Curriculum of Doctoral Program (S-3) in Cultural Studies
The 2025 Curriculum is designed pursuant to Permendikbudristek No. 53/2023 on Higher Education Quality Assurance and UNS Rector Regulation No. 22/2024. This Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum emphasizes advanced critical theories, deconstructive interdisciplinary methodology, and high-impact doctoral research publications.
Graduate Profiles & Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The Cultural Studies Doctoral Program prepares candidates for 6 core professional trajectories:
Educator (University Faculty / Scholar)
Higher education academics possessing comprehensive mastery over critical cultural theories, philosophies, and interdisciplinary pedagogical frameworks.
Autonomous & Critical Researcher
Independent scholars capable of directing cutting-edge cultural studies research and publishing breakthrough findings in high-impact international journals.
Cultural Policy Consultant & Strategist
Strategic advisors formulating and evaluating cultural policies, heritage preservation roadmaps, and community advocacy solutions for government and NGO sectors.
Writer & Cultural Practitioner
Creative essayists, curators, and writers who translate complex cultural dynamics into influential public discourses and innovative creative expressions.
Cultural & Media Critic
Incisive analysts examining power relations, media hegemonies, gender identities, and digital culture in modern sociological landscapes.
Cultural Institution Leader
Visionary leaders managing cultural centers, museums, art foundations, creative industries, and research institutes with professional stewardship.
Course Distribution — By Course Track
SEMESTER 1 Core Theoretical Coursework (16 Credits / SKS)
| No. | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 01441242001 | Epistemology of Cultural Studies | 2 |
| 2 | 01441242006 | Paradigms of Cultural Studies | 2 |
| 3 | 01441242003 | Postmodern Cultural Theories | 2 |
| 4 | 01441242007 | Gender and Ethnicity | 2 |
| 5 | 01441242008 | Ethnographic Theories | 2 |
| 6 | 01441242004 | Cultural Sociology Theories | 2 |
| 7 | 01441242002 | Critical Research Methodology in Cultural Studies | 2 |
| 8 | 01441242005 | Selected Topics in Cultural Studies | 2 |
| Total Semester 1 Load: | 16 Credits | ||
SEMESTERS 2 – 6 Dissertation Milestones & Examination Stages (46 Credits / SKS)
| Stage / Semester | Dissertation Milestone Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | Doctoral Qualification & Comprehensive Examination | 4 SKS |
| Semester 3 | Dissertation Proposal Defense & Seminar | 8 SKS |
| Semester 4 | Research Progress Evaluation & Feasibility Examination | 10 SKS |
| Semester 5 | Closed Dissertation Defense (Internal & External Board of Examiners) | 12 SKS |
| Semester 6 | Public Doctoral Promotion Defense (Open Senate Session) | 12 SKS |
| Total Dissertation Load: | 46 Credits | |
Course Distribution — By Research Track
SEMESTER 1 Research Matriculation & Methodological Matrix (16 Credits / SKS)
| No. | Course Code | Course / Research Component | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 01441242001 | Epistemology of Cultural Studies | 2 |
| 2 | 01441242006 | Paradigms of Cultural Studies | 2 |
| 3 | 01441242008 | Ethnographic Theories | 2 |
| 4 | 01441242002 | Critical Research Methodology in Cultural Studies | 2 |
| 5 | – | Dissertation Research Substance | 4 |
| 6 | – | Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Publication | 4 |
| Total Semester 1 Load: | 16 Credits | ||
SEMESTERS 2 – 6 Dissertation Research & Reputable Publications (46 Credits / SKS)
| Stage / Semester | Dissertation Milestone Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | Doctoral Qualification & Research Matrix Defense | 4 SKS |
| Semester 3 | Dissertation Proposal Defense & Seminar | 8 SKS |
| Semester 4 | Research Progress Evaluation & Feasibility Examination | 10 SKS |
| Semester 5 | Closed Dissertation Defense (Internal & External Board of Examiners) | 12 SKS |
| Semester 6 | Public Doctoral Promotion Defense (Open Senate Session) | 12 SKS |
| Total Dissertation Load: | 46 Credits | |
Curriculum Transition Policy (2019 to 2025 OBE Framework)
The 2025 OBE Curriculum takes full legal effect starting August 1, 2025.
- For doctoral cohorts admitted prior to Academic Year 2025/2026 who are currently completing coursework, course alignments are adjusted through official academic course equivalency mechanisms.
- The equivalency process is administered transparently by the Doctoral Program leadership without diminishing accumulated credit hours (SKS) earned for passed subjects.