Degree Programme (BA) in Dance and Degree Programmes (MA) in Dance and Choreography

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1 Degree Programme (BA) in Dance and Degree Programmes (MA) in Dance and Choreography The art of dance opens up new, unique perspectives on humanity and its reality. In a cultural context contemporary dance takes the form of works and events that are experiential, aesthetic, intellectual and in many ways interactive. Contemporary dance focuses not only on identifying and developing aesthetic dance movement and creating a choreography with these findings, but it also studies our bodily existence from many different social and cultural perspectives and uses this knowledge to create a work of art. Dance works can thus contribute to the discourse on subjects such as gender, multiculturalism or the ecological worldview, or it can focus on bodily articulation through dance itself and be part of the compositional traditions of choreography. In the curriculum of the Department of Dance at the Theatre Academy Helsinki, contemporary dance expresses itself as a lived bodily relationship with the world, which is articulated through a conscious interaction with the environment. The education s aim is to create an atmosphere of openness, curiosity and dialogue, and to encourage students to respond to the challenges posed by contemporary dance, art and society. Master s Degree Programmes in Dance and Choreography Students can apply for the Master s Degree Programme on the basis of a Bachelor s degree in dance, a degree from a University of Applied Sciences or an equivalent qualification. The Master s degree programmes are aimed at developing the students orientation towards their future work in the professional field. The 120 credit Master s programme in dance is intended as a response to the challenging artistic identity of the dancer in contemporary dance and its changed role in dance art. The Master s degree in dance also aims to communicate knowledge and experience on the principles of motion and movement, to deepen the students artistic and intellectual skills. These studies give them the tools to develop their own artistic identity being conscious of the history of dance art and of its diverse and changing methods and various contexts in which it operates. The 120 credit Master s Programme in choreography responds to the challenges arising from the diversity of contemporary dance and choreography, offering an education that builds on the following core contents: choreographic work, knowledge of traditions, conceptual analysis of choreographic thought, and the ontological meaning of bodily existence and movement. The studies offer the skills, knowledge and experience that will give the students a profound understanding of the nature of dance art, its past and its present, and will enable them independently to form a understanding of the opportunities and practices embedded in choreographic art and to interpret them creatively. 1

2 Degree programme in dance (MA) I Year II total THEORY AND SEMINARS 17 Movement analysis 2 Philosophy of movement, philosophy of art 1 2 History and theory of dance 2 Dramaturgy and performance studies 2 2 Seminar on dance art 2 1 Non-European theatre traditions 3 DANCE AND MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AND 24 Somatic methods Contemporary dance 1 2 Contemporary dance 2 2 Contemporary dance 3 2 Contemporary dance 4 3 Contemporary dance 5 4 Somatic methods 5 3 Other movement techniques 3 THEMATIC STUDIES AND DANCE PRODUCTIONS 31 Dance workshop 1 4 Dance workshop 2 6 Dance workshop 3 4 Dance production 1 4 Dance production 2 6 Improvisation 2 Voice training 2 1 Theatre workshop 2 THE PATH TO PROFESSIONALISM 20 OTHER STUDIES 7 Study guidance 1 1 Elective studies 5 PRACTICE-BASED MASTER S THESIS 21 Thesis seminar 1 1 Written part of thesis 4 Artistic part of thesis 15 TOTAL

