PhD in Comparative Studies in Discourse and Society in Minneapolis United States | University of Minnesota Twin Cities

As one of the pioneering and still uncommon doctoral programs in its field, CSDS approaches its thirtieth year leading innovative cross-disciplinary research and education in the liberal arts. Unlike conventional humanities disciplines that typically concentrate on either specific forms of expression (such as art history or musicology) or particular cultural frameworks (like American studies or various regional language and literature programs), CSDS tackles a wider challenge - examining how communication and cultural creation both influence and are influenced by temporal, spatial, material, and societal contexts. Our approach seeks to reconnect intellectual and cultural developments with social and political narratives, placing diverse forms of expression within their societal frameworks while analyzing social structures through historical lenses. We champion research that transcends traditional academic boundaries (sometimes challenging disciplinary norms) and bridges cultural divides. With limited annual admissions to our PhD program, we cultivate an intimate, cooperative environment for research and teaching. Graduate students in our program benefit from direct mentorship by prominent scholars in the field.