University of Toronto

Doctor of Philosophy in Cinema Studies

Program Description

The Ph.D. Program in Cinema Studies fosters a deepened understanding of the complex and interconnected histories of cinema and related media and the challenges that rapidly changing cultural production may present to theorizing the role and nature of cinematic media. Core courses strengthen students’ sense of historical method and engagement with primary research materials, while also enabling them to confront the theoretical and methodological debates and issues central to the changing nature of the disciplines of cinema and media studies.  Students will also be equipped with the skills required to successfully embark on a doctoral thesis, participate in conferences, and negotiate a variety of job markets. The formidable research resources of the University of Toronto and the vibrant film, art, and media culture of the city of Toronto will enrich the unique doctoral experience offered by the Cinema Studies Institute.

 

The following program requirements are taken from the SGS Course Calendar. In cases of discrepancy, the online Calendar version at the SGS website shall apply.

See our application deadlines.

Program Requirements:

• The student's program of study must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator of the Cinema Studies Institute (CSI).
  
• The following 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCE) are required:
  
  • 1.0 required FCE (CIN 2100H History and Historiography of Cinematic Media and CIN
    2101H Pressures on the Cinematic); students who have already taken these courses, or
    their equivalent, will be required to enrol in alternate course selections, with the Graduate
    Coordinator’s approval.
    
  • 1.5 FCEs offered in cinema studies.
    
  • 1.0 elective FCE offered in cinema studies or by other graduate units and chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.
    
  • 0.5 FCE (SRD 4444H), a credit/non-credit course, requiring participation in the CSI Research and Methods Seminar.
    
• All coursework is normally completed by December of the second year of study, except for SRD 4444H which may sometimes extend beyond that date.
  
• Students must complete two comprehensive examinations: the General Examination and the Special Field Examination. The Special Field Examination has two components: a written examination and an oral examination. Examinations are marked on a pass/fail basis. Students are allowed two attempts to pass a comprehensive examination. Students generally complete the comprehensive examinations by the end of the second year of study.
• Students must have completed all requirements for the degree, exclusive of thesis research, by the end of the third year of study in order to remain in good academic standing and in order to achieve candidacy.
  
• Students must complete a PhD dissertation based on original research conducted by the candidate on an approved topic in cinema studies. The dissertation proposal should be approved by the supervisor no later than May of the second year of PhD studies. Each student is required to meet at least annually with a supervisory committee, consisting of the supervisor and two faculty members, to
  review academic progress, and to consult about future directions.
• The thesis must be presented within six years of first enrolment in the PhD program. The student must successfully defend the thesis at an SGS Doctoral Final Oral Examination.
  

 

Normal Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
Time Limit: 6 years (full-time)

 

Minimum Admission Requirements (Ph.D.)

For admission to the Ph.D. in Cinema Studies, applicants must meet the following standards:

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.
  
• Applicants must have already received an appropriate master's degree in cinema studies or in a related discipline or equivalent from a recognized university. Applicants must have obtained an average of A- or better in the master's program. Incoming students are expected to have a solid grounding in film history, theory, and analysis; any students who do not possess the required background training may be requested to take additional courses.
• In addition to the usual SGS requirements of two letters of recommendation, transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and language requirements, candidates must also provide a letter of intent outlining the academic goals that the applicant
  wishes to pursue in the program. In addition, the applicant must also supply a writing sample: this should be a paper prepared for a previous graduate course, as evidence of the applicant's ability to pursue scholarship at the appropriate level. This may be up to 5,000 words.
• General Admissions Information

 

Courses

See Graduate Courses.