Hispanic Studies (Ph.D.)

Offered by: Languages,Literatures,Cultures (Faculty of Arts)   
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD in Hispanic Studies offers an in-depth exploration of the literature and culture of the Hispanic world, with a focus on key areas such as drama and theatre, cultural studies, cinema, and critical theory.

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 (18 credits)

Six 3-credit courses

Language Requirement

Proficiency in Spanish, and, when appropriate, in Portuguese, as well as a functional ability in French and English. A reading knowledge of a fourth language will be determined according to the needs of the candidate's research program.

All courses, comprehensive examinations and language requirements will normally be completed before the dissertation topic is formally approved. A dissertation proposal should be submitted to the Graduate Committee of the Department of Hispanic Studies for approval no later than the end of the second year of full-time doctoral studies.

All general regulations of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies regarding the Ph.D. degree shall apply.

Required Academic Activities: All candidates preparing their dissertation are required to give an annual formal presentation of their research to the Department, normally beginning in their third year of full-time doctoral studies.