About the Department
The Department of Theatre, affiliated with the College of Humanities, was established in the academic year 2007–2008. It is the first specialized artistic department in theatre arts with all its components at the university level in the city of Duhok. The department is committed to developing and refining students' skills to learn theatrical work in an academic and scientific manner. It also enriches students with theatrical artistic expertise for both their future and their daily lives. Furthermore, the department provides students with a solid foundation to play a constructive artistic role in society—specifically in advancing Kurdish art—as well as preparing them for professional artistic work as specialists in their field of study.
Vision
The Department of Theatre at the College of Fine Arts aspires to be an academic, creative, and scientific benchmark at both regional and international levels, aiming to build a contemporary theatrical movement grounded in solid cultural and civilized foundations. The department also works to pave the way in the fields of modern performing arts, preparing a generation of creative artists and intellectuals to enhance cultural dynamics and transform the theatre into a platform for dialogue that highlights human values.
Mission
The Department of Theatre is an academic and creative hub that offers high-quality scientific and practical studies in the fields of acting, directing, dramatic writing, production design, and scientific research. The department aims to develop the Kurdish and global cultural and civilized heritage in harmony with contemporary international performing arts. This is designed to prepare professionally and intellectually qualified graduates capable of contributing to the development of performing arts and serving society at both regional and international levels.
Objectives of the Department
Promoting Theatrical Thought: Spreading theatrical artistic thought and practicing it in society using scientific and contemporary approaches.
Showcasing Kurdish Culture: Introducing Kurdish culture through theatre and addressing social issues across all strata and classes of society, both locally and internationally.
Career Readiness: Graduating highly competent individuals ready to enter the labor market in various fields, whether in theatre, education, media, or cultural and intellectual industries.
Building Partnerships: Establishing collaborative relationships and agreements with academic institutions, theatrical bodies, and cultural organizations regionally and internationally to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise.
Introducing Theatre Arts: Familiarizing students and society with theatre arts across all specializations—including directing, acting, playwriting, set design, costume design, lighting, and theatrical makeup—and how to engage with these artistic foundations within the community.
Professional Preparation: Preparing and qualifying students to work in the field of theatre arts within society after graduation.
Fostering Artistic Identity: Encouraging students to develop their independent artistic voice and identity and to experiment with new expressive styles in directing techniques and playwriting.
Academic Training: Training students through daily lectures on theatre arts, practicing all its components in a scientific and academic manner.
Curriculum
The department followed the annual system until 2019, after which it transitioned to the semester system until the academic year 2021–2022. Currently, the Bologna Process is implemented in the department. The curriculum has been designed in accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as Iraqi and international universities.
Head of the Department
Lecturer in Theater
Department of Theater
College of Fine Arts
University of Duhok