History and theory of arts

This programme is aimed at young researchers who are not limited to traditional approaches to art history, but who are looking for new ways of analysing the contexts of contemporary art and culture. The KTU’s PhD in History and Theory of Arts is based on an interdisciplinary approach that allows the study of phenomena in art, visual culture and architecture using methods from the humanities, social sciences and technological sciences. The studies focus on innovative research models that contribute to the creation of new knowledge and the development of a cultural understanding of society.
Doctoral studies in the History and Theory of Arts are particularly relevant in contemporary society, where art is becoming not only a form of cultural expression, but also a form of social criticism and a proactive way of knowing the world. Research in this area helps to reveal the impact of art and architecture on social development, political ideologies and cultural processes. It encourages the exploration of the multifaceted impact of art and visual culture, from the planning of urban spaces to the analysis of contemporary forms of activism, thereby contributing to the advancement of society and culture.

about field of science

Topic title	Possible scientific supervisors	Source of funding
The relationship between audiovisual arts and animal ethics	prof. dr. Dario Martinelli	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. This proposed dissertation theme aims at analyzing the relationship between audiovisual arts, particularly documentaries, and the theme of animal ethics, with a specific focus on the meat industry and veganism. The candidate should consider analysing a number of fictional films and documentaries, in order to understand how artistic and semiotic strategies are employed to raise public awareness. The dissertation should also explore how the reception of the message varies based on the cultural background of the viewers and what are the most effective ways to promote ethical change, without generating psychological resistance
Cities not only for humans: biocentric and ecocentric approaches to nature-based solutions in cities	doc. dr. Indrė Gražulevičiūtė-Vileniškė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The growing need to mitigate the effects of climate change and to improve the well-being and quality of life of urban populations, while pursuing a resilient, resource-efficient and green economy, is driving a shift towards solutions and services provided by nature and ecosystems. This is why nature-based solutions are now gaining increasing attention, both in research and in urban planning and management of the urban environment. The basic idea of nature-based solutions is to use nature to find solutions to global challenges, treating it as a tool rather than an obstacle to human activity. Nevertheless, some researchers criticize nature-based solutions as an anthropocentric (human-centred) utilitarian concept. However, H. Eggermont et al. (2015) point out that biocentric and/or ecocentric approaches (focusing on all sentient beings and ecosystems) and the anthropocentric perspective in nature-based solutions can complement each other in an effective way in the application of different approaches to biodiversity enhancement. The proposed PhD topic aims to explore the applicability of biocentric and ecocentric approaches in the development of nature-based solutions in cities. The tasks of the PhD research are to carry out a literature analysis and theoretical study, to formulate the theoretical assumptions for the application of biocentric and ecocentric approaches in the development of nature-based solutions in cities, to formulate the methodology for the experimental study, to carry out the experimental study, and to summarize the results to formulate guidelines for the application of biocentric and ecocentric approaches in the development of nature-based solutions in cities.
Strategies for Managing Soviet Monumental Heritage: A Comparative Analysis of Lithuania and Central and Eastern European Countries in the Context of Geopolitical Change	m. d. dr. Brigita Tranavičiūtė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 has reignited debates in Lithuania and other Central and Eastern European countries about strategies for managing Soviet heritage, particularly monumental heritage that bear witness to the crimes of the totalitarian regime. In Lithuania, as in many other countries that have inherited the Soviet legacy, decisions regarding the management of monumental heritage have become directly influenced by periodic shifts in internal and external political circumstances, as well as public opinion. To date, public discourse has led to several waves of Soviet monument demolitions. However, these actions have not resulted in a coherent, well-conceptualized, and legally established framework for either the preservation or removal of the remaining monumental heritage. The study aims to apply interdisciplinary methods to conduct a comparative analysis of strategies for managing Soviet monumental heritage in Lithuania and other Central and Eastern European countries. The expected outcome is the development of a methodology and practical recommendations for managing Soviet-era monuments in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics, based on insights gained from the comparative analysis.

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Application procedure

Mandatory documents for admission:

Application indicating the science field, the topic and the form of funding (online)*
Official legalised Master’s diploma with the diploma supplements or a higher education degree equivalents and academic transcripts (translated into English or Lithuanian and notary verified) and the certificate of recognition if higher education qualification acquired abroad
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendations by two researchers of the relevant science field
A list of the research works with a full bibliographic description and copies thereof; if no research works by the applicant are presented, the applicant is required to present a research paper whose topic is consistent with the dissertation topic indicated in the applicant’s application (if the applicant applies to two dissertation topics, two individual research papers have to be submitted) valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A research proposal on the topic selected for admission (if the applicant applies to two topics, two individual research proposals have to be submitted)
A copy of a valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A copy of the receipt of the application fee payment (50 EUR for EU citizens, and 120 EUR for non-EU citizens)
A certificate issued by IELTS, TOEFL, CERF or any other competent institution within the last 2 years certifying the level of the English language if the candidate is not a graduate of the first or second cycle studies conducted in the English language

* The applicant can select no more than 2 (two) research fields and no more than 2 (two) topics per science field.

Participation in motivational interview (Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania or online)

Signing a study agreement (if invited to study)

Cycle	Third cycle
Language	Lithuanian, English
Duration	4 y.
Degree awarded	Doctor of Science

Weighted grade point average of the Master’s diploma supplement	0,2
Research experience Research experience is evaluated 0,45 points: publications evaluated in points according to the current regulations for the annual evaluation of research and experimental development and artistic activities of universities and science institutes approved by the order of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, or a research paper. Another research experience is evaluated 0,2 points: participation in research projects, conferences, publications prepared and submitted for printing, preparation of lectures, etc. and compliance of the scientific qualification with the topic of doctoral studies.	0,5
Research proposal on the selected topic for admission	0,15
Motivational interview, including evaluation of the knowledge of a foreign language	0,15

History and theory of arts

Contacts

Research topics

Research Topic Summary.

Research Topic Summary.

Research Topic Summary.

Entry requirements

Minimum requirements

Application procedure

Selection criteria and their weighted coefficients

Study programme modules

Contacts