Cinema and Media Studies, PhD
The Department offers a full-time Ph.D. program. Comprehensive in the range of specializations, the program is intellectually dynamic and rigorous. Our Ph.D. program prepares students for full participation in the profession as scholars and teachers of Cinema and Media Studies, broadly conceived. The Ph.D. provides students with training in a variety of global and comparative approaches to studying diverse national cinemas and a variety of media institutions and art practices. We are committed to an advanced humanities education to address our shared need to be able to think historically and critically about the structures, operations, ethics, aesthetics, and interactions of cinema and media.
Our departmental ethos reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that is at once rigorous and nurturing. We expect our graduate students to be full members of the Department and encourage them to take an active role in the intellectual and social community of the University by attending colloquia, screenings, roundtables, discussions, and events in the Department as well as across campus.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ||
| CIMS 6001 | Theory and Methods | 1 |
| CIMS 8001 | Pedagogy | 1 |
| CIMS 8500 | CIMS Fields List | 1 |
| Multimodel Methodologies and/or Formats Course | 1 | |
Any CIM course between these ranges: 5000-5333, 7000-7333 | ||
| Historic Period Course | 1 | |
Any CIMS course between these ranges: 5334-5666, 7334-7666 | ||
| Geographical Course 1 | 2 | |
Any CIMS course between these ranges: 5667-5999, 7667-7999 | ||
| Seminar Outside of CIMS Department | 1 | |
| CIMS 8510 | Dissertation Proposal | 1 |
| Open Electives | 7 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| In addition to a command of English, students must demonstrate reading knowledge in a minimum of one research language relevant to the particular subfield being studied | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Four semesters of teaching are required | ||
| Field Exam 2 | ||
| Total Course Units | 16 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
At least one Geographical course must focus on a specific place.
- 2
The field exam is a two-hour oral exam, which will take place at the end of the fall semester of the student’s third year. It consists of questions about the student’s lists, fields, and write-ups. The student will be given these questions in the form of two separate closed-book three-hour exams that will be taken a week apart from each other. The Fields Committee will then meet with the candidate to discuss the written answers and offer feedback.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.