3 MASTER S DEGREE IN DANCE, 120 CREDITS Degree Programme in Dance (MA) The 120credit Master s programme in dance is intended as a response to the challenging artistic identity of the dancer in contemporary dance and to their changed role in dance art. In contemporary dance the dancer s work places many demands: the versatile skills of a dancer and a performer, but also understanding of choreographic principles and structures involved and often also participation in creating the movement material of the work. Dancer s ability to perceive movement and her understanding of how bodily experience is articulated and represented in contemporary culture - its intersubjective expressivity - is essential in meaning creation of dance works. The Master s degree in dance also aims to communicate knowledge and experience on the principles of motion and movement, to deepen the students artistic and intellectual skills. These studies give them the tools to develop their own artistic identity being conscious of the history of dance art and of its diverse and changing methods and various contexts in which it operates. The education aims at a creative, investigative, questioning and interactive relationship with the art of dance, the artistic working process and the dancer s profession. The degree is made up of modules comprising dance and movement techniques, somatic methods, dance workshops and theoretical studies, thematic seminars and the dancer s own choreographic work. The dancer s studies draw on a balance between the dance practice, somatic studies, theory and performance. The study module aims at giving students an understanding of the special features and meanings of dance techniques, practices, contexts and production methods. The students should understand the art of dance and their own bodily experience in their artistic, aesthetic, ethical and political dimensions. The teaching is divided over two years, so that during the first year the students working in groups study the principles of dance and movement and the choreographic tradition of bodily experience and dance. In the second year motion, movement and art are examined from a wider perspective in relation to the surrounding society. During the second academic year the student can make individual choices with the help of their individual education plan (IEP), for example, they can choose practical training, work in a dance group or an independent project. During the Master s studies, the students are encouraged to build up a contemporary view on dance art together with choreography students through joint projects, seminars and dance productions. The teaching is divided by themes as follows: Bodily experience and perceiving of movement Knowledge of traditions Choreography, the group and society The dancer as an artist in society DANCE AND MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AND SOMATIC METHODS, 2 The students should understand the principles and special features of the movement techniques they have learned, and be able to apply them to their artistic work. They should develop and expand their own skills in dance technique and their holistic understanding of movement and the use of the body in a way that will enable them to develop their career as dancer in a responsible way. The study module is made up of thematic contents comprising dance techniques and somatic methods and other movement techniques supporting them. 3

4 Dance technique 13 credits The students should develop and expand their own skills in dance technique. At the same time they should develop their ability to understand the principles of physical integration, the architecture and analysis of movement, how to convey themes, the construction of phrases and their interrelationships, and variations in the spatial and temporal dynamics of movement. Somatic methods 8 credits The students should understand bodily experience as a basic human way of relating to the world and movement as a life phenomenon. By applying somatic methods they should practice their perception awareness, bodily articulation and understanding of the meaningfulness and intersubjective nature of movement. They should be able to find different levels of meaningfulness both in their own experience of movement and in the bodily experience of others and be able to analyse and articulate them. Other movement techniques 3 credits The students should broaden their experience of movement and understand the importance of skills acquired through various kinds of physical practice for their own work as dancers. A course may, for example, include Asian martial arts or acrobatics. THEMATIC STUDIES AND DANCE PRODUCTIONS, 33 credits The students should build up their professional competence so that it is wide-ranging, versatile and at the same time differentiated. They should have a profound understanding of the structure of the dancer s work, the creative working processes, and the specific and various ways and genres of performing. They will be able to find different ways of performing according to the needs of various productions and have the ability to work together with choreographers in an open and creative spirit towards a common goal articulated through work. The students should be able to reflect on and articulate the goals and contents of their work. The study module consists of eight courses as follows: Dance workshop 1 The students should be able to perceive the articulation of movement in their bodies and their own unique identity as dancers. They should be able to expand the dimensions of their movement and be motivated to study movement as a multifaceted relationship with the world. The students should be able to record and reflect on the different stages of this work. Dance production 1 The students should be able to work with their own movement and its meanings, make use of the themes of the previous courses and work out a solo performance on the basis of one of the themes. Category C Dance workshop 2 6 credits 4

5 The students should be able, through experience and written reflection, to understand the recent history of dance, the special features and changes in the dancer s work. Through work on a repertoire, discussions and demonstrations, the students form an understanding of some key choreographers way of thinking about dance. Dance production 2 6 credits The students should gain a more profound understanding of the dancer s work in performances or projects produced together with choreography students. The students should become familiar with the artistic thinking of their colleagues, their ideas on of choreography and be able to interact creatively with them. The students should be able to work as creative partners in the choreographic process. Category C Dance workshop 3 In the second year the students should understand dance art as a social and cultural phenomenon. They should be able to perceive the connections between bodily experiences and the surrounding society, the different manifestations of global culture and various applied forms of the art of dance. The study module includes various courses that help to open the dancer s eyes to the many possibilities offered by contemporary society. Improvisation The students should be able to apply their understanding of the principles of movement, of their technical dance skills and the meaning of movement in a creative way. They should be able to improvise different choreographic situations and continuums, either individually or in groups, both freely and based on a theme. In improvising they will have practised their interactive skills and deepened their understanding of the uniqueness of time, space, self and the others, thus developing their ability for immediate, responsive and aware expression in performing and for ad hoc, creative thought about structure and movement. Voice training 3 credits The students should master the principles of voice production, speech and song, and understand the meanings and possibilities for using the voice in performances. On completing the course, the students should have greater confidence and awareness of their capacity for vocal expression. Theatre workshop The students should understand the basics of an actor work and grasp the way how theatrical situations are built up from the performer s perspective. They should be able to use improvisation drawing on the actor s work as a method. THE PATH TO PROFESSIONALISM, 20 credits The students should recognise their own individuality and learn about subjects of their own choice and thus deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during their artistic training. The studies may include work as a member of a dance group arranged within the Department, working as a dancer in a work produced by choreography students, professional work outside the department, studies in contemporary theatre or other courses in various combinations. Students should agree with the professor responsible for the programme on the composition of the module and the appropriateness of the studies. 5

