Course summary
This interdisciplinary Masters programme invites you to interrogate the different ways in which performance can be said to be a socio-cultural phenomenon. It draws on a wide range of theoretical perspectives to understand how performance is shaped by the culture from which it emerges and how it shapes that culture. Why study MA Performance and Culture at Goldsmiths
- Examine diverse performance forms from across the globe, including practices such as:
- Engage with a wide range of theoretical frameworks, using principles and methodologies from sociology, cultural theory, performance studies, anthropology, history, philosophy, and political science to explore performance as a sociocultural process.
- Develop your critical thinking, oral, and written presentation skills, as well as your ability to manage independent research projects.
- Tackle fundamental questions about culture and society from contemporary and historical perspectives, including: How can performance respond to, disrupt, or challenge sociopolitical processes? What does it mean to perform and embody one’s culture? What is the role of culturally specific performance in a globalized world?
- Become a member of a rich, vibrant, and international research community within a politically active university that has links, locally and internationally, with a wide variety of theatres, companies, performers, and arts institutions, all of which enhance your research possibilities.
Modules
You will complete three compulsory modules on the programme, which will familiarise you with a range of issues concerning performance as a socio-cultural phenomenon and the methodologies needed to interrogate them. These include: questions about group formation, identity and the performance of culture appropriate conceptual and theoretical material, the intersections between them and their relationship to performance historiographical methodologies, including archival research relations of power, control, domination and exclusion in both local and global contexts questions regarding the role of the body, space and performance in the formation of identity Modules You'll complete the below compulsory modules, as well as a 60-credit dissertation on a relevant subject of your choosing. You'll also take 30 credits of optional modules from an approved list provided annually by the Department. Cultural Theory, Performance, Interdisciplinary Perspectives 30 credits Historicizing Theatre 30 credits Corporeality, Embodiment, Alternative Spaces 30 credits Option modules You will choose one contextual option module to complement your studies on the programme. The option modules offered by the department often change but can include topics such as: Asian Theatre Eastern European Theatres Musicals in Adaptation World Shakespeares You can also choose a module offered by a different department at Goldsmiths. Alternatively, you can choose to undertake an Independent Study (below). Independent Study (MA Performance and Culture) 30 Credits Structure You can choose to take the programme either full-time or part-time for the duration of one year or two years, respectively. For full-time students, the programme runs over three terms. Part-time students study for two terms in their first year and three terms in their second year. Full details below. Classes usually take place all day Mondays – the rest of the week is dedicated to your independent study and research. Full-time students In the Autumn term (September to December), you will complete Cultural Theory and Historicising Theatre. In the Spring term (January to March) you will complete Corporeality, Embodiment and Alternative Spaces as well as either an optional module or an independent study. The Summer term (April to September) is spent completing your dissertation. Part-time students In the first year of your study you will complete Cultural Theory in the Autumn term and Corporeality, Embodiment and Alternative Spaces in the Spring term. In Year Two you will complete Historicizing Theatre in the Autumn term and then either an optional module or an independent study in the Spring term. You will then complete your dissertation in the Summer term. *Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
Assessment on this programme mainly takes the form of written essays. This includes 5-6,000 word essays for each of the core modules and a 15-20,000 word dissertation. In addition, you will be asked to give oral papers and presentations in class for which you will receive formative feedback and which will help you prepare for your written essays. Each core module is weighted at 15% of your overall mark, as is your optional module. The dissertation is worth 40%.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject. You might also be considered if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Unless otherwise stated the annual fee for part-time students is half the full-time fee quoted.
Sponsorship information
AHRC
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW