Theory and Criticism (8203R069)

bachelor's programme qualification

Specific admission requirements:

Matura, interest in theatre and art generally, overview of current developments in Czech theatre, knowledge of the basic theatre studies literature, a certain amount of reader`s experience with dramatic literature, literary aptitudes, ability to understand an image, knowledge of one foreign language. The admissions process consists of two rounds: In the first round, which is an eliminative round, candidates` basic knowledge in the field and related areas (sociocultural history, literature, film, music, fine arts) is tested on the level of a matura, as is the ability to understand a scholarly text. In the second round, other aptitudes for the programme (analytical and critical thinking, expressive abilities, the ability to formulate an opinion, etc.) are explored in more detail; in addition, there is a discussion of submitted homework assignments (analysis of a dramatic text, description of an actor`s performance).

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning:

The programme does not have any specific requirements for the recognition of prior learning.

The procedure for recognition at AMU is governed by Articles 89 and 90 of the Act on Higher Education Institutions No. 111/1998 Coll., as amended, and by the AMU Attendance and Examination Regulations (Articles 8, 14, 18).

Qualification requirements and regulations

A completed secondary or completed secondary vocational education with a matura.

Regulations: The Czech education system is governed by the Act on Higher Education Institutions, as amended (Act No. 111/1998 Coll.), and by the internal regulations of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.

Field of study characterization

The field`s basic point of departure is to view dramatic and theatrical creation not as a result, but as a process. The instruction is closely linked to creation, and students can also become acquainted with the specific practical aspects of creation through their own creative experimentation. Students will become acquainted with all components of theatrical creation: directing, dramaturgy, acting, stage design, production; they are introduced to issues of puppet theatre and to the particularities of interpreting a dramatic text, and emphasis is also placed on recognising significant trends in contemporary European dramatic and theatrical arts. The backbone of the Bachelor`s programme is a seminar on criticism, in which students learn to perceive and reflect on specific theatrical works of the most variegated genres, and become acquainted with the development of Czech theatrical criticism as well as with the principles of critical writing. The theory cultivated in the department also takes into consideration theatrical creation as a process, and attempts to view it „from within“, i.e. through its specific and practical aspects, which are gradually generalised. The history of theatre is treated within the scope of school-wide subjects and also selectively in the firm of several seminars; these are intended to help students to understand the context of theatre's development, the blending and mutual influence of theatrical cultures on the European continent, and last but not least to teach them to perceive the state of contemporary theatrical culture as a necessary and logical consequence of this development. In the third year, students will perform two internships (in the school?s theatre, DISK, preparing the graduate production, or in another of Prague`s theatres), the output of which is a detailed critical reflection on the process with a focus on all components and their interaction.

Key learning outcomes:

The graduate is oriented in the history of theatrical creation in connection with the history of Western culture as a whole, has an overview of the basic trends in contemporary theatrical arts, and is able to reflect on them also with respect to longer-term developmental tendencies and the current state of art and society. He/she is familiar with the main trends and personalities of theoretical thought in theatre, is able to summarise and interpret them, and may be able to engage in debate with them. He/she understands the interaction between individual components during the creation of a theatrical work, and is able to analyse their respective shares in cases of specific stagings. He/she is capable of reflecting critically on and of evaluating theatrical works in various genres, in writing and orally, on an appropriate expressive level. He/she has experience with interpreting an artistic text, and is able to judge the quality of the interpretation and its suitability for a stage production.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples:

Graduates apply their skills first and foremost in areas of reflection on artistic creation (journalistic criticism, scholarly publication activity, media), in actual theatre operations (lecturer of dramaturgy, assistant, etc.), in institutions of cultural policy (public official, methods specialist, etc.), and also of course in the more broadly conceived cultural and educational sphere (publishing houses, agency activity, etc.).

Access to further studies:

Master`s programme in the field of Theory and Criticism at DAMU, programmes in related fields at DAMU, Master`s programmes in humanities or artistic fields at other universities.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading:

Studies are assessed by credits and examinations stipulated by study plans. The student is informed of these through the information system.

The student registers for examinations using the information system.

The student is entitled to a second and third attempt to pass an examination. If neither of these attempts proves successful, the Dean may in exceptional cases permit a fourth attempt, known as a Dean`s Examination. A Dean`s Examination is administered by a commission with the participation of the Dean or a Vice-Dean appointed by the Dean. It is not permitted to repeat an examination for the main subjects or to repeat written examinations.

The credit is an ungraded form of assessment of studies. It is allocated upon fulfilment of requirements stipulated for individual subjects and is recorded in the information system with the word „Credited“ (Z). An examination is a graded form of assessment of studies, which tests knowledge and level of creativity in the relevant subject. In the main subjects, examinations are administered by a commission. An examination may be practical, written, oral, or involve a combination of these methods. For the main subjects, examinations are usually conducted before a committee.

Examinations are graded on the scale „A, B, C, D, E, F“.

Graduation requirements:

The student fulfils the requirements corresponding to the study plan.

The State Bachelor`s Examination in the field of Theory and Criticism consists of the following parts:

the diploma thesis and its defence;

theory and history of dramatic arts;

theory and history of the field.

Mode of study:

full-time

Qualification director or equivalent:

Daniela JOBERTOVÁ

Field of study is part of study programme:

• Dramatic Arts – (B8203)

Study plans of qualification:

• Theory and criticism (B.A.)