The Department of Comparative Thought and Literature comprises a cadre of scholars who share a commitment to philosophical questions as they relate to art, literature, film, and history. Collaboration, exchange of ideas, and intellectual freedom are at the department’s core.
The department’s interdisciplinary nature is one of its main strengths and provides crucial common ground for scholars from humanities departments across the university. Faculty members work in a variety of fields but are unified by a common investment in intellectual curiosity, flexibility, open-mindedness, and careful reading and criticism. Graduate students are encouraged to undertake projects addressing authentic philosophical or theoretical problems without the restriction of disciplinary conventions. Students may also cultivate strong ties with faculty in other departments working in their areas of interest.
What can you do with your degree?
A PhD degree in humanistic studies can lead to various career paths. At Johns Hopkins, your scholarly work in the classroom is complemented by robust research opportunities and hands-on learning. Such broad background leads to careers in academia, museums and art galleries, journalism and writing, politics, teaching, media, and non-profit management.