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Type

PhD Programme

Access mode

Programmed

Length

3 years

Location

Modena

Language

English

Department

Department of Studies on Language and Culture

Course presentation (FOR PhD course/Specialisation school ONLY)

The PhD Program in the Human sciences: studies on language and literature, history and philosophy, communication and digital humanities represents the third level of university education, aligned with the most advanced international research in the fields of linguistic analysis, narrative theory, modern and contemporary history and philosophy, education and training, and intercultural communication.

Particular attention is given to methodological skills—especially cross-disciplinary ones—providing multiple competencies in the design, management, and communication of innovative research and experiences. These skills will enable PhD graduates to participate in experimental projects—in publishing and education, in cultural or social activities, and in public and professional communication—also supported by new technologies and methods related to the field of digital humanities.

The program is structured into four curricula:

- Linguistic and Literary Studies
- Historical-Philosophical Studies
- Theories and Methods of Education
- Digital Humanities and Digital Communication

The PhD program has a strong interdisciplinary orientation, as demonstrated by a shared teaching offer across the curricula, focused on the theoretical and methodological aspects of the various research strands within the program. This integrated approach is intended to foster flexibility and creativity in research development.

Info

Department: Department of Studies on Language and Culture
Didactic method: PRESENCE

More information

Italian second cycle master's degree (“Laurea Magistrale”, under D.M. 270/04 or “Laurea Specialistica”, under D.M. 509/99) or Italian degree obtained prior to D.M. 509/99 (the previous Italian regulations) or Second cycle Master's degree obtained abroad, equivalent to the above-mentioned Italian degrees and recognized as suitable for the admission to doctoral program.
Further information available in the Call.

PhD graduates in Human sciences: studies on language and literature, history and philosophy, communication and digital humanities will be able to work in cultural and social fields, both public and private, in Italy and abroad. They will be suited for academic research as well as roles in education, publishing, public and corporate communication, and the management of cultural and museum networks.

In particular, they may pursue careers as researchers in learning processes (as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive or procedural disorders), in the development and management of projects or programs related to linguistic-cultural translation/mediation (in publishing, international companies, and public or private language services), in cultural activities (within public or private institutions), in the development of tools for language services, and in roles related to cooperation, scientific journalism, and education—especially from a lifelong learning perspective.

The analysis of educational and training processes will lead to professional profiles capable of addressing issues of prevention and recovery, inclusion, and interculturality. Regarding digital humanities, it should be noted that beyond contributing to methodological advancements within individual disciplines and fostering interdisciplinary development, DH projects have a measurable impact in terms of technological, educational, and cultural innovation.

A central element of the program is the development of an innovative research project, which is presented at the beginning of the three-year period, developed over the three years (with the collaboration of the tutor and other members of the committee), and discussed at the end of the third year.

Within this training program, new knowledge is developed through critical investigation, negotiation skills, and the acquisition of creative competencies, which will enable participants to achieve high-quality professionalism. The three-year program also aims to develop "transferable skills" such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication at various levels, use of computer tools, design and implementation of research pathways, as well as other relevant skills like analytical ability, time management, and perseverance in achieving goals.

The acquired skills enable participants to develop, manage, and communicate research, innovative experiences, and applied projects related to educational processes and practices, cultural activities, professional communication, linguistic-cultural translation/mediation, and language training. The projects may also involve the creation of tools to support the processes, practices, and activities listed.

For digital humanities, the acquired skills will range from developing resources for humanistic research (glossaries, digital archives, databases, and corpora) to the development and use of new information technologies for data analysis and multimodal and multimedia communication, to studies on communication in new media and new ways of accessing knowledge.

In the field of public and professional communication and cultural activities, skills are built in developing and managing projects or programs related to professional communication, translation, and linguistic-cultural mediation (in publishing, international companies, and language services for public and private sectors).

In the educational and social fields, tools are developed for analyzing educational and learning processes, including from a "lifelong learning" perspective, concerning the diagnosis and therapy of cognitive or procedural disorders and issues of prevention, recovery, inclusion, and interculturality.