Abstract

U.S. research-doctorate programs in the humanities were assessed by a committee of the Conference Board of Associated Research Councils. Attention was focused on 522 programs in nine disciplines in the humanities that award research doctorates. The effectiveness of these programs in preparing students for research careers was assessed. Indices that might be relevant to program quality were examined, and information was provided to evaluators on the names of faculty members involved with each program to be rated and the number of research doctorates awarded in the last 5 years. After describing the background to the study and the research methodology, survey results are presented for the following humanities programs: art history; classics; English language and literature; French, Spanish, and German language and literature; linguistics; music; and philosophy. In addition to extensive statistical findings and analyses, appendices include the Survey of Earned Doctorates, the instrument used in the reputational survey, the survey used with institutional coordinators, and lists of planning committee members and participants of the Conference on the Assessment of Quality of Graduate Education Programs. (SW)