Abstract
This article reports the results of a national survey evaluating perceived quality of doctoral programs in theatre. Members of two professional associations were asked to rate programs in areas including history and criticism, performance theory, production and performance, theatre for young audiences, dramatic literature, playwriting, and overall quality. The study also collected rankings of top programs and examined the bases of evaluation such as familiarity with faculty, graduates, administrators, publications, and hearsay. Results show that familiarity with faculty and graduates was the most frequently cited basis for ratings, and confidence in evaluations was linked to direct knowledge rather than hearsay. While emphasizing that peer ratings represent only one dimension of quality, the findings provide insight into the relative standing of doctoral programs in theatre during the late 1980s and underscore the importance of systematic evaluation for departmental development.
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Renee; Watson, Kittie; and Barker, Larry L.
(1989)
"A Rating of Doctoral Programs in Selected Areas of Theatre: 1987--1988,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 67, Article 7.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol67/iss1/7
