Master of Arts (M.A.) in Visual Studies Courses

ART 503 - Art History and Criticism

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides a summary of art in the last 60 years. Students look at the diverse approaches to art-making and art theory. Many aspects of art production including culture, environment, politics and gender issues in image making in art since World War II have been complex and involve influences from the entire history of human endeavor. Students discuss the major and minor movements in art history and some of the individual methods that artists have devised to express themselves.

ART 506 - Digital Imaging

(Credits: 3.00)

This studio course is an accelerated introduction to computer-based technology in relation to the visual arts. The curriculum focuses on developing the technical proficiency of educators and artists so they may incorporate emerging media into their teaching as well as their personal work. The curriculum addresses the technical and conceptual aspects of digital image creation and manipulation. Emphasis is placed on the production of expressive personal images originating on both film and digital-capture technologies. Projects will examine the relationship of art and technology to cultural and social issues.

ART 510 - Metals

(Credits: 3.00)

This studio course explores the conceptual, formal and technical aspects of creating artwork in metal smithing techniques. Students use non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, nickel, silver and gold, along with various other materials such as stone, wood, resin, and found objects. Techniques include sawing, soldering, various forming methods, etching, enameling and surface design. Concepts explored include historical and contemporary notions of adornment, the spiritual significance of the amulet, and the status object. Through experimentation with materials and techniques and through critiques and written reflections, students create a body of work which demonstrates these conceptual, formal and technical aspects of work in metalsmithing.

ART 590 - Visual Thesis

(Credits: 4.00)

This course is designed to allow students the time to produce a body of artwork in preparation for their thesis exhibition. There are ongoing oral critiques to further organize both formal and conceptual issues the artist's work embodies. Students prepare for the thesis exhibition by analyzing the quality of their work as it relates to the appearance for the exhibit and also work with the design for the exhibition space itself. Students write an artist statement describing the content and the intent of their artwork. Working with other members of their cohort and the gallery director, they also plan the installation of this artwork. Finally there is a private walk-through of the exhibition with each student and graduate faculty members as a culminating experience.