Program Overview

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Introduction to the Drama and Theatre, Ph.D. Program

The Drama and Theatre, Ph.D. program is a joint offering by the UCI Department of Drama and the UCSD Department of Theatre and Dance. This program boasts the largest dedicated doctoral faculty of any Drama program in the nation and one of the lowest teacher-student ratios. It is designed to encourage students to develop a unique body of research working closely with a small group of faculty at both UCI and UCSD.

Overview of the Program

The program's goal is to prepare students for a successful career at either a research university or a major liberal arts institution, in a variety of possible disciplines ranging from Drama and Theatre, English, and Performance Studies, to Cultural, Gender, and Ethnic Studies. The Drama Department places a high value on collegiality and professionalism, and nurtures these qualities through cooperative work within seminars, independent studies, organized events, teaching opportunities, and professional trainings.

Admission Requirements

Students with a B.A. (minimum GPA of 3.5), M.A., or M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre are eligible for admission to the doctoral program. Students with training in literature (or another area in the humanities) will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate a background in drama or theatre. Experience in one of the creative activities of theatre (acting, directing, playwriting, design, dramaturgy) enhances a students chances of admission. All applicants are required to submit samples of their critical writing and two letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Course of Study

Students are required to take a minimum of 144 units, which is equivalent to four years of full-time study. Forty of these units (10 courses) are taken in required seminars; the balance is made up of elective seminars, independent study, and research projects (including preparing the qualifying paper), and dissertation research. Students must take four seminars in the UCSD Program in Theatre and Dance.

Required Courses

• Complete the following:
  • DRAMA 290: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History Prior to 1900 (two seminars/8 units)
  • DRAMA 291: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History, 1900 to Present (two seminars/8 units)
  • DRAMA 292: Cultural and Critical Theory (four seminars/16 units)
  • Two additional seminars (8 units) are required and are determined in conversation with the head of the Ph.D. program.
• Each student's course of study is tailored to their interests, and selection of courses is done in discussion with the head of the program and the student's mentor/advisor.

Graduate Emphasis in Dramaturgy (Elective)

This Emphasis may be taken at any time during a graduate student's doctoral work, preferably during the first 4 years of graduate study, prior to the dissertation. The Emphasis includes:

• DRAMA 244: Dramaturgy: Theory and Methods
• DRAMA 297: Dramaturgy Practicum
• DRAMA 290: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History Prior to 1900 or DRAMA 291: Dramatic Literature and Theatre History, 1900 to Present
• A research component on dramaturgy in consultation with the Instructor.

Comprehensive Examination

In the first year, students prepare for the Written Comprehensive Examination, which is based on a series of reading lists curated by the joint faculty. The exam consists of essay questions and is reviewed by two faculty members.

Advancement to Candidacy: Qualifying Exam

Students should select an advisor by the end of winter quarter of year two and two committee members (one from each campus) by the end of spring quarter of year two. In spring quarter of year two, the student will work with their advisor to develop the area of dissertation focus and a field reading list. During the fall of year three, students will write a prospectus that establishes the scope, theoretical engagements, and rationale of the project. During winter quarter of year three, the student will write one qualifying paper, which serves as the strong foundation for a dissertation chapter. In the spring of year three, there will be a two-hour oral examination with the full, five-member committee, covering the prospectus and qualifying paper.

Language Requirement

Students are required to complete an advanced research project using primary and secondary material in a second language. This requirement may be satisfied by writing a seminar paper or a qualifying paper that makes extensive use of materials in a second language. The second-language requirement must be satisfied before the end of the third year.

Teaching

Students are required to teach a minimum of four quarters, via DRAMA 399. No more than eight units of apprentice teaching may be counted toward the required 144 units.

Departmental Ph.D. Time-Limit Policies

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of the fall quarter of their fourth year. Departmental normative time for completion of the degree is five years; total registered time in the Ph.D. program at UCI or UCSD cannot exceed seven years.

Financial Support

Ph.D. students entering the program with a B.A. may be supported (either by teaching assignments or fellowships) for five years. Students who have an M.A. and have been given transfer credit may be supported for four years. Such support depends upon the funds available, the number of students eligible, and the students rate of progress.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Department of Drama perform, stage manage, or design on Broadway, in national tours, regional and summer theatres, in films and on television. UC Irvine's Drama alumni serve as artistic directors, business managers, designers, art directors, and performers at more than 100 theatre companies, and are faculty at more than 75 institutions of higher learning. A degree in Drama may or may not lead to professional employment in theatre or film, but the skills learned can be applied to various careers in law, business, arts management, advertising, and teaching.