What is MTL?

The Ph.D. in Modern Thought and Literature is an interdisciplinary program combining coursework in literary/cultural studies with coursework in at least one other discipline or field.

The Ph.D. program is designed specifically for students who have a strong interest in literature and culture, but whose topic or question requires an interdisciplinary approach–for example, students interested in anthropological or philosophical approaches to literature and culture; gender studies; ethnic studies; legal humanities, popular culture, and social or cultural theory.

Modern Thought and Literature is intended for students who plan to teach and write in literature departments or in interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, cultural studies, or humanistic social sciences, or for students intending to formulate cultural policy.

Course work in the program is divided about evenly between advanced courses in literature departments and advanced courses in non-literary departments.