Performance Studies

Degree Types: PhD

The Department of Performance Studies is committed to the analysis and exploration of performance as artistic practice, scholarly method, and a means for engaging history, culture, and human expression. Students in the program produce provocative research and creative work in critical theory, cultural studies, ethnography, performance theory and criticism, pedagogy, and digital scholarship. 

The program works closely with other departments and programs within the University. Coursework and research draws from Anthropology, African Studies, Asian American Studies, Black Studies, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Gender Studies, Radio-TV-Film, Theatre & Drama, Dance Studies, Critical Theory, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and others.

Students in this program are encouraged to participate in TGS’s Cluster Initiative program to foster interdisciplinary study and interdepartmental connections. For more information on participation in a cluster or to earn a graduate certificate, please visit the Graduate School Cluster Initiative page.

Additional resources:

• Department website
• Program handbook(s)

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Master's

Total Units Required: 9

Pending completion of milestones and course requirements, first year PhD students may receive an MA degree upon the conclusion of the first year in the PhD program. The MA degree is only available to doctoral students as requirements are completed during the first year of coursework. It cannot be retroactively attained beyond the first year timeline. 

The MA in performance studies consists of 9 course units, including PERF_ST 410-0 Studies in Performance and PERF_ST 518-0 Seminar: Problems in Research. Additionally, students take at least 2 courses at the 400 or 500 levels in the Performance Studies Department. Additional courses are selected in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. Graduate level courses are generally at the 400 level or above, with the exception of 300 level courses which are specifically designated for graduate study (look for "The Graduate School" designation in Caesar). All students are also required to present a Graduate Performance and sit for the First Year Examination.  

PhD

Total Units Required: 22

(Nine units credit is given for the master's degree during first year of coursework.)

Other PhD Degree Requirements

• Examinations: foreign language examination equivalent to two years of college study; first year examination in the spring quarter of the first year of coursework, qualifying examination taken in winter quarter of final year of coursework
• Research/Projects: 20-25 minute graduate performance developed in PERF_ST 410-0 Studies in Performance 
• PhD Dissertation: Dissertation development workshop at conclusion of third year; topic developed in coursework, workshop, and in consultation with advisor
• Final Evaluations: oral defense of dissertation