MFA Fine Arts Curriculum

This two-semester course sequence focuses on the history of modern and contemporary art. Starting in the 1880s with the advent of Modernism, students in the first semester investigate the movements and artists active up to the late 1950s and Abstract Expressionism. The second semester starts in the 1960s with the development of Conceptualism and POP Art and proceeds to the present. Projects around the utilization of historic precedents are a part of this course.

Part of the two year course sequence GRAD610 / GRAD611 / GRAD710 / GRAD711.

In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, discuss common issues of studio practice. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist’s work is perceived as a public statement, and how one’s work exists in the world.

Part of the course sequence GRAD620 / GRAD621 / GRAD720 / GRAD721.

This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student’s practice, specifically directed toward aesthetic and technical issues arising out of their work. Students meet with a number of individual instructors on an independent basis, as they have work or issues prepared for discussion.

The in-depth examination of a critical or theoretical text focuses on contemporary issues in art, philosophy, politics, or criticism.

Please see your department for available electives.

This two-semester course sequence focuses on the history of modern and contemporary art. Starting in the 1880s with the advent of Modernism, students in the first semester investigate the movements and artists active up to the late 1950s and Abstract Expressionism. The second semester starts in the 1960s with the development of Conceptualism and POP Art and proceeds to the present. Projects around the utilization of historic precedents are a part of this course.

Part of the two year course sequence GRAD610 / GRAD611 / GRAD710 / GRAD711.

In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, discuss common issues of studio practice. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist’s work is perceived as a public statement, and how one’s work exists in the world.

Part of the course sequence GRAD620 / GRAD621 / GRAD720 / GRAD721.

This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student’s practice, specifically directed toward aesthetic and technical issues arising out of their work. Students meet with a number of individual instructors on an independent basis, as they have work or issues prepared for discussion.

The in-depth examination of a critical or theoretical text focuses on contemporary issues in art, philosophy, politics, or criticism.

Please see your department for available electives.

Please see your department for details.

Part of the two year course sequence GRAD610 / GRAD611 / GRAD710 / GRAD711.

In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, discuss common issues of studio practice. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist’s work is perceived as a public statement, and how one’s work exists in the world.

Part of the course sequence GRAD620 / GRAD621 / GRAD720 / GRAD721.

This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student’s practice, specifically directed toward aesthetic and technical issues arising out of their work. Students meet with a number of individual instructors on an independent basis, as they have work or issues prepared for discussion.

A seminar in which the intricacies, idiosyncrasies, and responsibilities of the professional artist are discussed and deconstructed. (Fall semester).

This course encourages and trains students to write a thesis about their own work through the development of the requisite critical writing skills that will serve them in the future when applying for grants as well as preparing them for the literary demands of an artist’s career.

Please see your department for available electives.

Please see your department for details.

Part of the two year course sequence GRAD610 / GRAD611 / GRAD710 / GRAD711.

In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, discuss common issues of studio practice. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist’s work is perceived as a public statement, and how one’s work exists in the world.

Part of the course sequence GRAD620 / GRAD621 / GRAD720 / GRAD721.

This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student’s practice, specifically directed toward aesthetic and technical issues arising out of their work. Students meet with a number of individual instructors on an independent basis, as they have work or issues prepared for discussion.

Each student in the final year works on the organization, planning, and installation of MFA exhibitions. The course focuses on exhibition psychology, design, and documentation. Additionally, the professional practices needed for well-planned entry into the art world are discussed. (Spring semester).

This course encourages and trains students to write a thesis about their own work through the development of the requisite critical writing skills that will serve them in the future when applying for grants as well as preparing them for the literary demands of an artist’s career.

Please see your department for available electives.