6 THEORY AND SEMINARS, 17 credits Targeted competencies The students should understand the historical, philosophical and theoretical principles of contemporary choreography and the art of the dancer. They should be able to apply different methods in relation to their work as a dancer and analyse conceptually, articulate and communicate the basic premises and aims of their work. They should be familiar with the special features of non-european traditions in the performing arts. The courses included in this module are realised in the form of theoretical studies, seminars and workshops. Philosophy of movement and philosophy of art 3 credits The students should have a grasp of the differences between the physical, the body, motion and movement, and be able to articulate various historical and philosophical concepts involved in movement. They should be familiar with some of the main trends in the philosophy of art, have their own conception of the philosophical dimension of art and be able to ask questions relating to art, the work of art, truth and performance. Movement analyses The students should have basic knowledge of the central theories relating to analysis of the dynamics and structure of movement (e.g. Laban Movement Analyses, Bartenieff Fundamentals), the theory of somatics and the philosophy of embodiment behind somatic techniques. History and theory of dance The students should have a grasp of the history of dance art and related philosophical principles. They should know the key actors and works and understand the different ways in which the art of dance constructs meaning. Dramaturgy and performance theory The students should understand the recent history of the dramaturgy of performance. They should also be familiar with the past and present of performance, live art and the contemporary theatre as well as the main working methods and questions relating to them. Dance seminar 3 credits The students should be familiar with contemporary choreography, choreographers and works, and be capable of constructive, fruitful and critical discussion of dance and its place in the field of contemporary art and culture. They should also be able to find information independently and give a seminar presentation of an artist or a work. Non-European theatre traditions 3 credits The students should be able to recognise the special features and different traditions of the Asian performing arts. They should be familiar with their theory, techniques and written content. The main focus is on the theatre and dance traditions of India and East and Southeast Asia. A wide selection of video samples is studied. 6

7 OTHER STUDIES, 7 credits Through orientation studies the students form a conception of their own study path, development needs and their orientation to the artistic field. Through elective studies they extend their competence in accordance with their personal interests. Study guidance The students are guided to reflect on the nature of the Master s studies and their meaning to themselves, and they should have the necessary information on the content, implementation, progress, targeted competencies and assessment of the studies. They draw up an individual education plan (IEP), targeted at work as a professional in the artistic field. Elective studies 5 credits The students should be familiar with subjects close to their own artistic identity and thus deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during their artistic training. In addition to core subjects offered by the Theatre Academy, the students may take elective studies at another university with a Flexible Study Rights agreement or at a summer university. The students are responsible for organising their own elective studies after consultation with a department professor. MASTER S THESIS, 21 credits In the Master s thesis project the students should demonstrate that they have reached the objectives set out in the IEP. The written parts of the Master s thesis project should demonstrate mastery of the subject of the thesis or the professional field and ability to communicate on issues relating to the artistic field. Dancers studying according to an IEP may, instead of one extensive dance project, choose to implement different projects, some of which may involve performances. Thesis seminar The students should have the basic knowledge and skills required to complete the written part of the thesis and be familiar with certain qualitative research methods. The course serves as an orientation to postgraduate studies at a later stage. Artistic part of the thesis 15 credits Students should demonstrate an overall mastery of the dancer s work in a dance production. This may be the work of a dance group within the Department, the work of a choreography student or practical training as dancer in a professional group. Written part of the thesis Students should know the basic concepts of dance art, demonstrate their knowledge of their artistic field and familiarity with the subject matter of their thesis project. They should have the ability to communicate on issues relating to their own artistic field and reflect independently on questions concerning the field. 7

