Located in the Humanities, Feminist Studies Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary program investigates how relations of gender are embedded in social, political, racial, and cultural formations. The program emphasizes feminist modes of inquiry and is designed to provide advanced training in feminist theories and methods. Approaching feminist engagement as relevant to the broadening and reassessment of a full range of areas of academic inquiry, the program's focus is on challenging existing disciplinary boundaries and fostering a reconsideration of the relationships between knowledge, power, and expertise. We work with problem-based research methodologies that acknowledge and go beyond conventional notions of international and comparative studies. An ongoing concern with epistemology is balanced with an emphasis on problem-based research areas that nourish both intellectual and social transformation. As a collaborative, cross-divisional enterprise, the Feminist Studies Ph.D. draws on the strengths of a range of feminist scholars, departments, and programs across the University. The course of study has two objectives: first, to train scholars and teachers, and second, to serve the needs of professionals for careers in areas such as public policy and human rights research and advocacy. This approach to graduate training is designed to attract students with various types of career goals who will benefit from exposure to and collaboration with each other in a vigorous intellectual environment.