Theatre (Theatre and Performance of the Americas), PhD
Program Overview
This doctoral program in Theatre and Performance of the Americas equips students with critical and cultural studies methodologies to examine theatre beyond traditional narratives. It emphasizes performance research in the Americas, allowing students to specialize in their research interests through coursework and practical experiences. The program includes 90 credit hours of coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation, fostering original research and challenging traditional boundaries in theatre studies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
This program aims to equip doctoral students with the skills and knowledge to critically examine the canon of theatre from diverse perspectives, focusing on theatre and performance of the Americas.
Description:
The program encourages students to go beyond traditional narratives and boundaries of theatre studies by employing critical and cultural studies methodologies. This includes examining various forms of embodied expression related to, but distinct from, formal theatrical expression.
Key aspects:
- Intervenes in traditionally narrated histories and theories of theatre.
- Utilizes cultural and performance studies methodologies.
- Focuses on performance research in the Americas.
- Encourages specialization in research interests through coursework and practical experiences.
Outline:
Structure:
- 90 credit hours coursework
- Foreign language exam
- Written and oral comprehensive exams
- Prospectus and dissertation
Coursework:
- Required Core (24 credit hours): Covers the theoretical and practical aspects of performance research, with a particular focus on performance modalities in the Americas.
- Electives (42 credit hours): Students can choose from theatre courses in diverse areas like community-based theatre, dramaturgy, theatre for social change, theatre history, and related topics seminars. They can also opt for courses outside the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, such as critical and cultural studies, area studies, languages and literatures, and aesthetic theory.
Assessment:
- Reviews of student performance and development of research, artistic, and teaching skills are conducted by the supervisory committee at the end of each semester.
- Comprehensive examinations include written and oral components focusing on theatre history, literature and criticism, performance of the Americas, and the research area.
- Dissertation: A high-quality original research work demonstrating proficiency in the student's special field is required.
Other:
- Students can use credits from a previously awarded master's degree towards this program with approval from the supervisory committee and the Graduate College.
- The program welcomes scholars, artists, and activists interested in expanding boundaries and challenging traditional narratives.