8 The thesis project may, but need not be directly related to artistic work. Before the thesis project is approved, the students must pass a maturity test. 8

9 Degree programme in choreography year total I II DANCE AND MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AND SOMATIC METHODS SOMATIC METHODS 11 Dance techniques 4 Somatic methods 4 1 Improvisation 2 STUDIES IN CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCE WORKS 37 Bodily experience and perception of movement 4 Dance work 1 4 Knowledge of traditions 6 Dance work 2 6 Choreography, the group and society 6 Dance work 3 8 The choreographer as an artist in society 3 THEORY AND SEMINARS 24 The history and theory of choreography 8 Dramaturgy, performance theory, performance art 4 3 Philosophy of art, cultural theory 1 3 Movement analyses 2 Seminar on dance art 2 1 THE PATH TO PROFESSIONALISM OTHER STUDIES 15 Theatre workshop 4 Music and sound art 2 Lighting design 2 Dance, media and technology 3 Study guidance 1 1 Production and cultural infrastructure 2 PRACTICE-BASED MASTER S THESIS 23 Thesis seminar 1 1 Written part of thesis 6 Artistic part of thesis 15 TOTAL

10 DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN DANCE, 120 credits Degree Programme in Choreography (MA) The studies for the Master s Degree in Choreography respond to the challenges arising from the diversity of contemporary dance and choreography, offering an education that builds on the following core contents: choreographic work, knowledge of traditions, conceptual analysis of choreographic thought, the ontological meaning of bodily experience and movement. The students form their own profound conception of the nature of dance art, its past and its present. They independently form an understanding of the opportunities and practices created by the choreographer s art and interpret them creatively. The degree is an entity made up of the basics of choreography and composition workshops, knowledge of the body and movement, dance techniques, theoretical studies, thematic seminars, and the students own choreographic works. The studies are structured on the basis of themes for each term and cumulative learning. The different areas are mutually supportive and together form an entity made up of choreographic thought and practical work. The following themes provide the framework of the studies: bodily experience and perception of movement knowledge of traditions choreography, the group and society The choreographer as an artist in society. The graduates from the Master s Degree Programme in Choreography are able to read, observe and form a picture of the means through which bodily experience communicates itself in art and in society and how these means change over time. They have developed an understanding of the meaning inherent in bodily articulation and movement and understand the different ways in which bodily experience and movement are organised, structured and performed. They are able to read the influence of choreographic and cultural traditions in contemporary dance art and interpret and filter them creatively and critically through their own lived world and modern society. They have the ability to place the choreographic art within the field of contemporary art, especially contemporary theatre and the performing arts, as well as the phenomena and problematics affecting them. With these skills and knowledge, the students are capable of artistic activity, both independently and collegially. They know different choreographic practices and methods of creating a performance and also research relating to the performing arts. They are able to analyse their own creative processes, their choreographic intentions and motives and to discuss them productively with the other members of the work group and parties involved in arranging the production. They are able to create a choreographic work based on a plan, to document their work and to present it to others. After completing the studies, the students also have the ability to network and actively seek new opportunities and strategies for action. They are able to form a picture of the different roles, agencies and possibilities open to the artist in society, now and in the future. They are aware of the views prevailing in contemporary art, the strategies of closely related arts and more broadly of the philosophical trends, changes and challenges affecting the global society. The open concept of choreography offered by the education equips students to act creatively, courageously and uncompromisingly in the field of dance and also to participate in the creative renewal of the choreographic tradition, with understanding of the intellectual, structural and practical conditions of each operating environment. 10

