PhD in French in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins French PhD program boasts a prestigious legacy, consistently pioneering and promoting critical methodologies and innovative approaches. Emphasizing rigorous research, persuasive argumentation, and scholarly writing, the program particularly appeals to self-directed students. During the initial two years, students engage in intensive seminar coursework, producing a portfolio of twelve or more research papers. Unlike traditional comprehensive exams, PhD candidacy is determined by this portfolio and the successful defense of a dissertation prospectus (ABD). This structure allows students to thoroughly examine disciplinary and interdisciplinary aspects of French studies while cultivating critical methodologies tailored to their research. Areas of focus span literary history, poetics, discourse analysis, cultural theory, political theory, and genetic criticism. Students may also pursue a Graduate Certificate in Film and Media through collaborations with the department's Media Literacy division and the Center for Advanced Media Studies. After achieving ABD status, students receive funding for international dissertation research via exchange programs with Paris's École Normale Supérieure or internships at francophone universities. Additional opportunities include early modern studies residencies at Oxford University and the University of Warwick, along with funding for specialized institutes, seminars, language programs, and archival research initiatives.