The deadline for applications to the History of Consciousness (HISC) program is Dec. 15 of each year. Admissions information and application materials are available online. Applications are invited from students with backgrounds and interests in the humanities, arts, and social sciences and are especially encouraged from individuals with a clear idea of the project they wish to undertake. Strong preference is given to applicants working in areas for which the faculty resources in history of consciousness are appropriate and available. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. A writing sample is required of no more than 10 pages. Admission is for the fall quarter only.

It is important to note that in light of California’s elimination of affirmative action as an admissions criterion, the History of Consciousness Department reaffirms its commitment to the principles of affirmative action. This means a commitment to diversity, equal opportunity, and outreach to underrepresented communities. Further, this commitment underlines our understanding that the very fabric and quality of our scholarship depends on the representation and interplay of diverse experience and perspectives. So defined, affirmative action is reflected in every aspect of the History of Consciousness program, including scholarship, teaching, admissions, hiring, and the process of departmental governance.

History of Consciousness has strong cooperative relations with associated faculty from other campus programs, scholars who offer seminars and participate in advising, qualifying exams, and thesis committees for the department. Within the limits of seminar size and faculty time, cross-disciplinary work in graduate courses offered in other departments is encouraged. The formal list of associated faculty is a non-exhaustive indication of advising possibilities beyond the program's core faculty. Campus research organizations such as the Center for Cultural Studies, the Institute for Humanities Research, and the Chicano/Latino Research Center also provide venues for collaborative work.

Since the curriculum concentrates on methodological and theoretical issues and is concerned with the integration of disciplines, candidates for admission are expected to have a relatively clear idea of the project they wish to pursue. Experience of advanced work in one or more fields is preferred but not required.

Although History of Consciousness does not have formal tracks, it does emphasize a variety of topics and approaches in its seminars and research pursuits. Reflecting a serious concern for social, historical, and cultural theories, these areas of research can be most succinctly identified as studies at the intersection of race, sexuality, and gender; global capitalism and cultural process; psychoanalytic and semiotic theories of the image; science and technology studies; theories and histories of religion; and social movements. Seminars are regularly offered in these and other areas of ongoing faculty research.

Program Learning Outcomes for History of Consciousness PhD students

✔ Independent Research Skills: Conduct independent research using relevant theories and methods.

✔ Scholarly Writing Skills: Produce substantial, original papers written with effective organization, style, and use of citations.

✔ Methods and Practice of Teaching: Demonstrate teaching skills by creating and delivering effective lesson plans.