Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD Program

The Department of Literature at UC San Diego is uniquely organized, aiming to be a department of world literatures and cultures within a single unit. This commitment includes teaching and conducting research in multiple languages, including Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Latin, Russian, and Spanish, as well as the study and practice of writing.

Degree Programs

At the graduate level, the Department of Literature offers two distinct degree programs: a single PhD in Literature and an MFA in Writing. The PhD in Literature emphasizes a transnational outlook and stresses theoretical, interdisciplinary, and cultural studies.

Degree Codes

• LT77: PhD in Literature
• LT85: PhD in Literature with Specialization in Critical Gender Studies

Students interested in pursuing the LT85 must first be accepted into the Literature Department PhD Program. Once admitted, they may apply for this specialization through the Critical Gender Studies Program. If approved, students will need to complete all requirements for the PhD in Literature, as well as all requirements for the Critical Gender Studies specialization.

Sections (Specializations)

Within the PhD Program, students will apply for and be admitted to a specific section. Each section differs slightly in its seminar requirements, but all students throughout the department may take graduate seminars in any section and may work with any faculty members who best fit their interests. The section choices are:

• Comparative Literature
• Cultural Studies
• Literatures in English
• Literature in Spanish

PhD Program Advising

The PhD Program Advising team includes Julie Henry and Alyssa Simons. The Director of Doctoral Studies is Geraldine Fiss, who also serves on the Doctoral Affairs Committee along with Edward (Ted) Kelting, Ping Zhu, Daisuke Miyao (Ex Officio), and Victoria Koc (Ex Officio).