.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Dance at Indira Gandhi National Open University
Delhi, Delhi
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Dance at Indira Gandhi National Open University Delhi?
This PhD in Dance program at Indira Gandhi National Open University focuses on advanced research in various facets of Indian and global dance forms, critical theories, performance studies, and pedagogical practices. It aims to develop scholars who can contribute significantly to the academic discourse and practical evolution of dance in India, addressing the growing demand for research-led insights in cultural institutions, universities, and performance art bodies. The program encourages a deep inquiry into the historical, aesthetic, and socio-cultural dimensions of dance.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong background in Dance or related performing arts, who possess a keen interest in academic research and critical inquiry. It also suits established dance practitioners, choreographers, and educators looking to deepen their theoretical understanding, contribute original knowledge to the field, and pursue academic careers. Candidates with UGC NET/JRF qualifications or those excelling in IGNOU''''s entrance exam are well-suited, demonstrating a commitment to advanced scholarly work.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to carve out fulfilling careers as university professors, researchers in cultural institutions, dance critics, archivists, and policy advisors in the arts sector across India. With the increasing academic validation of performing arts, earning a PhD opens doors to higher pay scales in academia (e.g., Assistant Professor salaries starting from INR 70,000-1,00,000+ per month), and offers leadership roles in arts administration and cultural heritage management, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Indian dance heritage.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Research Methodology and Academic Writing- (Coursework semester (typically Semester 1))
Engage deeply with coursework on research methodologies, focusing on qualitative and ethnographic research relevant to dance studies. Develop strong academic writing skills for literature reviews, research proposals, and scholarly articles, crucial for thesis articulation and publication. This includes understanding research ethics and data management.
Tools & Resources
IGNOU''''s Research Unit guidelines, UGC research ethics frameworks, online academic databases (JSTOR, Shodhganga), Zotero for citation management, workshops on academic writing
Career Connection
A solid foundation ensures a well-structured thesis, increasing chances of timely completion and publications, which are vital for securing academic positions in Indian universities and research institutions.
Comprehensive Literature Review in Dance Studies- (Coursework semester and initial phase of research (Semester 1-2))
Undertake an exhaustive review of existing scholarship in your chosen area of dance research, identifying gaps and potential contributions. Actively seek out Indian scholarly works and historical texts on dance, understanding diverse perspectives and theoretical frameworks within the field.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Shodhganga for Indian theses, cultural archives (e.g., NCPA, Sangeet Natak Akademi), online journals of performing arts, discussions with faculty advisors
Career Connection
This helps in refining your research problem, making your thesis distinctive and relevant to current academic discourse, and forms the basis for future publications, enhancing your scholarly reputation.
Cultivating an Interdisciplinary Research Approach- (Coursework semester and early research phases (Semester 1-2))
Explore connections between Dance studies and other disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Attend seminars and lectures outside your immediate discipline to broaden your research perspective and identify innovative research questions that transcend traditional boundaries.
Tools & Resources
IGNOU''''s diverse academic schools, inter-departmental seminars, online courses on related subjects (e.g., NPTEL), scholarly discussions with peers from various fields
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach makes your research more robust and publishable in a wider range of journals, significantly enhancing your profile for academic and research roles in a diverse intellectual landscape like India.
Intermediate Stage
Engaging with Mentors and Research Advisory Committee- (After coursework, throughout proposal development and data collection (Semester 2-4))
Maintain regular, proactive communication with your supervisor and Research Advisory Committee (RAC). Present progress reports, seek feedback on your research design and methodology, and incorporate suggestions for improvement. Actively participate in RAC meetings and discussions.
Tools & Resources
Scheduled RAC meetings, email correspondence, informal discussions with faculty members, IGNOU''''s Research Unit guidelines for PhD progress monitoring
Career Connection
Strong mentorship guidance is crucial for navigating the complexities of PhD research, ensuring thesis quality, and timely submission, which directly impacts academic placement opportunities and professional networking.
Fieldwork and Archival Research in Indian Dance Context- (Post coursework, after proposal approval (Semester 2-5))
Plan and execute meticulous fieldwork (e.g., observing performances, conducting interviews with artists, gurus, scholars) or archival research (e.g., consulting rare manuscripts, historical records at Indian institutions). Ensure ethical research practices, respecting cultural sensitivities and intellectual property.
Tools & Resources
National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Sangeet Natak Akademi archives, state archives, university special collections, qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo basic for qualitative coding)
Career Connection
Generating original empirical data or unique archival insights makes your thesis invaluable, contributing to India-specific knowledge and strengthening your research profile for funding opportunities and specialized positions in cultural heritage.
Presenting at National/International Conferences- (From Semester 3 onwards, once initial findings emerge)
Prepare and present your research findings or preliminary work at national and international conferences, especially those focusing on performing arts or cultural studies in India. Actively engage in Q&A sessions and network with fellow scholars and experts.
Tools & Resources
Calls for papers from academic associations (e.g., Indian History Congress, World Dance Alliance - Asia Pacific), university funding for travel, presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), professional networking platforms
Career Connection
Presenting builds confidence, hones communication skills, expands your academic network, and adds significant value to your CV for lectureships, research grants, and collaborative projects in India and abroad.
Advanced Stage
Strategic Thesis Writing and Editing- (Semester 4-6)
Dedicate consistent time to writing your thesis chapters, focusing on clarity, coherence, and academic rigor. Prioritize structured writing blocks and rigorous self-editing, followed by professional proofreading if possible. Ensure compliance with IGNOU''''s formatting and referencing guidelines.
Tools & Resources
Reference managers (Mendeley, EndNote), grammar checkers (Grammarly Premium), thesis templates provided by the university, peer review groups for constructive feedback
Career Connection
A well-written, error-free thesis is paramount for successful evaluation and forms the basis for future book chapters or monographs, essential for academic career progression and gaining credibility as a scholar.
Preparing for Viva-Voce Examination- (Final semester before submission)
Thoroughly review your entire thesis, anticipate potential questions from examiners, and practice articulating your research contributions, methodology, and findings concisely and confidently. Seek mock viva sessions with peers or senior scholars to simulate the examination environment.
Tools & Resources
Your thesis copy, key articles in your field, mock presentation sessions with critical feedback, knowledge of IGNOU''''s viva-voce procedures
Career Connection
A confident and articulate viva performance is the final hurdle for degree completion and can significantly enhance your professional reputation within the academic community, opening doors to future collaborations and opportunities.
Publication Strategy and Post-PhD Planning- (undefined)
Identify high-impact, UGC-care listed journals in dance studies or related fields in India and internationally for publishing parts of your thesis. Develop a clear career plan, whether in academia, cultural policy, or arts management, seeking advice from career services and industry professionals.
Tools & Resources
Journal metrics (impact factor, indexing), university research output cells, career counseling services, networking with alumni and industry professionals (e.g., through LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Publications are essential for securing academic positions, promotions, and research funding in India. Early planning for post-PhD life ensures a smoother transition into your chosen career path and allows for strategic career development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master''''s Degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade ''''B'''' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved or recognized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions. A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled and other categories of candidates as per the decision of the Commission from time to time. Candidates must qualify the Ph.D. Entrance Test conducted by IGNOU or be exempted as per UGC guidelines (e.g., UGC NET/JRF qualified).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
