Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Prerequisites

Prerequisite knowledge must be present equivalent to a master’s level within the theatre field, in the subjects drama/theatre, dramaturgy, drama/applied drama, drama education, performance studies or equivalent. Candidates with a master’s degree in cross-aesthetic study programmes (aesthetics, arts subjects and so on) must be able to document relevant in-depth knowledge within the theatre field equivalent to at least 30 credits at master’s level.

Recommended previous knowledge

A mixed educational background with academic, performing/creative and didactic components will be an advantage, but this is not a formal requirement.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the candidates should be able to:

  • Apply critical, theater-theoretical, and analytical knowledge perspectives in the exploration of current practices within the theater field
  • Have a high awareness of the theater's contextual thinking, with particular regard to the art form's dual practice, meaning theater as both aesthetic and social practice
  • Connect their own Ph.D. project to the forefront of knowledge in the theater field and to broader societal contexts
  • Conduct research in the intersection between theatrical, societal, and philosophical-aesthetic perspectives and practices
  • Handle complex theater-related questions and challenge established knowledge and practices in the field.

Contents

The subject focuses on contemporary theatre and relevant theoretical and methodological points of access to research in, and with, theatre practice. The subject will take, as its point of departure, concrete issues related to the candidates’ PhD projects, combined with critical reading and discussion of central texts within contemporary theory and relevant theatre practice. A broad an open theatre terminology shall be applied. Particular focus will be placed upon the potential of contemporary theatre to investigate and activate social and cultural processes which account for the complexities in present-day society.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching will be organised into two to four gatherings with seminars and/or workshops. Study group work may be relevant, as well as joint performance visits apart from the gatherings. The subject will, to as great a degree as is possible, be tailored in relation to the candidates’ PhD projects. This applies not only to content, but also to working forms.

Examination requirements

  • The candidates shall hold a prepared oral presentation of the outline at one of the gatherings.
  • The candidates shall provide a prepared commentary to another PhD candidate’s presentation during the course.

Examinations

  • The candidate gives a presentation of about 30 minutes that connects issues from teaching and the course syllabus to their own Ph.D. project. (In special cases, a shorter or longer presentation can be agreed upon.) The presentation may also take the form of a digital and/or multimodal presentation of equivalent scope. For candidates with a combined artistic-scientific dissertation, the candidate is encouraged to include performative/creative work in the presentation.
  • No later than one week before the examination presentation, the candidate must submit a synopsis of about 5 pages. Complete references and a bibliography are to be included in addition.
  • The presentation is followed by a conversation of about 15 minutes with the committee.

The presentation and synopsis are to be assessed by the individual with course responsibility and an external examiner. If the examination is assessed as a fail, a reason will be provided for this, as well as advice regarding improvements and a new date for the presentation.

Assessed with the grade: pass/fail.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:30:08 PM