Program Objectives
Contribute to Interdisciplinary Knowledge: To produce scholars capable of conducting original, rigorous research that bridges the humanities and international studies to explain complex global phenomena.
Develop Advanced Research Expertise: To master qualitative, interpretive, and comparative methodologies necessary for cross-cultural and international empirical studies.
Cultivate Scholarly Publication: To train students in the process of peer review, academic writing, and the dissemination of research in prestigious journals across the humanities and political sciences.
Prepare for Higher Education Careers: To equip candidates with the pedagogical skills and theoretical grounding required for teaching at the university level.
Promote Intellectual Synthesis: To foster the ability to analyze global political trends through the lenses of history, philosophy, culture, and ethics.
Curriculum Structure & Expected Courses
Doctoral Core & Research Foundation (39 Credits)
HIS 701: Philosophy of History & Global Thought (3)
HIS 705: Advanced Research Methodology in Humanities (3)
IR 710: Advanced Theory in International Relations (3)
IR 715: Global Governance & Cultural Hegemony (3)
HUM 720: Seminar in Ethics, Justice, & Social Change (3)
HUM 725: Critical Issues in Cross-Cultural Dynamics (3)
IR 730: Comparative Politics & Regional Studies (3)
HUM 735: Academic Writing, Grant Writing, & Publication (3)
HUM 740: Doctoral Qualifying Examinations (3)
HUM 745: Directed Independent Research (9)
HUM 729: Dissertation Proposal Defense (3)
HUM 799: Comprehensive Exam (0)
Research & Dissertation Phase (21 Credits)
HUM 801: Dissertation Seminar II: Interdisciplinary Analysis (6)
HUM 803: Dissertation Writing & Scholarly Development (3)
HUM 805: Dissertation Research & Completion (6)
HUM 807: Dissertation Final Defense & Publication (6)
Areas of Specialization & Career Pathways
Academia: Tenure-track Professor of Humanities, International Relations, or Global Studies.
Research & Think Tanks: Senior Research Fellow, Cultural Policy Advisor, or Geopolitical Analyst.
International Policy: Executive Director of international cultural foundations or diplomatic advisor.
Public Administration: Consultant for intergovernmental bodies focused on education, heritage, and policy.
Research Areas
Cultural Diplomacy: Investigating how cultural identity and soft power influence international negotiations and relations.
Historical Impact on Policy: Analyzing how long-standing historical narratives shape current global political alignments.
Humanistic Perspectives on IR: Evaluating the ethical and philosophical frameworks underlying global governance.
Global Social Change: Studying the interplay between evolving cultural traditions and transnational political movements.
Learning Outcomes
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major theories and literature in both humanities and international studies.
• Design, execute, and defend an original dissertation that provides a significant interdisciplinary contribution to academic inquiry.
• Apply advanced research methods to interpret the connection between cultural/historical factors and international policy.
• Display proficiency in communicating complex, interdisciplinary research to academic peers and global policy stakeholders.