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Curriculum Requirements

Each program in the school has a different set of requirements, outlined below. Within the constraints of these separate frameworks, students are expected to forge an individualized course of study in order to create an independent body of work. As a consequence of this, students are encouraged to work with a range of faculty in their program, in the school, and, where appropriate, across the Institute.

Students must successfully complete a mid-residence project/review. For undergraduates, this is usually scheduled at the beginning of the third year of study and is intended to assess progress; for graduate students, this is scheduled during the second semester of the first year and is predicated on a public presentation of a body of work. To graduate, all students must complete a final project and present it in a public forum. This project will be subject to a final graduation review. Details regarding review procedures and scheduling are available on the school website.

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I. Bachelor of Fine Arts and Certificate of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidates must complete 46 units of Critical Studies coursework. Certificate of Fine Arts candidates do not complete Critical Studies courses. All other requirements for the Certificate of Fine Arts are identical to those for the BFA. Critical Studies requirements are detailed in the Critical Studies section of this course catalog.

Students are required to formulate a course of study in discussion with their mentor; this plan must fulfill the requirements laid out in the following pages. There is a mandatory meeting with the mentor at the beginning of each semester designed to check on progress towards the degree, and to plan and design the work for the upcoming semester.

Third year students are required to develop a project that is fit for review by a committee of faculty during the mid-residence review. All fourth year students must present finished work in a public forum: an exhibition, screening, site-specific installation, publication design, or equivalent approved format. This work must be presented at a graduation review for discussion and approval.

In order to graduate all students must demonstrate an understanding of the history of their art form, and of the theoretical discussions that animate it. This means they must successfully complete eight units of history or criticism (classes identified by the prefix AIC). It is recommended that students take one course in Art History or Criticism per semester until the requirement is met. The following are particularly recommended, and in some programs required:

• AAIC103 What Makes it Art?
• AAIC265 and AAIC266 Modern Art History in Review
• AAIC275 and AAIC276 Historical Survey of Graphic Design
• AAIC300 Visual Semiotics
• AAIC310 History of Photography
• APHM420 a-z Theory and Contemporary Issues
• FAIC420 Film History
• FAIC400 Film Today
• FAIC475 History of Experimental Film
• FAIC421 Film History II 1950-Present
• FAIC170 or FAIC171 History of Animation BFA1
• MHST425 Survey of Sound Art
• DAIC174 or DAIC175 Modern Dance History

We also expect students to look beyond their chosen métier and experiment with a different view, and to that end all students must take at least two units outside of the School of Art (courses starting with the letter “A”) and School of Critical Studies (courses starting with the letter “C”).

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II. Winter Session/Practicum

Graduate students are expected to use these weeks as a serious block of time for studio work and meetings. All graduate students must enroll in MFA Independent Studio (Art and Photo/Media), MFA Practicum Workshop (Graphic Design and Art & Technology), or alternative Winter Session offerings. Art, Photo/Media, Graphic Design, and Art and Technology students will be automatically enrolled in the associated MFA Independent Studio or MFA Practicum Workshop. Some regular Practicum workshops may be open to graduate students without credit, by permission of instructor. Registration for these classes takes place online during the last couple of weeks of the Fall Semester.

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III. Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Students are required to formulate a course of study in discussion with their mentor; this plan must fulfill the requirements laid out in the following pages. There is a mandatory meeting with the mentor at the beginning of each semester designed to check on progress towards the degree, and to plan and design the work of the semester.

Students must develop and complete a project during their first year, and present it in a public forum. This project will be subject to faculty review during a Mid-Residence Review.

During their final year students must develop and complete another, more ambitious project, again for public presentation. The School does not limit the type or context, but students must develop the project in consultation with their mentor, according to Institute guidelines. This project will be subject to faculty review during a Graduation Review in the final semester of residence.

The course of study for the MFA in the Art, Photography and Media and Art and Technology programs may be either two or three years, with two years the norm.

