Theatre Studies Specialization

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The theatre studies specialization is designed to build the research and analytical skills students will need for academic careers in theatre. Through opportunities for hands-on dramaturgical experience, teaching, and theatre research, this program offers the perfect blend of theory and practice needed to prepare students for entry into PhD programs, begin teaching careers, and/or professional theatre dramaturgical positions for which they are well qualified.

The program is offered entirely during the academic year.

Program Requirements
A minimum of 45 credits is required for the Theatre Studies specialization. Thesis credits are included in the minimum. An oral examination and defense of the thesis is required.

Theatre Studies Specialization required courses:
In addition to the MA core of 15 course credits, students must complete the following:

Master of Arts - Theatre Core

Required Core Courses Credits: 15

TH 501 - Introduction to Graduate Studies Credits: (1)
TH 510 - Studies in Dramatic Literature Credits: (4)
TH 511 - Analysis and Criticism Credits: (4)
TH 700 - Master’s Thesis Project Credits: (1-6)
TH 700 Must be taken for six credits.

Component 1: Research and History Credits: 11

TH 505 - Research Methods Credits: (2)
TH 525 - Theatre History Ancients-Renaissance Credits: (3)
TH 526 - Theatre History Renaissance-Modernism Credits: (3)
TH 527 - Theatre History Modernism-Contemporary Credits: (3)

Component 2: Dramatic Literature Credits: 10

Select 10 credits from the following courses:

TH 512 - Studies in Gender Issues Credits: (5)
TH 513 - Studies in World Drama Credits: (5)
TH 514 - Studies in Asian Drama Credits: (5)
TH 515 - Studies in Ethnic Drama Credits: (5)
TH 516 - Studies in Classical Drama Credits: (5)
TH 517 - Studies in Medieval Drama Credits: (5)
TH 518 - Studies in Early Modern Drama Credits: (5)
TH 519 - Studies in Drama and the State Credits: (5)
TH 598 - Special Topics Credits: (1-6)
TH 599 - Seminar Credits: (1-5)

Component 3: Focal Area Credits: 9

Select a minimum of nine credits from the following:

TH 540 - Graduate Directing I Credits: (3)
TH 541 - Graduate Directing II Credits: (3)
TH 582 - Performance Studies Credits: (3)
TH 587 - Theatre Pedagogy Credits: (4)
TH 588 - Dramaturgy Credits: (3)
TH 589 - International Applied Studies Credits: (1-6)
TH 593 - Dramaturgical Practicum Credits: (1-3)

Component 4: Foreign Language

In order to place students in the best position possible for entry into nationally recognized PhD programs, a minimum of two years of at least one foreign language at the undergraduate level with a minimum grade of B or better in all terms is required. This may be completed prior to admission or while enrolled in the Theatre Studies program.