The Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) held a Dissertation Proposal Coaching Clinic on Saturday–Sunday, 13–14 December 2025. The program, held at The Jayakarta Yogyakarta Hotel, was attended by 15 PSPSR doctoral students who have not yet undertaken the comprehensive examination for their dissertation proposals. This coaching clinic served as an intensive mentoring forum well-structured, convincing, and focused dissertation research proposals.
The Head of the PSPSR Doctoral Program, Budi Irawanto, stated that this was the first time such an activity had been organized and expressed hope that it would become a regular program in the coming years. According to him, the coaching clinic is highly beneficial in helping students understand that a dissertation proposal is not merely a matter of technical writing skills. “The word proposal comes from to propose, which means to apply. A strong and convincing research proposal is not simply a reflection of writing proficiency, but rather of clear lines of thought, solid arguments, and the ability to persuade the proposal’s readers,” he explained. He also emphasized the importance of both substantive and managerial dimensions in proposal writing, including the preparation of a research timeline as a means of realistically managing energy and research focus.
In a theoretical enrichment session, Lono Simatupang highlighted the distinctive character of PSPSR’s tailor-made curriculum, particularly through the Dissertation Supporting Courses (Mata Kuliah Penunjang Disertasi/MKPD), which are customized to each student’s research topic and needs. He explained that research at PSPSR is grounded in the relationship between text and context, with a strong emphasis on the performance perspective Following Erving Goffman, performance is understood as any action framed, presented, and carried out in a particular situation to influence other participants.
Furthermore, the performance studies approach at PSPSR views its objects of study as practices, events, and behaviors rather than as mere objects or artifacts. Research data encompass both actions and material elements, while ideas, values, and meanings emerge from interpreting
these data, including linguistic aspects such as utterances, diction, and intonation, all of which are considered meaningful. Through this coaching clinic, students are expected to formulate dissertation proposals that are conceptually robust and contextually relevant.
This activity is one of the Doctoral PSPSR Program’s efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). AU