11 STUDIES IN CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCE WORKS, 37 credits The students should have a personal, creative and analytic conception of the multidimensional ways in which choreography acquires meaning as an art. They will be able to plan and realise choreographic works as well as participate in creative interaction with an artistic working group. The study module consists of basic courses in choreography, composition workshops and works composed by the students themselves. The studies are integrated with theoretical studies and seminars according to the themes for the term. The themes are, if possible, treated in succession, as a series. Perception of bodily experience and movement The students should be able to create choreographic studies that investigate the time-space-meaning continuum of movement, the intersubjective expressivity of movement, patterns of bodily experience, and choreographic analysis and articulation. In addition they will be able to use this knowledge and their lived world to create a solo work. They will be familiar with methods relating to the genre of autobiographical performance. Dance work 1 Targeted competencies The students should be able to create a short solo performance for themselves, in which they adapt themes from the previous courses. They are able to plan and use lighting in the performance on the basis of the lighting workshop preceding and also forming part of the study. Category: C Knowledge of traditions 6 credits Students should know different choreographic principles and aims and be able to place them within the lineage of dance art. They should also know the choreographic repertoire and various working methods and be able to create studies in which they converse creatively with the various traditions of composition. Dance work 2 6 credits The students are able to apply the teachings of the previous course to their choreographic thought and working methods. They are capable of creative interaction with their fellow students and they plan and carry through a small-scale work or a series of choreographic studies with dancers. Relating to their knowledge of traditions, the students are able to apply the knowledge and skills gained in music, sound art and dramaturgy studies to their own choreographic work, and for example, create interactive choreographic situations based on contact work. Category: C Choreography, the group and society 6 credits The students should understand the phenomena of contemporary dance and the issues affecting it in relation to the current global reality. They are able to create links between their own choreographic thought and the surrounding environment and they know the related methods of choreography, contemporary theatre, performance and live art. The students should also understand the choreographic work from the perspective of communication and the person experiencing/participating in it. Further, they should be able to create choreographic scores based on themes. The students should understand group dynamics both as part of the work group s creative process and from the director s point of view. 11

12 Dance work 3 8 credits The students should create a work in creative interaction with various designers and a group of performers. They should be able to participate productively, systematically and in a goal-oriented way in an artistic group and be able to form a picture of all the different areas of a work and its environment in terms of content, production and structure. Category: B The choreographer as an artist in a society 3 credits The students should have the knowledge and skills to perceive choreography and the working methods available to the choreographer over a broad social and interactive spectrum, for example, in relation to technological development, the ecological worldview or the challenges of social choreography. Another aim of the course is to support the skills and knowledge that will enable the students to reflect on their own study path and independently create a choreographic work as a practice-based final project for the Master s degree. DANCE AND MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AND SOMATIC METHODS, 11 credits The students should understand the principles and special features of various movement techniques and be able to apply them to their work and to their own relation with their body. They should develop and expand their own technical dance skills and holistic understanding of movement and use of self in a way that supports their choreographic work. The study module consists of contents comprising dance and movement techniques, somatic methods and improvisation. Dance and movement techniques In studying dance and movement techniques the focus is on the choreographic perspective. In these studies and in active reflection on the studies, the students should develop their ability to understand bodily integration and the principles of movement, the architecture of movement, the analysis of movement, how to convey themes, the construction of phrases and their interrelationships, and variations in the spatial and temporal dynamics of movement. Somatic methods 5 credits The students should understand bodily experience as a basic human way of relating to the world and movement as a life phenomenon. By applying somatic methods they should practice their perception awareness, bodily articulation and understanding of the meaningfulness and intersubjective nature of movement. They should be able to find different levels of meaningfulness both in their own experience of movement and in the bodily experience of others and be able to analyse and articulate them. Improvisation The students should be able to apply their understanding of the principles of movement, of their technical dance skills and the meaning of movement in a creative way. They should be able to improvise different choreographic situations and continuums, either individually or in groups, both freely and based on a theme. In improvising they will have practised their interactive skills and deepened their understanding of the uniqueness 12

