Comparative Culture and Language, PhD

Program Overview

The PhD program in Comparative Culture and Language at ASU offers interdisciplinary training in cultural studies, language, and research methodologies. It emphasizes critical inquiry of primary texts, media, and cultural expressions, preparing graduates for careers in academia, international organizations, and cultural institutions. The program encourages transdisciplinary research and collaboration across disciplines, fostering expertise in critical thinking, research, and analytical writing.

Program Outline

Comparative Culture and Language, PhD

Degree Overview:

Overall Description:

The PhD program in Comparative Culture and Language offers interdisciplinary training through coursework and research supervision. It focuses on the critical inquiry of primary texts, media, and cultural expressions to understand cultures and social groups in their historical and contemporary contexts. The program emphasizes the various roles of language in societies and encourages diverse perspectives on its study. This includes language variations, transformations, hybridizations, and acquisition processes.

Objectives:

• To develop critical thinking skills related to cultural studies, cultural translations, culture, culture and history, intermediality, international culture, language, language and cultures, space, place and text, transnationality, foreign language, and international culture.
• To foster expertise in research methodologies and critical analysis of primary texts, media, and cultural expressions.
• To prepare graduates for careers in academia, international organizations, government agencies, and cultural institutions.

Outline:

Structure:

• The program requires 84 credit hours, including coursework, a written and oral comprehensive exam, two foreign language exams, a dissertation prospectus, and a dissertation.
• Students take courses in a primary and secondary area of emphasis, both focusing on interdisciplinary study and research in more than one language.
• Required core courses include Comparative Cultural Theory.
• Restricted electives allow students to delve deeper into their primary and secondary areas of emphasis.
• Electives and research opportunities enable students to pursue their specific research interests.
• The culminating experience is the dissertation, requiring students to produce original research on a topic related to their chosen area of study.

Content:

• The program offers diverse courses covering various aspects of comparative culture and language, including:
• Cultural studies
• Cultural translations
• Culture and history
• Intermediality
• International culture
• Language
• Language and cultures
• Space, place, and text
• Transnationality
• Foreign language
• International culture
• Students are expected to develop advanced proficiency in one language other than English and have reading knowledge in a second non-English language.
• The program encourages transdisciplinary research and collaboration across disciplines.

Assessment:

Methods:

• The program uses various assessment methods, including:
• Written and oral comprehensive exams
• Foreign language exams
• Dissertation prospectus defense
• Dissertation defense

Criteria:

• Students are evaluated based on their critical thinking skills, research abilities, analytical writing, and knowledge of their chosen areas of study.
• The dissertation is assessed for its originality, depth of research, and contribution to the field of comparative culture and language.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The program employs diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, discussions, and independent research projects.
• Students are encouraged to actively participate in class, engage in critical analysis, and develop their research skills.

Faculty:

• The program features faculty members drawn from the School of International Letters and Cultures and other programs in the humanities and social sciences across ASU.
• Faculty members are experts in their respective fields and bring diverse perspectives to the program.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages students to explore research questions that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.
• Students have the opportunity to work with faculty advisors who specialize in their chosen areas of study.

Careers:

Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in various fields, including:
• Academia (teaching and research positions)
• International organizations
• Government agencies
• Cultural institutions
• Translation and interpretation
• Education
• Media and communications

Outcomes:

• The program prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.
• Graduates are well-equipped to conduct independent research, critically analyze cultural phenomena, and communicate their findings effectively.

Other:

Program Highlights:

• The program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to the study of culture and language.
• Students have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty and pursue their research interests.
• The program prepares graduates for successful careers in various fields.
• The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.30 in the last 60 hours of a bachelor's degree or a master's degree.
• All applicants must submit transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation.
• International applicants must also provide proof of English proficiency.