[History vs Area Studies]

On 1/9/2020 at 3:23 AM, AnUglyBoringNerd said:

(And of course, the rejection notifications helped a lot with narrowing my options down...)

and yes! schools I've applied to might also help with narrowing my options down..!

[History vs Area Studies]

Thank you guys!! These are all so much helpful answers!! I'll look into each department and see their job placement records. 

[History vs Area Studies]

My research field is Chinese history, but I am also interested in interdisciplinary approaches to cultural history. So far I have applied to and am waiting on history PhD programs with a strong interdisciplinary base, as well as East Asian studies (EALC/EALAC) programs. 

My previous training (undergrad, masters) was in history, and my supervisor assured me that I would still be able to be hired as a historian even if I'd graduate with an EALC degree (because I majored in history during my undergraduate and MA studies). While I am very attracted to EALC programs, which would allow me to incorporate literature & film studies in my own research (that's what I want to do), I am at the same time worried that it would make me less competitive in job market if I'd not have a doctoral degree in history.

I hope I will be able to apply to EALC and history academic jobs after finishing my PhD. My question is, would having a doctoral degree in EALC or history make much difference in this case?