PhD in East Asian Studies - Visual Studies in Irvine United States | University of California Irvine

The Department provides a Ph.D. program in East Asian Studies, offering specializations in Chinese, Japanese, and East Asian Cultural Studies. Students pursuing the doctoral degree may also earn an M.A. along the way.

The graduate program focuses on intensive language and textual analysis training while equally emphasizing historical, social, and cultural aspects of literary studies. Alongside traditional critical approaches, the curriculum promotes engagement with emerging challenges to conventional theoretical and methodological perspectives. The program leverages faculty expertise in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean literature and culture while fostering connections with UCI's broader academic community.

To prepare graduates for both teaching and research careers, all students must complete teaching assistantships under faculty guidance in relevant undergraduate courses.
The Visual Studies Emphasis introduces students to diverse contemporary humanities methodologies, cultivating scholars skilled in interdisciplinary research and adaptable to evolving academic frameworks. Participants examine a growing range of visual media, including painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, film, television, video, and digital formats. Upon fulfilling requirements, students receive certification from the Visual Studies Director.