Our undergraduate general education curriculum, overseen by the School of Critical Studies, is designed to develop the requisite powers of analysis and communication for students to produce innovative and challenging art, and to articulate their vision in the larger sociocultural, ethical, and political contexts. The emphasis on the close relationship between liberal arts and studio practice at CalArts reflects the visionary commitment to inter- and cross-disciplinary study upon which the Institute was founded.
To facilitate this learning, the faculty in the School of Critical Studies are recognized scholars in their own disciplines with close connections to art-making and a passion to teach the liberal arts and sciences within an arts environment.
Undergraduate students must complete 46 units of Critical Studies coursework to obtain a BFA degree. Students will select a range of courses from cultural studies, humanities, the social sciences, science, and mathematics. In addition, students will take courses in the history of their own métiers and the arts in general. Creative writing and computer science courses are also available.