Program Overview

Introduction to the Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama

The Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama (IPTD) at Northwestern University is a unique program that allows students to draw upon faculty and research resources from various departments across the School of Communication, Weinburg College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Music. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to conduct research that uses the materials, methods, and theories associated with more than one discipline.

Degree Requirements

Coursework

The IPTD program requires students to take coursework in various departments, with a focus on theatre studies and other areas. Each student develops a plan of curricular study in consultation with the Director of IPTD, with the goal of maintaining steady progress toward the completion of the PhD. The program is designed to be flexible, with students able to draw upon a range of courses to develop their area of disciplinary competence.

• The program requires six core courses, including:
  • TH&DRAMA 501: Research Methods and Methodologies
  • TH&DRAMA 502: Research Design and Prospectus
  • Three classes in theatre/dance/performance history and theory with geographical and temporal breadth
  • One class in arts practice, pedagogy, or public humanities
• Students may also take courses taught by Associate Faculty members in other departments, with the Director's prior approval.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of a dissertation prospectus
• Written exam
• Preliminary oral exam
• Dissertation
• Final oral exam
• Exams are administered by faculty from the student's dissertation committee
• Students are responsible for timely completion of the degree according to University, School, Department, and Program rules, procedures, and deadlines

Language Requirement

IPTD has no language requirement, but many doctoral students find that a secure command of at least one foreign language is essential to their research. Students may study a language during the academic year alongside their PhD coursework, and The Graduate School provides Summer Language Grants for intensive summer language study.

Master's Degree Option

Technically, IPTD is a PhD-only program. However, students who matriculate at Northwestern without a Master's degree may take a Master's degree along the way to the PhD by temporarily changing their registration post-candidacy.

Program Structure

The IPTD program is designed to be flexible, with students able to develop their own area of disciplinary competence. The program is structured to allow students to take a range of courses, with a focus on theatre studies and other areas. Students work closely with the Director of IPTD to develop a plan of curricular study, and are reviewed annually by the Director and Executive Committee.