2019-2020 Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog

Apr 19, 2024

HELP

2019-2020 Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Institute of Art and Design Programs and Courses

Contract All Courses | Print this page.

Print this Page

Programs and courses listed here are only offered on the Manchester Campus.

Institute of Art and Design

Programs

Master of Arts

• Teaching: Art Education, M.A.

Master of Fine Arts

(No Active Courses)

Art Education

(No Active Programs)

Courses

MAE 601 - Creativity and the Brain

This course examines the role of art instruction in human development and its relationship to brain functions. The task of the brain, in addition to monitoring biological functions, is to interpret all human experiences, to make sense of our existence and the world in which we live. How it does so is the embodiment of the creative process. By encouraging, engaging and teaching creativity, we invariably enhance the brains ability to do its job. Students will utilize and reflect upon creative experiences in their own studios, making this coursework personally relevant and influential in ones artwork and teaching. (3 Credits )

MAE 602 - Contemporary Issues in Art Education

Students will research historical and contemporary theories and trends in society, education, and art education. Students will consider application of this knowledge to their own philosophy and teaching. Use of a wide variety of sources will facilitate students in exploring a topic of interest in depth so that they might present it to their fellow graduate students, providing a rich understanding of many historical and contemporary studies for all students. (3 Credits)

MAE 603 - Technology, Curriculum, and Assessment

Students will explore contemporary techniques for curriculum planning and measurement for all levels K-8 and 9-12. This course will rely on developmental processes as they relate to instruction and curriculum planning, such as scope and sequence. It will address individual, cultural, and community needs of students and will culminate in a project-based writing piece focusing on developing curriculum and program assessment. A strong emphasis will be placed on utilizing technology within the curriculum and for assessment practice to engage students and broaden visual learning for the 21 century graduate student. (3 Credits)

MAE 604 - Digital Methodologies

Teachers will learn how various forms of social media and simple technologies can be used to facilitate and accelerate learning. An analysis of contemporary artists working in digital media, art educators implementing digital strategies and related pedagogy will provide educators with a spectrum of approaches and techniques for utilizing digital methodologies in their classrooms. Students will gain experience by implementing some of these strategies through lesson and unit development. (3 Credits)

MAE 607 - Psych of Educational Development & Learning

This course will examine the impact of typical and atypical development of children from infancy through their school-aged years on their learning process and ability to meet academic demands place on them, and conversely explores the role of academic demands on facilitating developmental processes. Such areas as gross and fine motor capacity, attention, memory, emotional and sensory regulation, motivation, attachment needs and behavior will be examined as factors that both contribute to learning processes and are impacted by them. (3 Credits)

MAE 608 - The Exceptional Learner

This unique course is designed to first challenge the students in defining exceptionality, normalcy, and individual differences, and simultaneously present our understanding of these concepts in historical, sociological, cultural, psychological, legal and educational contexts. Students will learn about learning differences, in terms of style and conditions that present unique challenges in the educational arena. Specifically, they will gather information about various educational disability conditions, how they are assessed, addressed, and dealt with in our public schools. They will learn about the laws governing these educational processes, and begin to understand how individual educational plans are developed and implemented. Fieldwork: This course requires 20 hours of structured visits to schools that work with individuals with disabilities. (3 Credits)

MAE 609 - Elementary & Secondary Methodologies

This course will examine both developmental levels of fine art education methods. Best practices of teaching art content including policy and safety, materials and budget, competency-based instruction that meets National Core Arts Standards, differentiation, and assessment are some of the content areas to be studied and developed. There are 50 hours of fieldwork required for this course which will be used in clinical analysis, planning, instruction, assessment, and . A total of 90 early fieldwork hours will be completed for this course. The hours are divided between elementary and secondary. It is highly recommended that fieldwork and assignments be complete before the course begins. Students are encouraged to complete some fieldwork hours at our SEPIA (Student Enrichment Program in the Arts) Lab School. Arrangement of fieldwork hours must be approved by the MAAE certification officer. (3 Credits)

MAE 610 - Research and Professional Identity

Candidate will research and complete the NH TCAP Teacher Common Assessment of Performance Portfolio and the Professional Art Educator Portfolio while completing the final culminating placement. The TCAP serves as the students thesis. It is a common assessment all aspiring educators in New Hampshire must complete and pass to be recommended for certification. This final, academic study will directly influence the writing of ones educational philosophy and portfolio of professional work. This course will meet every other week on campus or virtually. (3 Credits)

