Performance Studies
The Performance Studies program at Northwestern University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding performance as both an artistic practice and a method of cultural analysis. Unlike traditional theater-focused programs, this four-year Bachelor of Science degree explores performance in a broader context—encompassing literature, everyday life, rituals, politics, and identity. Students engage deeply with theories of performance, embodiment, narrative, and representation while also creating and presenting original works that challenge conventional boundaries. The curriculum integrates scholarly research with performative expression, allowing students to examine how language, movement, and space operate across cultures and historical moments. This blend of critical theory, creative experimentation, and textual analysis helps students investigate the role of performance in shaping human experience.
In this program, students are encouraged to question and redefine what performance means, both in formal and informal contexts. Coursework includes performance theory, ethnographic research methods, cultural studies, and collaborative performance practice. Students work closely with faculty mentors who are internationally recognized scholars and artists, guiding them through independent research, public presentations, and community-based projects. With opportunities to explore intersections with race, gender, sexuality, and global politics, the program prepares students to engage with performance as a form of inquiry, activism, and communication. By graduation, students develop a strong foundation in analytical thinking, creative expression, and critical writing, equipping them for a range of intellectually and socially engaged career paths.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Performance Studies
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Northwestern University, United States
- Field of Study: Literature
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Performance and Cultural Inquiry
• Introduction to Performance Studies
• Literature and Cultural Representation
• Fundamentals of Oral Interpretation
• Writing for Performance and Scholarship
Year 2 – Theory, Method, and Practice
• Performance Theory: Text, Body, Space
• Research Methods in Cultural Performance
• Narrative, Identity, and Power
• Workshop in Collaborative Performance
Year 3 – Intersections and Applications
• Performance and Social Justice
• Gender and Race in Performative Contexts
• Ethnography and Fieldwork in Performance
• Elective in Visual or Media Culture
Year 4 – Capstone, Specialization, and Public Engagement
• Advanced Seminar in Performance Criticism
• Independent Study or Honors Research
• Capstone Performance or Critical Essay
• Seminar: Performance in Global Contexts
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Performance Studies program bring with them a rare combination of analytical insight, cultural fluency, and expressive confidence that is highly valued across a wide range of industries. Many pursue careers in arts administration, creative writing, media and communications, public policy, or education, where their ability to analyze complex texts and deliver compelling narratives enhances both leadership and collaboration. Others continue into graduate study in fields such as performance studies, literature, cultural studies, law, or social sciences. With a background that includes public speaking, research, and cultural critique, students are well-equipped for roles in nonprofit advocacy, journalism, the arts, or community organizing. The program’s interdisciplinary training encourages graduates to think critically about systems of meaning, representation, and power—giving them the tools to be both thoughtful professionals and engaged citizens. Their versatility, creativity, and communication strength make them adaptable contributors in fields where cultural literacy and ethical engagement are essential.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a unique space where scholarship and creativity converge, allowing students to study performance not just as an art form, but as a method of thinking and acting in the world. At Northwestern, students benefit from a flexible and intellectually rich curriculum that encourages experimentation, interdisciplinary connections, and personal exploration. Faculty members bring a range of global and theoretical perspectives, supporting students in developing both academic rigor and original voice. Whether analyzing political protest, performing narrative ethnography, or examining cultural rituals, students are encouraged to view performance as a lens for understanding human behavior and social structures. With access to performance spaces, research resources, and collaborative networks, students engage in both theory and practice at a high level. The program fosters critical awareness, expressive confidence, and cross-cultural insight, making it an ideal choice for those who seek to connect academic excellence with creative and civic engagement.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 312 555 2040
Email: admissions@northwestern.edu
Address: University of Northwestern, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
