Russell A. Berman, the Walter A. Haas Professor in the Humanities at Stanford University, will give the talk “Rethinking the Ph.D. in the Humanities” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at the University of California, Davis. His talk in the Larry and Rosalie Vanderhoef Studio Theatre is part of the Chancellor’s Colloquium Distinguished Speakers Series hosted by UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi.

Berman has called for a major rethinking of the humanities doctoral degree, including reducing the period of study to four or five years -- half the current time -- and for the programs to better prepare students for careers. Berman first presented his proposal in a 2012 address to the Modern Language Association, and it has since been discussed widely.

An expert on German literature and culture, and cultural relations between Europe and the United States, Berman is chair of the Department of Comparative Literature. He is also interested in the sociology of modern culture, literature, history and critical theory, and has written more than 80 articles and five books including “The Rise of the Modern German Novel: Crisis and Charisma” and “Enlightenment or Empire: Colonial Discourse in German Culture.”

The Chancellor’s Colloquium Distinguished Speakers series brings together distinguished scholars and government leaders to spark engaging conversations with the academic community and broader public around pressing issues.

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP to eventrsvp@ucdavis.edu or call (530) 0754-2262.