PhD in Performance Studies - Feminist Theory and Research in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Performance Studies Ph.D. program spans four to five years. During the initial two years, students gain foundational knowledge by selecting from diverse course options to establish their research focus. Four mandatory core courses must be completed from nine available options, including PFS 200 and three selections from PFS 265 A-D. Additional PFS 265 courses beyond the core offerings also fulfill requirements. The curriculum requires four core performance studies courses plus one colloquium, supplemented by seminar work, practice-based research, and independent or collaborative studies across four thematic areas: Comparative Medias, Embodiments, Cultures/Ecologies, and History/Text. Courses are available through various HArCS department faculty, with specialized Designated Emphases including Performance & Practice, African American & African Studies, Critical Theory, Feminist Theory & Research, Native American Studies, Religious Studies, Science & Technology Studies, and Writing, Rhetoric & Composition Studies. A minimum of 60 units must be completed before qualifying exams, with no more than 12 non-graduate units allowed without advisor approval.

The Feminist Theory and Research Designated Emphasis enables graduate students from affiliated programs to complement their doctoral studies with specialized feminist scholarship. Eligible students in good standing may enroll, and successful completion results in transcript notation and diploma recognition as "Special Emphasis in Feminist Theory and Research."