Dr. Catherine Jurca

Professor

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Biography

Catherine Jurca is a Professor of English and Visual Culture at the California Institute of Technology. She has a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and both an M.A. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. Jurca's work focuses on Classical Hollywood film, exhibition history, and the twentieth-century American novel. Her research examines the relationships between business history, major film companies, and audience consumption. She is the author of 'Hollywood 1938: Motion Pictures' Greatest Year' and 'White Diaspora: Suburb Twentieth-Century American Novel'. Additionally, she has published articles in various esteemed journals including Cinema Journal and American Literary History. Throughout her academic career, Jurca has served in multiple capacities at Caltech, including as Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor in English departments. She has actively contributed to the development of visual culture programs and has adapted teaching approaches to meet the challenges presented by remote learning during the pandemic.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor of English Visual Culture

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Teaching and researching visual culture.

Professor of English

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Taught various courses in English literature.

Associate Professor of English

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Advanced research on American literature.

Associate Professor of Literature

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Focused on film and literary studies.

Assistant Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Introduced new curriculum in English literature.

Instructor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Beginning teaching role in the English department.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.