A student may request a third year of study (particularly if working in Integrated Media, or towards an Interschool degree). A proposal requesting a third year must be initiated during the month following the Mid-residence Review. A final decision will be made by the end of the second semester of the first year by a committee consisting of mentor, appropriate Program Director and Dean, in consultation with the faculty.

Graphic Design offers a two year MFA program and a three year program for candidates who lack the minimum requirements for graduate study in graphic design.

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IV. Integrated Media Concentration (MFA Only)

The IM option offers a supplemental curriculum which consists of Integrated Media seminars and critiques in addition to specified courses in the student's program of entry. Students will also be expected to take electives chosen from a wide-ranging list of courses currently offered throughout the Institute.

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Program Requirements

The following courses are required but do not constitute a student's entire program.

I. Art Program Requirements

Art Program Learning Goals

By the time students graduate from the Program in Art (BFA and MFA), they should have:

• Conceptualized and created works which evolve from the students' personal vision and purpose, in their own voice and on their own terms.
• Understood the relationship of an artwork's formal, conceptual, and historical properties in relation to the context of their chosen audience.
• Acquired experience with a broad range of mediums and options for the creation of work, in order to make specific choices.
• Developed a foundation of problem solving skills and concepts which support the intention of the artist in their artistic practice.
• Achieved the technical and conceptual ability to interpret the works of other artists through the understanding of visual language.
• Successfully completed a mid-residency review and a graduation review.

The BFA Program in Art is structured to provide a strong foundation for achieving these goals, leading to individualized studio practice.

Bachelor of Fine Arts and Certificate of Fine Arts

• AART-001 through 009
• AART-205 A through Z
• AART-210 A through Z
• AART-310 A through Z
• AART-311 A through Z
• ACOM-218

Mentoring

Mentoring is a crucial element for students and faculty to develop knowledge and understanding of the experience in the program and school. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule.

First Year Required Courses:

• AART-001 through 009
• AART-205 A through Z
• AART-210 A through Z
• AART-310 A through Z
• AART-311 A through Z

Second Year Required Courses: 

• AART-001 through 009
• AART-205 A through Z
• AART-210 A through Z
• AART-310 A through Z
• AART-311 A through Z

Third Year Required Courses:

Fourth Year Required Courses:

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Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Each student will fashion a course of study in consultation with the mentor. Each MFA student will present a project or exhibition during both the first and second year. 

MFA-1s are required to complete 4 units of MFA Mid-Residence Project with their mentor, with 2 units per semester (AART598).

MFA-2s are required to complete 4 units of MFA Final Project with their mentor, with 2 units per semester (AART698).

During Practicum/Winter Session all graduate students will be automatically enrolled in MFA Independent Studio, unless they choose to enroll in a Winter Session offering from another School or Program.

Mentoring

Mentoring is a crucial element for students and faculty to develop knowledge and understanding of the experience in the program and school. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule.

MFA 1

Required Courses:

• AART598 MFA Mid-Residence Project (fall and spring semesters)
• AART700 MFA Independent Studio during Practicum

It is highly recommended for MFA1 students to take MFA1 Critique (AART 550) in the fall and at least one Graduate Independent Study (AART 599) per semester. The maximum number of independent studies with Art Program faculty per semester is 2. 

MFA 2

Required Courses:

• AART698 MFA Final Project (fall and spring semesters)
• AART700 MFA Independent Studio during Practicum

It is highly recommended for MFA2 students to take at least one Graduate Independent Study (AART 699) per semester. The maximum number of independent studies with Art Program faculty per semester is 2.

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II. Graphic Design Program Requirements

Bachelor of Fine Arts and Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals for the Graphic Design BFA Program

During their time in the program students should have:

• Created work that demonstrates a mastery of the principles of design.
• Understood and explored design within different contextual situations.
• Applied research and analysis to create thoughtful and inventive design.
• Addressed a variety of design briefs while expressing a compelling point of view in the work.
• Critically evaluated their own work and that of others.
• Created visually and conceptually imaginative work.
• Encouraged collaboration with other designers as well as students from other disciplines at the Institute.

