The Master degree program conveys a critical understanding of dance and choreography across cultural and historical boundaries. It deals with choreographic forms of movement, above all (global) theatre dance, but also movement approaches in other cultural, spatial and media contexts, both from a historical-theoretical perspective and with a view to current social implications. Written assignments prepare students for the development of a research project in the Master's thesis, which is carried out independently under the supervision of lecturers. Students learn to participate in specialist discourses, and to communicate their knowledge to a wider public. Graduates also have problem-solving skills in other fields of knowledge and are capable of interdisciplinary and critical thinking. They can work in a team and together develop solutions. In addition to their academic qualifications, the practice-oriented modules of the Master's degree program give them a high degree of independence, which qualifies them as professional and creative leaders in all areas of (dance) culture.

Program Structure

In the first semester, the module "Introduction to Dance Studies" provides orientation in dance theory (the weekly introductory course). It also includes practice sessions  on body techniques (possibly in block seminars) and a on writing about dance. In addition, students take the two-part module "Theory/Aesthetics". The weekly course includes a seminar and a lecture.

In the second semester, the module on "Historicity/Historiography" offers two courses that engage with concepts and methods of dance historiography using selected historical examples. The two-part module consists of a seminar and a lecture. In the "Practice-led Research A" module, a performance project with accompanying practice session  is developed as part of the Valeska Gert guest professorship.

The third semester consists of the two-part modules of the compulsory elective area, "Dance/Arts/Media" or "Transdisciplinary Contexts", in which a seminar and a lecture on questions of the inter- and post-mediality of dance are offered. The module "Practice-led Research B" enables students to work with another Valeska Gert guest professor and to take an accompanying practice session.

In the fourth semester, students write their Master's thesis and attend an accompanying colloquium on approaches to research.

The Master's degree program in Critical Dance Studies should be completed full-time. The possibility of part-time study is decided on an individual basis.