An emphasis in Critical Theory, under the supervision of the Director of Critical Theory and the Critical Theory Advisory Committee, is available for doctoral students in all departments at UCI. Ph.D. students may complete the emphasis in addition to the degree requirements of their graduate program. Critical theory at UCI is understood in the broad sense as the study of the assumptions, problems, and commitments of the various discourses in the humanities. The faculty regards critical theory as a key element of the study of any humanistic discipline.
Joining Us
If you are interested in joining the Emphasis and/or you are currently working toward its completion, please message your interest to criticaltheory@uci.edu to join our mailing list. By joining our list, you will also be informed of Critical Theory events and opportunities.
Critical Theory Emphasis Requirements
I. Coursework
HUMAN 260ABC: The Critical Theory Workshop, developed with the input of all participants, is conceived as a reading group, where significant texts are discussed and
analyzed in class, with no term papers or letter grades (except for an S or a U). The Critical Theory Workshop meets about ten times throughout the entire academic year, across all three quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Students are required to enroll in all three quarters for official credit. Students will receive 4 units of credit for this course by the end of Spring quarter. For the first two quarters, the course will be zero units and will receive an IP grade.
HUMAN 270 Courses: These are elective Critical Theory Emphasis courses, which are either standalone Critical Theory seminars or seminars cross-listed with courses in a variety of different departments each semester. Three HUM270 courses are required for completion of the Emphasis. (Students are, of course, welcome to take more than three.)
II. Mini-Seminars
To complete the requirements of the Emphasis, students also participate in two mini-seminars (6-8 hours) offered by visiting scholars on their ongoing research. These meetings offer a more intimate setting to engage with the scholarship of emerging and established scholars. Mini-seminars are offered 2-3 times a year. It is advisable to attend for credit those seminars whose topics or presenters appeal most to you, but all are always invited far beyond the required two seminars.
III. Written Work
It is expected that the dissertation will reflect its authors engagement with Critical Theory. Alternatively, a research paper written under the guidance of one or more of the Emphasis affiliated faculty can be submitted.
Completion of the Emphasis
Students who successfully complete all the above requirements will receive a letter signed by the Director of Critical Theory, officially testifying that they had completed the Critical Theory Emphasis.
To obtain the letter certifying your completion of the Emphasis, please click here to complete and submit the Emphasis Checklist Form. In addition, please submit a short personal statement (1-2 pages), explaining the relevance of Critical Theory to your coursework and research, and a brief letter of recommendation from any UCI faculty to criticaltheory@uci.edu. Completion applications are accepted on a rolling basis. (Note: PhD students who have already applied for and received admission to the emphasis under the old policy, and have therefore already submitted a statement and a letter from
a faculty member, should only submit the checklist.)