1. A compelling research question. The strongest applications identify a clear intellectual question or problem and demonstrate why it matters—not simply a topic or broad area of interest.
  2. A strong connection to USC faculty. Successful applicants identify faculty whose research and expertise can meaningfully support the proposed project. Faculty fit should reflect genuine intellectual connection rather than just matching keywords.
  3. Evidence of scholarly potential. The writing sample should demonstrate analytical ability, originality, strong writing, and the capacity to develop a sustained scholarly argument. Choose the work that best represents the quality and direction of the research, whether it is a seminar paper, thesis chapter, article, or another substantial scholarly project.
  4. Intellectual breadth and curiosity. French and Francophone Studies at USC is interdisciplinary. Applications may connect French and Francophone Studies with African and Caribbean studies, Black studies, media and sound studies, film, gender and sexuality studies, migration, postcolonial studies, environmental humanities, early modern studies, visual culture, or other fields.
  5. A sense of scholarly direction. A fully formed dissertation project is not expected. The strongest dossiers, however, provide a persuasive sense of the questions, materials, languages, and intellectual conversations that the applicant hopes to pursue—and demonstrate openness to how those ideas may develop through doctoral study.
  6. A clear reason for pursuing the PhD at USC. Explain what USC’s faculty, interdisciplinary CSLC community, resources, and location make possible for the proposed research that would be difficult to pursue elsewhere.