Training scholars for the future of interdisciplinary humanities

The Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture Doctoral Program was inaugurated in 2011, bringing together the energies of the Comparative Literature, French and Francophone Studies, and Spanish and Latin American Studies. By design, program remaps the boundaries of these fields while carrying on the very best of their traditions and enlarging what each can bring to the study of its discipline.  The faculty in these areas came together with the vision to reshape the future of doctoral education in the humanities.

The curricular structure of this model enabled the start of the Comparative Media and Culture track.  Differing from more traditional media and film studies, it strongly grounds the study of media a context of cultural and linguistic difference.

 

Enrollment

CSLC has three distinct tracks students are enrolled in

  • Track 1:  Comparative Media and Culture
  • Track II: Comparative Literature
  • Track III: National Literatures and Cultures
      • French and Francophone Studies
      • Spanish and Latin American Studies

     

Curriculum

All students are required to take the core curriculum courses that ground and unite the intellectual thrust of the program.

In consult with their faculty advisor, students take courses that help to support their future study and research topic.

Training

All students will have the opportunity to receive pedagogical training assisting a faculty member in a general education course as a teaching assistant or leading a language course as an assistant lecturer.  Such training not only provides insight into life as an academic instructor, but also helps to shape editing skills, listening, time management, adaptability, and creativity.  These are key skills for any effective work environment.

Research

The CSLC community engages in research inside and outside the classroom.  The USC community at-large provides a host of lectures and other events that enhance the learning experience and promote creative introspection and responses to intellectual issues of the day.