?In the program, students are afforded a basic understanding of theatre and performance history, theory, criticism, and research methods and their application to practical work in theatre.? Students in the M.A. Program may pursue one of two courses of study; the M.A. Thesis Track (i.e., Plan I), which may be completed over the course of two academic years; or the M.A. Portfolio Track (i.e., Plan II), which may be completed over the course of one calendar year (i.e., one academic year, plus one summer).