Institute of Theatre Studies

Courses

The Institute of Theatre Studies (ITW) offers a wide range of courses each semester. The list of courses can be found in the course handbook, La Leçon. International researchers also regularly teach and lecture at the ITW, exposing students to a wide range of topics and methodological approaches. 

Students must register for courses in the Teaching System KSL. All courses should be attended in full. More than three absences of 2 hours each for 2 SWS (half for 1 SWS) means that the course cannot be counted towards the degree, regardless of the reason for the absence.

The course handbook for the Faculty of Humanities details faculty-wide courses at the bachelor level. Depending on the course requirements, students from other disciplines may take one of these courses as an elective.

  • Download: La Leçon for the spring semester 25 (German)
  • Download: Timetable for the fall semester 24 (German)
Sophia Stepf, Learning Feminism from Rwanda (Foto: Alexander Barta)

Details of the courses   

Lecture (3 ECTS points; open to BA and MA students)

  • Lectures provide an overview of the history of theatre and dance in Europe, an in-depth study of historical and theoretical topics and an overview of the aesthetics of contemporary theatre and dance. The coursework completed in lectures is assessed and graded by written examination. Introductory lectures held in parallel with the core modules will be graded within the module. Lectures are open to BA and MA students of all semesters and earn 3 ECTS points.

BA seminar (5 ECTS points; only open to BA students)

  • BA seminars focus on specific topics to illustrate aesthetics, methods and working practices in theatre and dance. All BA seminars are graded with at least one credited assignment. Over the BA program, several papers (20,000-25,000 characters, incl. spaces) must be written in seminars (major: 5 papers, minor: 3 papers, minor mini: 1 paper).

MA/BA seminar (5 ECTS for BA students, 6 ECTS for MA students).

  • MA/BA seminars develop confidence in applying the literature of theatre and dance studies and deepen understanding of the practical challenges of theatre and dance. The application of theories and methods to concrete issues raises questions which may inform research for a Master’s thesis. The seminars are open to all students who have completed both core modules.  The assignment requirements are adapted to the bachelor or master level. MA students have priority, the number of participants is limited.  Over the MA program, papers (20,000-25,000 characters, incl. spaces) must be written in seminars (major: 3 papers, minor: 2 papers).

Base Course modules (9/12 ECTS points; open to BA students only).

  • In the first semesters of the program, students must complete two base course modules. These modules explore various theatrical concepts, provide insight into methods and theories of theatre and dance studies, and develop and apply dramaturgical concepts. Each module consists of a 2 hour introductory lecture, a 2 hour introductory seminar, and a required tutorial. In the autumn semester, an academic paper must be submitted in the base course module. Registration in the Teaching System KSL must be made for all parts of the modules (lecture and introductory seminar, required tutorial, and practical exercise).

MA practical exercise (3 ECTS points; open to MA students only).

  • Hands-on practical exercises, such as scenic writing, or theatre and dance criticism, develop practical skills that may be useful in future careers. Students may also explore trends in contemporary theatre and dance during excursions to theatre or dance festivals, for example, or by working with a program at a theatre or dance festival.

Excursion (5 ECTS points for BA students and 3 ECTS for MA students)