13 of time, space, self and the others, thus developing their ability for immediate, responsive and aware expression in performing and for ad hoc, creative thought about structure and movement. THEORY AND SEMINARS, 2 The students should understand the historical, philosophical and theoretical principles of contemporary choreography. They should be able to apply different methods and strategies in relation to their work as a choreographer and analyse conceptually, articulate and communicate the basic premises and aims of their work. The courses included in study module are realised as theoretical studies, seminars and workshops. History and theory of choreography 8 credits The students should have formed their own conception of the history of choreography and the related philosophical and theoretical principles. They should know the key actors and works and understand the different ways in which choreography constructs meaning. Dramaturgy, theory of performance, the performing arts 7 credits The students should be able to analyse their own work through dramaturgical thought. They should know the central concepts and practices of dramaturgy from Aristotle to post-dramatic dramaturgy, as well as performance theory. They should also be familiar with the history and present status of performance, the performing arts and the contemporary theatre as well as the main working methods and questions relating to them. The students should understand the historical, philosophical and theoretical principles of contemporary choreography and the art of the dancer. They should be able to see different methods and strategies in relation to their work as a choreographer and analyse conceptually, articulate and communicate the basic premises and aims of their work. The courses included in study module are realised as theoretical studies, seminars and workshops. Philosophy of art, cultural research The students should be familiar with the philosophy of movement and some of the main trends in the philosophy of art. They should have their own conception of the philosophical dimension of art and be able to pose questions relating art, the work of art, truth and performance. In addition they should have an understanding of cultural research and current questions affecting society. Analysis of movement 2 credit The students should have basic knowledge of the central theories relating to analysis of the dynamics and structure of movement (e.g. Laban Movement Analyses, Bartenieff Fundamentals), the theory of somatics and the philosophy of embodiment behind somatic techniques. Dance seminar 3 credits The students should be familiar with contemporary choreography, choreographers and works and be capable of constructive, fruitful and critical discussion of dance and its place in the field of contemporary art and culture. 13

14 They should also be able to find information independently and give a seminar presentation of an artist or work. OTHER STUDIES, 15 credits The students should have a versatile conception of the knowledge required in the choreographer s profession, and of the abilities required to support the process of creating a work and the work in its entirety. Through orientation to the profession the students should form a concept of their own study path, their development needs and orientation towards the field of art. The courses included in the study module are realised as theoretical studies, seminars and workshops. Theatre workshop The students know the main trends, methods and problematics of the theatre in the past and present. They should know the basics of the theatre director s work and be able to apply these skills to their own work. They will also be able to apply various improvisation methods and knowledge and skills relating to the work of an actor in their group work. Music and sound art The students should understand the historical, structural and cultural factors relating to music, sound art and sound design from the perspective of dance and choreography. In addition they should have the ability to understand the application of musical analysis to the structure of music, both in theory and in practice. Lighting design The students should know the practical and artistic basics of lighting design and have an understanding of the interaction between choreographic meanings and lighting design. Dance, media and technology 3 credits The students should know the traditions of the genres dance film and dance for the camera, as well as the productional and technical basics of making a video. In addition, they will be familiar with the possibilities for using virtual technology in the choreographer s profession and in choreographic works. Study guidance The students are guided to reflect on the nature of the Master s studies and their meaning to themselves. They should also have the necessary information on the content, implementation, progress, targeted competencies and assessment of the studies. They draw up an individual education plan (IEP), targeted at work as a professional in the artistic field. Production and cultural infrastructure The students should master the basics of producing a dance work and understand the contexts in which a performance and a work are presented. They will have a conception of the practical and productional requirements for the choreographer s profession and of the structural and productional environment of dance, both in Finland and internationally. 14

15 THE PATH TO PROFESSIONALISM, 10 credits The students should be familiar with subjects of their own choice that are necessary and close to them, thus deepening the knowledge and skills acquired during their artistic training. The entire composition of this study module is agreed in discussions on the individual education plan with the professor responsible for the study module. Students can choose core subjects offered by the Theatre Academy, studies on the contemporary theatre, workshops arranged with other departments, studies at a university with a Flexible Study Rights agreement and at a summer university. They can also take some of their credits as practical training in the profession. MASTER S THESIS, 23 credits In the Master s thesis project the students should demonstrate that they have reached the objectives set out in the IEP. The written parts of the Master s thesis project should demonstrate mastery of the subject matter of the thesis or the professional field and ability to communicate on issues relating to the artistic field. Thesis seminar The students should have the basic knowledge and skills required for completing the written part of the thesis and be familiar with certain qualitative research methods. The course serves as an orientation to postgraduate studies at a later stage. Artistic part of the thesis 15 credits The artistic part of the thesis demonstrates that students are capable of independent artistic work. They should be able to create a work that embraces all the stages of choreographic work and gives an idea of the students' abilities to act as a professional choreographer and their potential for finding their own identity as an artist. Written part of the thesis 6 credits The written part of the thesis demonstrates the students mastery of the basic concepts of choreography and their knowledge of their field of art and familiarity with the subject matter of the Master s thesis. They should have the ability to communicate on issues relating to their own artistic field and reflect independently on questions concerning the field. The thesis project may, but need not be, directly related to artistic work. Before approval of the thesis project, the students must pass a maturity test. 15