Ph.D. in Feminist Studies

Located in the Humanities, Feminist Studies Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary program investigates how relations of gender are embedded in social, political, racial, and cultural formations. The program emphasizes feminist modes of inquiry and is designed to provide advanced training in feminist theories and methods.

Approaching feminist engagement as relevant to the broadening and reassessment of a full range of areas of academic inquiry, the program’s focus is on challenging existing disciplinary boundaries and fostering a reconsideration of the relationships between knowledge, power, and expertise. We work with problem-based research methodologies that acknowledge and go beyond conventional notions of international and comparative studies.

An ongoing concern with epistemology is balanced with an emphasis on problem-based research areas that nourish both intellectual and social transformation. As a collaborative, cross-divisional enterprise, the Feminist Studies Ph.D. draws on the strengths of a range of feminist scholars, departments, and programs across the University.

What does it mean to be human, to analyze and construct the human experience? These are the fundamental questions that guide and unite the learning, teaching and scholarship conducted in University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz’s Humanities Division.

The exploration and discussion of this query has culminated in some of humanity’s most deeply and widely valued beliefs and teachings about ourselves and the world in which we live.

Built in 2006, the Humanities buildings provide 85,000 square feet of classrooms, teaching and research space, language and computer labs, and offices. The Humanities Division is one of the original academic areas of research and teaching in the university.