The program of required courses in Graphic Design provides a structure for developing conceptual, formal, and critical skills that align with the core studio classes (Graphic Design I through IV). As students progress through the program there is an increasing emphasis on independent work. 

Mentoring

Mentoring is a crucial element for students and faculty to develop knowledge and understanding of the experience in the program and school. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule.

First Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA101 and AGRA103 Graphic Design I (Lecture)
• AGRA102 and AGRA104 Graphic Design I (Studio)
• AGRA105 Design Issues
• AGRA110 Skills for Visualization
• ACOM111 Digital Design Lab I
• ACOM112 Digital Design Lab II
• AGRA121 Intro to Digital Photography
• Two workshops from Practicum or Winter Session. A third Practicum or Winter Session workshop is recommended.

Second Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA201 and AGRA203 Graphic Design II (Lecture)
• AGRA202 and AGRA204 Graphic Design II (Studio)
• AGRA215 Typography I
• AGRA216 Typography II
• AGRA421 Image Making I
• AAIC275 and AAIC276 Historical Survey of Graphic Design
• Two workshops from Practicum or Winter Session

Third Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA301 and AGRA303 Graphic Design III (Lecture)
• AGRA302 and AGRA304 Graphic Design III (Studio)
• AGRA315 Typography III
• AGRA430 Beginning Web Design or
• AGRA460 Beginning Motion or
• AGRA435 Intro to VR Workshop
• At least one program elective each semester
• Two workshops from Practicum or Winter Session

Fourth Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA401 and AGRA403 Graphic Design IV (Lecture)
• AGRA402 and AGRA404 Graphic Design IV (Studio)
• AGRA451 Professional Practice for Graphic Design
• At least one program elective each semester
• One workshop from Practicum or Winter Session

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Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals for the Graphic Design MFA Program

During their time in the program students should have:

• Realized conceptually and formally imaginative work.
• Contextualized a project within design history and theory.
• Articulated the intentions and context for a project, and critically evaluate its outcome.
• Conducted independent research and developed of a methodology for exploration, elaboration, and refinement of ideas.

At the start of the MFA2 year, MFA and Advanced Certificate candidates will begin working on a Graduate Practice Project (formerly referred to as thesis project). The major portion of graduate students' time and energy during the Fall Semester of their final year of residence will be spent working on the Graduate Practice project, which should be directed toward both practical investigation and theory. The Spring Semester of the final year is spent applying/exploring what has been learnt from the thesis in a body of work, or completing/developing the Graduate Practice project.

Mentoring:

Mentoring is a crucial element for students and faculty to develop knowledge and understanding of the experience in the program and school. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule.

PMFA Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA551 and AGRA553 Visual Literacy (Lecture)
• AGRA552 and AGRA554 Visual Literacy (Studio)
• AAIC575 and AAIC576 Historical Survey of Graphic Design
• AGRA700 MFA Graphic Design Practicum Workshop

First Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA501 and AGR503 Graduate Seminar I (Lecture)
• AGRA502 and AGRA504 Graduate Seminar I (Studio)
• AAIC575 and AAIC576 Historical Survey of Graphic Design
• AAIC662 Graphic Design Theory I
• AGRA674 Typographics IA
• AGRA677 Typographics IB
• AGRA700 MFA Graphic Design Practicum Workshop

Second Year

Required Courses:

• AGRA601 and AGRA603 Graduate Seminar II (Lecture)
• AGRA602 and AGRA604 Graduate Seminar II (Studio)
• AGRA700 MFA Graphic Design Practicum Workshop
• At least one program elective each semester

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III. Photography and Media Program Requirements

Bachelor of Fine Arts and Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals for the Photography and Media BFA Program
 

