Course Curriculum

The graduate art program offers a diverse range of courses combining studio practice, theoretical study, and professional experience to develop advanced artistic and critical skills. Studio courses like ART 5063 Independent Studio and ART 5961/5962 Integrated Studio I and II focus on self-directed and professor-guided studio work, including critiques, group discussions, artist presentations, and exhibition visits, to deepen students’ understanding of contemporary artistic practice. Advanced studio courses (ART 6964 and ART 6965) emphasize independent research, presentations, and the development of a personal artistic practice within a contemporary context. Theoretical seminars such as ART 5115, ART 5118, ART 5515, ART 5518, ART 5915, ART 5918, and ART 5916 cover a broad spectrum of current historical, cultural, and theoretical issues in art, heritage, and cultural policies, including contemporary art theory and the political and economic frameworks shaping arts management. ART 5971 explores major contemporary thought currents like structuralism, poststructuralism, postmodernism, postcolonialism, and feminism, analyzing their impact on art production and theory. Professional development is supported by ART 5900 Professional Internship, where students gain practical experience in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions and connect it to theoretical frameworks. ART 6972 and ART 6973 examine the dissemination and contextualization of artworks, focusing on exhibition, media, and critical theory. The research component includes ART 6999 Major Research Paper, a substantial research project supervised by faculty and graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis, and ART 7999 Thesis Presentation, where students prepare and defend their thesis orally under faculty guidance. Together, these courses provide a comprehensive graduate experience, blending creative practice, critical inquiry, and professional skills necessary for contemporary art careers.