From: SUN Shaoyi <shaoyis@gmail.com>
MA Program in Intercultural Communication Studies, Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA)
Introduction
STA’s bilingual (Chinese and English) MA program in Intercultural Communication Studies now recruits excellent students with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from top international and Chinese universities. This two-year English-taught program includes the required first year full-time residency and an optional second year residency for project-based internships. All students in residency are sponsored by STA with scholarships (tuition, accommodation, and stipend). After the first year, when the course work is completed, students can choose where to live and intern when they write their MA theses. Duration of study for the MA degree could be extended to maximum of four years. MA theses can be written in Chinese or English. Previous knowledge of Chinese is preferred, but not a MUST for this program.
Based in Shanghai, a vibrant cosmopolitan city, STA is one of the most renowned art institutions in China. Established in 1945, STA trains professionals in dramatic arts, traditional Chinese opera, film, television and dance. The four-year old Intercultural Communication Studies Program has a small cohort of students from all over the world.
Application
Applicants are expected to have a strong interest in Chinese culture and intercultural communications in any academic and/or artistic field, including but not limited to performing arts, performance studies, literature and all forms of the media. Applicants need to fill out the application form before taking the entrance examinations, including a written test to answer two or three general essay questions in the fields of human civilizations and a Skype/telephone interview, most likely on April 25. Those who submit the application by April 15 will be given preference. The admission notice will be mailed out by May 15.
Curriculum
The curriculum requires 36 credits, including 18 from six mandatory courses exploring the following topics:
- Case Studies on Intercultural Communication, a Lecture Series
- Intercultural Theatre: From Greece to the Present
- Intercultural Communication-Cultural/Creative Industries
- Traditional and Modern Chinese Arts and Performance in Global Perspectives
- Modern Chinese Society and Politics Through Film
- Performance Studies
The remaining 18 credits are from elective courses, including:
- 3-4 in Chinese language courses (mandatory if Chinese is not proficient enough);
- 4-6 in studio courses (Chinese opera acting, dance, filmmaking);
- 4 in project courses (faculty advised production & other practical projects);
- 6 credits for writing the MA thesis under the advisor’s supervision. These can be taken after the first year.
MA Thesis
The MA thesis is the culmination of the student’s two-year study. It will start with a thesis proposal developed in consultation with professors, chosen at the end of Semester I, and will be examined by a group of three professors at the end of Semester II. After the acceptance of her/his proposal, the student will spend the next year, or more if needed, to write the thesis, while consulting with the MA advisor in person or electronically. Once completed, the thesis will be defended before a group of five professors. The student will then be granted the MA degree at the next commencement ceremonies.
Contact person:
Ms. Shirley Zou
Email: micgirl@126.com
Address: 630 Huashan Road, Shanghai, China
Tel: 0086 21 62498896