The interuniversity doctoral program in art history requires a total of 90 credits, made up of 30 credits of course work and 60 credits for thesis research and writing.
1. Course work - 12 credits
The seminar component of the degree is usually completed during the first year. Students take a 6-credit Art History and its Methodologies Seminar (Block A Seminar - Séminaire intégrateur), and one 3-credit seminar in each of the Fall and Winter terms (Block B Seminars). It should be noted that one of the two seminars in Block B (3 credits) may, subject to the approval of the thesis supervisor, be replaced by a seminar selected from the graduate seminar offerings of the four universities, in any appropriate discipline.
Block A (ARTH 800) - Séminaire intégrateur (Art History and its Methodologies) - 6 credits
A required integrative seminar covering the Fall and Winter terms, this seminar is usually co-taught by two faculty members from different institutions and will ordinarily be taken in the student's first year in the program.
Block B Seminars - Art History and Its Objects - 6 credits
Selected from seminars offered throughout the four universities, these seminars are divided into the following six categories:
2. Research Tutorial (ARTH 820) - 6 credits
Directed by the student's research supervisor, the aim of this tutorial is the production of a 40-page thesis proposal, which defines the object of study while developing a theoretical and methodological foundation for the thesis. This proposal accompanied by a calendar of research activities and an annotated bibliography must be submitted and approved before the comprehensive examinations.
3. Comprehensive Examinations (ARTH 808) - 9 credits
The comprehensive examinations are based on a list of theoretical and methodological readings bearing on the student's research topic. The student must pass one written and one oral examination, evaluated by a jury made up of the three faculty members on the student's research committee.
4. Doctoral Forum (ARTH 807) - 3 credits
This twice-yearly event brings together faculty involved in the program and students engaged in their course work. Each student at some point in his or her course work (normally in the second year) will present their research to the interuniversity community. This presentation is evaluated by a jury consisting of three faculty members not on the student’s thesis committee.
5. Reading, Writing and Defence of the Thesis (ARTH 830) - 60 credits
All students are encouraged to begin the process of research as soon as possible during their doctoral studies. Generally speaking, students are well-advised to combine research and writing, rather than undertaking them in two completely separate blocks. The thesis Examining Committee is normally composed of five individuals, including the thesis advisor, the two other members of the thesis committee, an examiner internal to Concordia but outside the Art History department (external-to-program examiner), and one external examiner from outside the four universities. The thesis is defended orally before the thesis examination committee. A Pro-Dean, external to the examining committee, is appointed to ensure that all regulations are properly followed. The defence is a public forum, and students are welcome to invite friends and family. It begins with a 20 minute oral presentation of the thesis by the student. Then each examiner asks questions which the student answers. The questions are posed and answered formally. The final decision of the Examining Committee is based both on the thesis and the candidate’s ability to defend it.
To peruse past PhD Art History theses, visit Theses and Dissertations.
Page Title: Degree requirements - Concordia University - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Page URL:http://art-history.concordia.ca/graduate-programs/phd-in-art-history/academ...index.php
Date Printed: Wed May 22, 2013
