Stanford University

Overview

The PhD in French and Italian at Stanford University equips students with the skills to engage in original research across French and Italian literatures, cultures, and intellectual histories. Through a combination of coursework and dissertation research, students will refine their research, teaching, and analytical capabilities, preparing them for academic and professional pursuits in this field.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

• Coursework and research preparation: Students will engage in advanced graduate-level coursework focusing on the French and/or Italian languages, encompassing literature, cultural and intellectual history, and relevant theoretical frameworks.
• Research development: The program emphasizes a smooth transition from coursework to dissertation research, supported by ongoing faculty mentorship and scholarly activities.
• Dissertation: The culmination of the PhD journey is the dissertation, which showcases original research and independent scholarly analysis.

French Studies track

• Coursework may explore various dimensions of French language, literature, cultural and intellectual history, theory, film, and Francophone studies.
• This track considers a wide array of cultural, political, social, scientific, commercial, and intellectual phenomena associated with French-speaking regions, including France, Belgium, Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean.

Italian Studies track

• Students may delve into Italian language, literature, culture, and intellectual history through a diverse curriculum.
• Course offerings can range from focused graduate seminars to comprehensive studies of major authors such as Dante, Boccaccio, and Machiavelli, varying by academic year.

Academic support and scholarly engagement:

• Participation in departmental academic life, including seminars and scholarly events, is encouraged to help students establish research networks and gain disciplinary expertise.

Entry requirements

Applicants should possess, or anticipate obtaining before enrollment, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent international degree. Specific GRE/GMAT and minimum GPA requirements are not detailed in the current record.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in French and Italian can pursue diverse career paths in academia, research, translation, cultural institutions, and more. The advanced skills acquired through this program prepare students for roles such as university professors, researchers, and cultural advisors, among others.