Dialogues and Practices I & II
This sequence of seminars is required for the first two semesters of the Graduate Program in Fine Arts. They are designed to introduce and deepen the students’ ability to engage in a critical, interdisciplinary dialogue about their artwork and the work of fellow students. Both courses cultivate individual methods of experimentation within a student’s practice, with the aim of moving the student’s work either conceptually, formally, or materially well beyond the level and quality of work exhibited upon entered the program.
Contemporary Art History and Theory
Introduces students to a variety of aesthetic practices, art historical frameworks, and theoretical debates within contemporary international art. Through lectures, intensive reading, and group discussions, as well as preparation of written works, students gain awareness of historical precedents and global contexts for their work.
Fine Arts Seminars
These courses are intended to broaden and clarify students’ perspective on contemporary art practice. Each semester these seminars shift in focus and subject matter. Seminars may concentrate on art from the perspectives of art history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and so forth, or may take the form of a discipline-based critique focusing on the history, theory, and practice of painting, sculpture, and photography, among others.
Studio Research Lab- SRL
SRL’s are designed around a specific interdisciplinary theme that is not bound to a specific idea of medium or production. Classes are limited to 6 students and often do not meet on a regular basis during the semester. Depending on the course some, may have a travel component. These courses may be unique to the timing of a specific event and are not repeated. They give students crucial experience in creating fully realized projects that are embedded in the art world, and they help them to cultivate a network of fellow practitioners and supporting institutions that can be built upon after graduation.
Thesis Seminar
This course is preparation and practicum for writing the MFA thesis, which is created in conjunction with the MFA Thesis Exhibition. The written thesis is a document that articulates the nature of the student’s work. This course is conducted during the first semester of the student’s second year of study. Upon completion two bound copies of the thesis must be completed and signed by all members of the student’s final review committee and received by the Graduate Office and the library. Failure to turn in a thesis results in an incomplete grade for the course and prevents the student from graduating.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions is taken during the final semester and will result in the completion of the thesis exhibition. Faculty will mentor graduate students through all aspects of each students solo presentation. Coordination of final thesis review will also take place in this class.
Grad-Wide Electives
Grad-Wide electives are offered by the Graduate Program in Fine Arts as well as the other graduate programs. With a wide range of topics to choose from, these courses are open to students in all of the graduate programs and allow for interdisciplinary exchange.
