University of Toronto

Overview

The PhD in East Asian Studies at the University of Toronto emphasizes advanced research into the rich cultures, histories, and literatures of China, Japan, and Korea. Students can choose to focus on either Classical East Asian or Modern East Asian fields, engaging in rigorous language training and text-based scholarship.

What you'll study

The program combines graduate coursework with supervised research, culminating in a dissertation that reflects original research. Students will participate in seminars designed to enhance their research skills and knowledge in their chosen field.

Indicative graduate seminars and course topics may include:

• Chinese Cultural and Historical Studies
• Memory and Trauma in Critical East Asian Historical Perspective
• Modern Korean History Seminar
• Comparative Historical Socialisms in East Asia and Beyond
• Identity and Diaspora in Modern Taiwanese Literature
• Korean Literary Translation
• Mid-century Modernism in the Koreas: Literature, War, and Decolonization
• The City, Body, and Text in Modern Japanese Literature
• Mahayana Sutra Literature
• Writing Women in Premodern China
• The Rhetoric of Photography

Research component: Students will develop a dissertation proposal and conduct original research under faculty supervision. Language preparation is integral to the program, focusing on the study of original texts.

Entry requirements

• Previous degree: Completion of an MA in the Department of East Asian Studies or an equivalent graduate degree from a recognized institution.
• Minimum academic performance: Averages indicating at least A– performance.
• Statement of interest: A 500-word document describing main fields of interest and proposed study trajectory.
• Letters of recommendation: Three letters from scholars familiar with your academic work.
• Writing sample: A 10–15 page academic writing piece in English.
• Text-based study: Proficiency in relevant languages is necessary for engaging with original texts.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in East Asian Studies can pursue diverse career paths in academia, research, cultural institutions, government, and international organizations. The program equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for contributing to the understanding of East Asian cultures and societies.