Art History (Ph.D.)

Offered by: Art History & Communications (Faculty of Arts)   
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Art History offers rigorous methodological and theoretical training from antiquity to the contemporary moment that is international in scope. The program focuses on advanced skills in research, literature review, original thinking, and academic writing.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses (3 credits)

Complementary Courses (12 credits)

Four courses chosen from the following:

or from the 600-level complementary courses listed for the M.A.

Alternatively, up to 3 of the 12 credits may be from other disciplines, as approved by the Department.

Language Requirement

Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages other than English that is related to their dissertation research, as determined by their supervisor. Certain areas of study may require more extensive language training, which will be determined by individual supervisors. In cases where dissertation research does not require non-English proficiency, Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in French.