• Develop a foundation for making art within the context of contemporary photography and media. Students learn these practices in relation to a theoretical analysis of representation, through a sequence of seminars and lectures covering form and the relation to content, history, theory, and the application through practice and critique.
• Study a variety of image-making technologies and techniques which support aesthetic and intellectual practice with a strong and knowledgeable tool-set. Develop a series of art projects which contextualize the work formally, historically, conceptually, and/or biographically.
• Learn how to sustain an idea over a number of projects and works.
• Present finished work in a public forum: exhibition, screening, book, or equivalent approved format.
• Realize/show a mid-residency project. This is typically in the fall semester of the third year.
• Realize/show graduate project, presentation, or exhibition including a graduation review. This process demonstrates an ability to articulate an intention and awareness of the work's context. This includes a written artist's statement.

Mentoring is a central curricular framework of the program for students and faculty. Every student has a mentor who is a dedicated faculty advocate and advisor. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule. Students must keep mentors informed and involved in the development of their artistic process and production. Mentors advise students throughout their course of study and in the preparation for mid-residency and final reviews. Mentors have authority to approve or replace program requirements in consultation with the directors of the program.

REQUIRED COURSES

These are courses listed by the year typically taken and often automatically pre-enrolled.

Requirements by year level:

First Year Required Courses:

Second Year Required Courses:

APHM201 Undergraduate Seminar

One technical workshop from APHM001-099 or APHM110 A-Z

Third Year Required Courses:

Realize/Show a mid-residency project. This is typically in the fall semester of the 3rd year. 

Fourth Year Required Courses:

• APHM350 A-Z Advanced Topics in Photo and Media
• APHM440H Participant Observer
• APHM420H Montage - History
• APHM440B Fuzzy Pictures
• APHM641N Who is this America?
• APHM441P The Photographic Book - Make your own book
• APHM331 L.A. Urbanscape: Image, Word & Acts
• AAIC306 Talent Show
• APHM440V Image and Text
• APHM441R Finders and Keepers Collecting

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Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals for the Photography and Media MFA Program 

By the time students graduate from the MFA Program, they should have:

• Developed a distinctive and substantive body of work.
• Contextualized an art practice in formal, historical, conceptual, and personal terms.
• Developed and sustained a dialogue about artworks (one's own and others) in relation to contemporary, historical, and theoretical discourse, along with an analysis of representation
• Gained the ability to conceptualize and execute an exhibition or other presentation of work, as demonstrated through at least two public presentations in the form of gallery exhibitions, screenings, or other approved projects.
• Demonstrate and maintain a practice, supported by a Fall Intensive study with a dedicated faculty member, during the third semester of residence, leading toward a final project.
• Complete a mid-residency review and graduation review, including an artist statement.

Required Courses

The overall requirements for graduate students in the Photography and Media program include: A total of two Graduate Critique courses and two Graduate Seminars within the Program over their two years; one exhibition or other public presentation of their work per year; and a one semester Fall Intensive in their second year or 3rd semester of residency. A recommended break down of this follows:

Mentoring:

Mentoring is a central curricular framework of the program for students and faculty. Every student has a mentor who is a dedicated faculty advocate and advisor. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule. Students must keep mentors informed and involved in the development of their artistic process and production. Mentors advise students throughout their course of study and in the preparation for mid-residency and final reviews. Mentors have authority to approve or replace program requirements in consultation with the directors of the program. 

