COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre Studies is a research-intensive program that combines theoretical study, historical inquiry, and advanced scholarly training in theatre and performance. Students begin by completing core courses in methods and materials of theatre research and theory for theatre research, which provide essential foundations in academic inquiry and critical analysis. In addition, students complete 4.5 units of elective coursework selected from related disciplines and approved by the Graduate Adviser, with the option of including up to 3.0 units at the 300 or 400 level. This allows for interdisciplinary exploration while maintaining a strong focus on theatre studies. The program then offers two completion pathways: a thesis option or a project-based option. In the thesis option, students complete 1.5 units of theatre history courses along with THEA 599, a 6.0-unit MA thesis that is submitted and defended orally as part of graduate degree requirements. In the project-based option, students complete 3.0 units of theatre history coursework and THEA 598, a 4.5-unit MA essay that is developed under faculty supervision. The essay is designed to be suitable for submission to a scholarly conference or academic journal and is also defended orally. Both pathways emphasize original research, critical thinking, and scholarly communication, preparing students for advanced academic or professional work in theatre studies.