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The Combined Ph.D. Program in Film and Media Studies and Slavic and Eurasian Literatures and Cultures

Students will work closely with faculty and other graduate students in both departments

This program provides the opportunity to receive doctoral degrees in both disciplines. Applicants must show background, aptitude, and interest in both disciplines. The combined program provides graduate students with robust training in Film and Media Studies, but also with specialized training in Slavic and Eurasian literatures and cultures. 

To be accepted into the combined degree program, students must be accepted by both departments. Each student’s program of study will be planned in consultation with the DGS in each area. Students divide their coursework between Film and Media Studies and the Slavic Department and take a total of 16 courses. They are normally expected to take at least 6 courses from each department.

Our students also gain experience programing film series around Yale. For an example of a recent series take a look at the student curated “Complexities of Resistance”.

Ph.D. Roadmap and Requirements

Sixteen term-courses will be the norm, taken over a two-year period.  In some cases a candidate may be allowed to take up to two courses in the third year of study while preparing for the oral examination.

  • Requirements in Film and Media Studies: at least six courses
    • Films and Their Study (offered every other Fall term)
    • Four additional seminars in Film Studies, including crosslists
  •  Requirements in Slavic: at least six courses
  • Transfer courses: Students may gain up to two course credits for prior graduate work if approved by the DGSs.

Qualifying Examinations

  •  Two written examination in Russian poetry or prose, one in 19thc and one in 20thc.
  • A two hour oral examination covering four topics, two in Russian and Soviet literature and culture, and two in Film and Media Studies

Teaching Fellowships

Since the faculty consider teaching to be an integral part of graduate training, all graduate students are expected to teach for a total of four semesters (typically in the third and fourth years of study). Students are usually assigned two semesters of language teaching, during which time they are mentored and trained by a lead language lector, and two semesters of literature/culture teaching, for which they either run discussion sections for large-enrollment lecture courses, or serve as instructor-apprentices in small undergraduate seminars.

Qualifying Paper

Students must submit a qualifying paper no later than September 1st of their third year. The paper, which in many cases will be a revised version of a seminar paper, should be developed in consultation with a faculty adviser. The paper should highlight original research and an ambitious conceptualization, possess a logical structure, and be clearly written.

The Dissertation

It is presumed that the dissertation will give evidence of methods and materials important to both disciplines. 

A pre-prospectus oral discussion with two faculty members chosen by the students occurs soon after the qualifying examination, and generally before Spring break of the third year.  Once these advisors and the student agree on the topic and the contour of the dissertation, a written prospectus of 20-25 pages is presented at a colloquium held by the end of the 6th semester in residence.  At least one member from the graduate faculty of Film and Media Studies and one from Slavic Languages and Literature must be present at the colloquium.  The finalized version of the prospectus is accepted by the advisor and the DGS of Slavic; the entire faculty of Film and Media Studies ratifies the final version of the prospectus.

A one-hour first chapter colloquium is held during year four and attended by the Slavic faculty and graduate students along with any pertinent FMS faculty.

A “Defense of Method” is held in the semester preceding final deposit.  See the “Defense of Method” section on the page “Applying to and Going Through the FMS Program.”

Advising

Before admission to candidacy, the primary academic adviser for each graduate student is the Director of Graduate Studies. However, students are encouraged to seek out one or more mentors to consult about course selection and other matters of professionalization. Mentors from outside the department may contribute through the minor field requirement or by participating in the prospectus process. After being admitted to candidacy, the chair of the dissertation committee will serve as the student’s primary adviser in intellectual and professional matters. 

Explore GSAS Advising Resources Learn More in the Graduate Handbook
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Applying to the combined program?

Learn more about the application process

Professional Development

We support all of our students who hope to follow a traditional or non-traditional paths. Advisers may doan intensive review of application materials, mock interviews with faculty, mock job talks with the whole department, and assistance in negotiating offers. Former advisers and advisees are encouraged to remain in contact after graduation, so that the department can support alumni who are moving through postdoctoral fellowships or visiting positions, navigating a switch from one kind of employment to another, or in search of a permanent or more favorable position.

Students meet with Film Director David Gutnik

Resources

Graduate Contacts