledge of at least one world language. Graduates are able to use this knowledge in specialized university workplaces (in humanities-focused universities) or in one of the research institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences focused on scientific research or pedagogical work in the field of the theory and history of literatures. They can also become highly qualified cultural editors or workers in the field of culture, translation, or in other similar fields. Their general knowledge of history and culture also enables them to work in diplomatic service and elsewhere.

The basic form of this doctoral degree study programme is individual and systematic preparation for creative scientific and expert work in the studied field under the individual supervision of an accredited supervisor. Doctoral studies consist of methodological training, specialized training, and language learning.

General methodological training is partially common to students of all doctoral degree study programmes at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, and it is organized by the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University. It is partially provided by the students’ major study programme.

The specialized training in general theory takes place in type A/required as well as type B/selective and type C/elective courses which focus both on general literary theory and on the specifics of the literary theory of corresponding language areas.

Language learning consists of meeting the requirements of achieving a set level of language competence in one other world language.

A crucial part of these doctoral studies is the individual writing of a doctoral dissertation under the individual supervision of an accredited supervisor.

In addition to study obligations, the study plan for this field requires meeting additional requirements, such as speaking at a conference, publishing a research paper, or participating in teaching students at the home department.

The studies are guided and supervised by the university credit system. Students have to earn at least 240 credits: 20 credits for the common methodological courses; at least 4 credits for demonstrating the required language competence in one other world language (English, French, German, Spanish or Russian); 40 credits for type A/required courses of the chosen study programme; at least 10 credits for type B/ selective theoretical courses; 20 credits for a one-semester internship in a foreign country; at least 110 credits for courses focusing on doctoral thesis preparation and its submission; and at least 40 credits for research paper publication and conference participation.

This doctoral degree study programme concludes with the doctoral state examination in the chosen specialization before the doctoral state examination board, and the doctoral thesis defence. Both parts usually take place on the same date.

The organization, processing, and evaluation of the doctoral state examination are specified in the Masaryk University Study and Examination Regulations (articles 30-33):

http://www.muni.cz/general/legal_standards/study_examination_regulations