MAE 701 - Elementary Culminating Fieldwork

Students must be able to devote all work week hours to this endeavor and supplemental employment is strongly discouraged. Student teachers should anticipate working in an elementary school with a mentor teacher. They must also keep in mind that their semester will begin in accordance to their first day of student teaching. This is a continuous, semester-long experience where students gradually assume responsibility of a range of visual art classes in grades K-5, thereby demonstrating the appropriate professional skills and attitudes essential for successful teaching of diverse populations of students. Student teaching is conducted under the supervisory guidance of school mentors and members of the Art Education clinical faculty. The Active Pedagogy seminar will meet once every other week at the Institute. This seminar complements field work and is required. Students will add culminating fieldwork and finalize their digital portfolio as part of their final authentic assessment. Prerequisite(s): minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA; completion of program requirements for Art Education and application approval by the Art Education Director. (6 Credits)

MAE 702 - Secondary Culminating Fieldwork

Students must be able to devote all work week hours to this endeavor and supplemental employment is strongly discouraged. Student teachers should anticipate working in a secondary school with a mentor teacher. They must also keep in mind that their semester will begin in accordance to their first day of student teaching. This is a continuous, semester-long experience where students gradually assume responsibility of a range of visual art classes in grades 9-12, thereby demonstrating the appropriate professional skills and attitudes essential for successful teaching of diverse populations of students. Student teaching is conducted under the supervisory guidance of school mentors and members of the Art Education clinical faculty. The Active Pedagogy seminar will meet once every other week at the Institute. This seminar complements field work and is required. Students will add culminating fieldwork and finalize their digital portfolio as part of their final authentic assessment. Prerequisite(s): minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA; completion of program requirements for Art Education and application approval by the Art Education Director. (6 Credits)

Photography

Program Description

The low-residency MFA in Visual Arts and the low-residency MFA in Photography at the Institute of Art at New England College both provide a comprehensive focus for graduate candidates who are seeking to combine creative work, inquiry, and investigation in ways that focus on the advanced preparation for a profession in the arts.

Five ten-day residencies and semesters of supported independent work define the program over a two-year period; students are taught and advised by highly qualified faculty and in direct mentorship relationships each semester with individual professional artists. Students work with faculty and mentors to create individual plans of study that accompany organized and linear history, theory, and criticism, seminars, lectures and discussions. Study during the residency periods includes the student’s active participation in seminars and tutorials, formal and informal contact with faculty, consultation with the student’s faculty advisor about the development of content, concept, and creation of their body of work, over the period of study and beyond. Study during non-residency time focuses on student’s independent creation, reading and writing, regular structured formal contact with the artist mentor, and formal and informal feedback from the student’s faculty advisor. The low-residency MFA in Visual Arts and the low-residency MFA in Photography are degrees that are designed to advance the career of artists and teachers, as well as professionals in other art-related fields.

During the residency:

Students present, in select studio groups, all work created during the semester.
Students are required to participate in formal History, Theory and Criticism seminars, lectures and discussions that develop and expand the students knowledge about Art and Culture as well as their understanding of their own work and the place it fits in the contemporary art world. Over the course of the 5 residencies faculty present lectures and syllabi on history, professional practices, and theories, related to arts that advance the students understanding of the development of concepts in art from the past to the present. Students write reviews and criticism of the ideas presented as well as on their own ideas and work, these writings culminate in an extensive thesis paper which not only proves their comprehension of Theory and History but also places their work within the contexts of art.
Students are required to participate in small group and individual critiques with faculty and visiting artists. These critiques are an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue, share concepts, review accomplishments and make plans for further development of work and concepts in coming semester and beyond graduate school.
Each residency, visiting artists will lecture of a variety of topics including their own work, professional practices, and theory. Students are required to attend all lectures in a given residency. Students have the opportunity to sign up for individual critiques with visiting artists.
With faculty assistance students choose an approved artist mentor for the coming semester. Each semester the student must choose a different artist mentor.
Each residency, in concert with their faculty advisor and with the oversight of the Director of the Graduate Program, students make a detailed and comprehensive plan for the coming semester. This plan is the basis for reading, writing and creative, work goals and guides student - mentor discussion during the semester.

