Program
The Committee on the History of Culture is an interdisciplinary group
that provides a space of opportunity for highly motivated and independent
students doing original, critical work in the humanities and the interpretative
wing of the social sciences or—better yet—work that problematizes
this categorical divide. The program brings together faculty with primary
expertise in a variety of signifying practices (literary/linguistic, visual,
gestural, and musical/sonoric), historic periods, parts of the globe (North
America, Europe, eastern Mediterranean, South Asia, Australia), and theoretical
orientations. At the broadest level, our goal is to explore the politics
and poetics of knowledge and culture, bringing a cultural studies perspective
to bear on the artifacts and historic record of the past, as on contemporary
society. Beyond this, we attempt to reflect critically on the historic
development of discourse about culture, as well as the cultural significance
and political import of discourse about history.
Once admitted, each student is assigned a committee of advisers (including
a principal adviser), at least one of whom shall be a member of the committee.
They will guide the organization of the student’s work, the selection
of appropriate courses of study, and the formulation of a dissertation
subject. The committee—its faculty and students—relies upon
the talents and expertises of many members of the University community.
Admissions
A student who is interested in study under the committee should consult
the chair for preliminary advice on how to make arrangements for the work
to be pursued.
E-mail with the chair (p-desan@uchicago.edu)
is the preferred means of communication. Each student applying should
submit a statement about his/her research project (1000–1250 words),
(1) noting relevant educational background, (2) describing and arguing
for the research project, and (3), to the extent possible, indicating
the possibilities of pursuing this project with the faculty of the University
of Chicago. The chair will refer prospective applicants to appropriate
committee members for advice on this project statement. Students are not
accepted whose proposed subjects of study indicate that they will be better
served by one of the divisional departments or committees.
For general questions about the committee, please contact JoAnn Baum,
Committee Secretary, 1050 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, telephone:
(773) 702-8486, e-mail: jbaum@midway.uchicago.edu.
The Degree of Master of Arts
- The completion of divisional requirements for the master’s degree.
- Satisfactory completion of a program of 9 courses (including the required
methods course, History of Culture 40000) approved by the committee
with a grade of B or better . These may be either formal courses or
reading courses closely related to the student's field. In addition,
entering students follow an informal year-long course (31900) of basic
texts in cultural history, cultural studies, and cultural anthropology.
- Passing of one of the two required language examinations in either
French or German at the level of competence set by the committee.
- Acceptance of an A.M. paper approved by two readers, one of whom must
be a member of the committee.
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
- The completion of divisional requirements for the doctor’s degree.
- Students are admitted to candidacy for the doctor’s degree by
the dean of students on the recommendation of the committee; students
must be admitted to candidacy at least nine months (three quarters)
before taking the final examination. The committee’s prerequisites
for recommendation to the dean of students are:
a. The satisfactory completion of a program of work (at least 9 courses
beyond the A.M.) approved by the committee.
b. Passing of the second of the two required language examinations in
French or German at the level of competence set by the committee. (In
special cases, the committee will consider the substitution of some
other appropriate language for either French or German.)
c. The passing of a written examination based on approximately seventy-five
books, or works of similar significance, divided into the three general
fields and selected in consultation with the student’s advisory
committee. For each part, the student writes an essay of no more than
3,000 words. Each exam is open book and to be completed within 24 hours.
d. Approval of a dissertation proposal by the dissertation committee
(one of whom shall be a member of the committee).
- After admittance to candidacy, the student submits a dissertation
making an original contribution to a field of knowledge and successfully
defends the work at a final oral examination before the committee.
At every stage in the program leading up to the defense of the dissertation,
students are encouraged by their advisors to question and reformulate
their initial ideas for a subject and program of study. Studies are monitored
by advisors within and outside of the committee, and students are expected
to complete course work in a timely manner. If an incomplete has to be
taken in a formal course, it must be completed within one year (four quarters)
of the end of the course. Exceptions for extraordinary circumstances may
be granted through formal petition.
This text was last revised on 9/08/2003.
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