MA Performing Arts (Bharata Natyam)
1. Background and Objectives
Bharata Natyam is one of the main classical dance forms of South India. It uses movement as a mode of human and artistic expression. This post graduate programme in Bharata Natyam aims at developing further the learners’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field. This training will lead them to develop their capabilities and dispositions to be engaged as professional educators or dancers.
Successful candidates, at this level should show virtuosity in performance, a high standard of technique and a sound knowledge and understanding of the Bharata Natyam genre, including a critical appreciation of reference and context.
At this level of the programme, a greater degree of personal interpretation is encouraged and the learner is expected to show the potential to communicate effectively with an audience.
This Programme also promotes the ethos of key skills, especially the improvement of one’s own learning and performance through self and peer assessment, problem solving and working with others which are intrinsic to the dance form.
The specific objectives of the MA Performing Arts(Bharata Natyam) are:
- Impart the practical skills which will enhance creativity in choreography and performance.
- Develop competence and artistry in, and communication through the Bharata Natyam technique
- Integrate the experience of performance and an understanding of the relevant music and literature in the Bharata Natyam repertoire
- Equip the students with necessary skills and techniques for innovative research in the field of dance.
2. General Entry Requirements
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree with:
- At least a second class or 50% whichever is applicable or
- A GPA not less than 2.5 out of 4 or equivalent, from a recognised higher education institution or
- Alternative qualifications acceptable to the University of Mauritius/ Mahatma Gandhi Institute
3. Program Requirement
B.A (Hons) Performing Arts (Bharata Natyam) with Education, B.A (Hons) Performing Arts (Bharata Natyam), a Degree in Performing Arts (Bharata Natyam) or equivalent qualifications acceptable to UOM/MGI.
4. Minimum credits required for the awards:
- Masters Degree - 42 Credits
- Postgraduate Diploma - 27 Credits
- Postgraduate Certificate - 15 Credits
Breakdown as Follows:
| (Minimum) Modules Core Taught | Dissertation | Electives/ Optional Modules | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree: | 27 credits | 12 credits | 3 credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma: | 27 credits | - | - |
| Postgraduate Certificate: | 27 credits | - | 3 credits |
5. Programme Duration
The duration of the Graduate Programme should normally not exceed 4 years (8 semesters) and in any case (under Flexible Learning Programme) not more than 7 years (14 semesters).
| Normal (P/T) | Maximum (P/T) | |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Degree: | 4 semesters | 8 semesters |
| Postgraduate Diploma: | 4 semesters | 8 semesters |
| Postgraduate Certificate: | 2 semesters | 4 semesters |
6. Credit System
As per University Regulations
7. ASSESSMENT
All modules will carry 100 marks and will be assessed as follows unless otherwise specified:
- Assessment will be based on Written Examinations of 3-hour duration carrying 70% of total marks and Continuous Assessment carrying 30% of total marks.
- Continuous assessment will be based on seminars/presentations/assignments/journals/class tests.
- There is no level attached to modules, i.e. each module carries its credit value.
- For a student to pass a module, an overall total of 40% for combined Continuous Assessment (CA) and Written Examination (WE) components would be required, without minimum thresholds within the individual Continuous Assessment and Written Examination components. The same criteria will apply for modules being assessed jointly.
- Assessment for practical examinations (Viva-Voce and Demonstration) with their time duration and weightings of each component are clearly spelt out under each of the module overview in part IV of the outline syllabus.
- Assessment for Elective module will be based on a 100% coursework mode.
- Assessment for dissertation will include a Viva Voce conducted by a panel including the Supervisor and the Moderator.
8. Submission Deadlines for Dissertation:
- 1st draft end of July in the final year
- Final copy: Last working day of August in the final year
9. List of Modules - MA Performing Arts (Bharata Natyam)
| Module Name |
|---|
| Nritta |
| Vaishnavism and Shaivism in Indian classical dance |
| Bharatarnava and Sangeet Ratnakar |
| Choreography and compositional work I |
| Literature, Traditional Theatre and Dance |
| Nritya I |
| Choreography and Compositional work II |
| Nritya II |
| Dances of South East Asia |
Dissertation
| Dissertation |
Electives
| Aesthetics (Indian and Western) |
| Iconography and Sculpture related to Indian Classical Dance |
| Music for Bharata Natyam |
| South Indian Literature related to Bharata Natyam |
Note: Students will be required to submit their choice of electives in order of priority by the middle of Semester I of year 1.
The University/MGI reserves the right not to offer a given elective module if the critical number of students is not attained and/or for reasons of resource constraints.