FIRST YEAR

Requirements:

• Graduate Critique (APHM515) (first semester)
• MFA1 Bucket Crit (APHM517)
• Independent Study with student's Mentor (APHM599) (first semester)
• Graduate Seminar (APHM525A-Z), one from the series
• Exhibition or other public presentation of work
• MFA Independent Studio (APHM700) or alternative Winter Session offering during Practicum

Recommended Courses:

• Independent Study (APHM599) each semester 
• Photo History (AAIC510)
• Advanced Topics in Photo and Media* 

*Courses that meet Advanced Topics in Photo and Media credit:

APHM650 A-Z or	Advanced Topics In Photo and Media recommended for MFA not required
APHM640H	Participant Observer
APHM620H	Montage - History
APHM640B	Fuzzy Pictures
APHM641N	Who is this America?
APHM641P	The Photographic Book - Make your own book
APHM531	L.A. Urbanscape: Image, Word & Acts
AAIC506	Talent Show
APHM640V	Image and Text
APHM641R	Finders and Keepers Collecting

 

SECOND YEAR

Requirements: 

• Fall Intensive study (APHM698)** See description below.
• Exhibition or other public presentation of work
• MFA Independent Studio (APHM700) or alternative Winter Session offering during Practicum

Recommended Courses:

• Independent Study (APHM699) each semester
• Advanced Topics in Photo and Media*

*Courses that meet Advanced Topics in Photo and Media Credit:

APHM650 A-Z	Advanced Topics in Photo and Media recommended for MFA not required
APHM640H	Participant Observer
APHM620H	Montage - History
APHM640B	Fuzzy Pictures
APHM641N	Who is this America?
APHM641P	The Photographic Book - Make your own book
APHM531	L.A. Urbanscape: Image, Word & Acts
AAIC506	Talent Show
APHM640V	Image and Text
APHM641R	Finders and Keepers Collecting

 

**Fall Intensive: A concentrated Independent Study for the fall, or third semester of the student's residency. This is intended to help prepare for a final project in the spring, or fourth semester.

 

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IV. Art and Technology

Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals for the Art and Technology MFA Program

By the time that students graduate from the MFA Program in Art and Technology, they should have:

• Developed a substantial body of work that articulates a distinct personal vision using a broad range of practical, conceptual, and technical problem solving skills;
• Actualized the complex dialectic between the creative process and emerging forms of new technologies;
• Forged an informed multidisciplinary art practice through physical and intellectual effort, creative research, and critical analysis;
• Demonstrated an ability to think critically and communicate persuasively to a chosen audience about the cultural, historical, and political issues inherent in technology and culture; and
• Successfully completed a mid-residency and graduation faculty review of work that exhibits a personal artistic expression and a critical point of view.

Students enrolled in the MFA Program in Arts and Technology must demonstrate competency through their Graduate Project, which consists of an exhibition of a final body of work and a presentation of their critical research with accompanying documentation. The Graduate Project is supervised by an individual mentor and a faculty committee. The student's Graduate Project must demonstrate an innovative and creative use of new forms of media and technologies within the context of a cogent critical premise.

All graduate students will be pre-enrolled in MFA Art and Technology Practicum Workshop. In addition students can also take Winter Session workshops.

Mentoring:

Mentoring is a crucial element for students and faculty to develop knowledge and understanding of the experience in the program and school. Each student is required to maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester and regular consultation on their course schedule.

First Year

Required Courses:

• ATEK510 Art and Technology Studio I
• ATEK511 Art and Technology Studio II
• ATEK520 Conversations on Technology Media and Culture
• ATEK530 Networked Studio and Critique
• ATEK531 Research and Practice: Seminar
• ATEK599 Two Independent Studies
• ATEK700 MFA Art and Technology Practicum Workshop

Second Year

Required Courses:

• ATEK620 Technology, Culture and Critique
• ATEK630 Research and Development
• ATEK640 Creative Research
• ATEK699 Two Independent Studies (Fall Semester)
• ATEK699 Two Independent Studies (Spring Semester)
• ATEK700 MFA Art and Technology Practicum Workshop

In Addition:

The Independent Study requirements in the second year can be substituted with an elective.

There is also a group exhibition in the MFA1 year and a final thesis exhibition in the MFA2 years.

There are 2 reviews that are required for graduation, one at the end of the MFA 1 year and one at the end of the MFA 2 year.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

• Four approved academic courses (over the course of the two-year residency)
• Technical Elective
• Studio Elective

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