Curriculum

Hong Kong’s growing arts and culture sectors, alongside its emergence as a hub for contemporary and applied theatre, highlight the need for professionals with strong foundations in theatre studies, dramatic literature and performance practice. The minor in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies aims to meet this need by offering a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum than existing theatre minors. It integrates theory, practice, and critical inquiry to provide a well-rounded educational experience. The minor will introduce students to key methodologies in theatre-making and performance analysis, alongside a broad study of theatre history, dramatic literature, and contemporary performance. Through core and elective modules, students will engage with diverse traditions, cultural contexts and performance practices—locally and globally.

The minor in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies amplifies the School’s existing strengths in literary studies, and language and communication. It is in line with the Faculty and the University’s commitment to creativity, new technologies and media, as the need for human creativity, community and engagement has become more significant in the age of AI and digital environment. This minor aligns with the University’s values by incorporating innovative teaching approaches, offering experiential and inquiry-based learning opportunities such as immersive performances, original productions, and research projects to enhance students’ practical skills and creativity. It also promotes student well-being and personal growth by developing soft skills like resilience and teamwork through collaborative projects and performances. Additionally, providing internship experiences or leadership roles in productions allows students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, supporting holistic development and innovative pedagogical practices.

The programme blends academic rigor with hands-on learning, equipping students with transferable skills in speech, acting, presentation, interpretation, collaboration, and innovation. With teaching delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops, the minor supports students in developing both critical insight and creative practice, enriching Hong Kong’s theatrical and cultural landscape. Students will have opportunities to participate in masterclasses offered by theatre practitioners, as well as take up internships in theatre companies and other creative industries to gain field experience. Students are encouraged to discuss their study plans and course selections with the UG Coordinator, their Academic Advisers, or any teachers in the Language and Communication programme.

On successful completion of the minor in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, students should be able to:

• Critically reflect on personal theatre experiences and examine performances, considering their artistic value as well as their social and cultural implications;
• Communicate insights clearly, supported by relevant theoretical understanding;
• Develop and apply a broad understanding of theatre history, theory, and diverse performance practices, enabling them to situate their work within relevant cultural and artistic frameworks;
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the social, multicultural and aesthetically diverse performances both locally and globally;
• Demonstrate essential technical and creative skills in stagecraft and communication; enhance leadership, teamwork, and collaboration by actively contributing to the production process of small-scale theatre projects; and
• Create innovative performances that demonstrate originality and adaptability; collaborate in diverse production and performance settings with an appreciation for the creative process.

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Students intending to declare a major or minor in English Studies in the second year must pass at least one introductory ENGL course from List A “Historical and Theoretical Foundations” (6 credits) in the first year.

Admission to all introductory courses is on the basis of academic record including a minimum Level 5 in English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination, or an equivalent score in another recognized English proficiency test. For students who did not sit the HKDSE examination, please submit a copy of your equivalent qualification(s), such as the IB Diploma, GCE-A Levels, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL, etc., to the School Office (via this form: https://hku.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aYpc9YyvM2uqBaC) for consideration two weeks before the course selection period.

For more information about the English Proficiency Pre-requisite for our courses, please visit: https://english.hku.hk/Undergraduate/Curriculum/English_proficiency_pre-requisite_for_ENGL_and_DRTP_courses