During the semester:

Students meet with their chosen artist mentor for critique at least 3 times during a residency and are in written or verbal contact with them each month.
Students will write a summary of the residency they have just attended.
In discussion with their faculty advisor and artist mentor students create and complete an individual reading list which supports their creative work.
Students are given reading assignments to complete which prepare them for and complement the History, Theory and Criticism seminars, lectures and discussions.
During the semester students write 4 semi-formal papers that they submit to their faculty advisor. The topic of these papers is guided by advisor suggestions, which are based on reading, theory and creative work goals, stated during the residency. These papers are intended to connect critical theory and history lessons during the residency with students work and lead to structuring the final thesis.
Students are in written and/or verbal contact with their faculty advisor throughout the semester. During these contact hours students and faculty discuss; goals successfully completed; challenges faced; written work; and review the mentor relationship.
Students complete a stated amount of work during the residency. Students are expected to devote 25 hours a week to their work. When they return to the next residency students present all work done during the semester.
Students will write an artist statement and biography that they will bring with them to the next residency.
Students will write a semester summary highlighting their achievements as well as detailing challenges and experiences over the semester.
After discussion with the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and the Department Chair or the student’s Director of Program, students may use existing facilities and resources at the Institute of Art at New England College’s Manchester Campus (such as, but not limited to, the library’s special collections, wood fire kiln, digital labs or other resources). An additional fee for facilities use and resources will be determined.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of a graduate degree program at the Institute of Art at New England College, students will:

Content Knowledge and Application

Apply technical skills as appropriate to a student’s medium, subject, and conceptual concerns. To this end, demonstrate committed, disciplined studio practice and full engagement in the intentional formal presentation of one’s creative work, as relevant to the discipline.
Demonstrate an ability to actively and fully engage in individual and group discussions, including thoughtful participation, intentional listening, and receptiveness to constructive dialog and critique.
Engage in risk taking and invention in one’s creative and academic work. Risk-taking and invention should also be evident in research, writing, and through full and rigorous engagement in the curriculum. Risk taking implies comfort with a range of ideas and perspectives, as well as with contradiction and ambiguity.
Demonstrate an understanding of one’s work relative to historical and contemporary practice and demonstrate an awareness that creative work exists in a social context.
Develop an inventive, individualized, flexible, and entrepreneurial plan for maintaining a sustained practice.

Collaboration and Participation

Participate in cross-disciplinary collaborative work, engaging fully with structured programming as well as with alternative sites and communities, engaging with concepts and entities outside of the immediate artistic and academic bubbles of one’s discipline.
Demonstrate an awareness of the artist’s role as one of local and global citizen. Social and global awareness includes an understanding that power structures operate through all forms of communication–in the creation of meaning and therefore in the making and interpretation of works.

Communication and Articulation

Demonstrate an aptitude for the communication of ideas through multiple modes of expression and the intentional consideration of audience. Aptitude includes formal skill as well as an an articulation of one’s own ideas and creative work as subjective. Communication will demonstrate an ongoing awareness of and consideration for social and cultural contexts.
Actively consider and respond to issues around appropriation, influence, and source material through one’s creative and professional practice. In all academic and creative work, all appropriated words, images, and ideas of others will be fully and clearly identified.

Critical and Creative Thinking

Engage in critical and creative thinking by demonstrating an ability to assess ideas, research, theories, and/or creative works presented by diverse thinkers and makers, synthesize multiple perspectives into a coherent understanding of a problem, issue, or question, and generate alternative responses, as demonstrated in the coherent presentation of a question, interpretation, or approach in multiple modes or forms.
Demonstrate expanded formal and conceptual exploration, applying those connections to one’s own practice by drawing inspiration and/or differentiation from a wide range of formal strategies and ways of constructing meaning.

Ethical and Social Responsibility

Reflect on behavior with an awareness of one’s ethical and social responsibility. This includes active, thoughtful participation in community and advocacy for one’s own health and wellness and that of others. Students will demonstrate self-reliance, empathy, and social literacy in their personal, academic, and professional interactions.
Utilize ethical scholarly practice in creative and academic work.

(No Active Programs)

Courses

MFP 701 - Graduate Seminar: Photography I

This first residency seminar will be a review and overview of Western and Non-Western art and its place within culture from its conception through to the early 1900s. The discourse will focus on our perception of what makes art, why art matters, and how and why it has changed and continues to develop as well as how it affects and is affected by cultural attitudes and shifts. Major artists and movements as well as cultural events will be discussed. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFP 702 - Graduate Seminar: Photography II

This second residency seminar will be an overview of the technical and aesthetic developments in photography from its inception in 1827 in France as a tool for documentation, through the first part of the twentieth century when American and European photographers embraced and promoted photography as a fine art medium. Major bodies of work produced during this time period, including European portraiture by Nadar and Julia Margaret Cameron; photography and the documentation of social issues such as child labor and poverty during the Great Depression will be presented and discussed along with the Photo-Secession movement and Modernism in photography as reflected in the work of the F64 group. Topics are explored in writing assignments and class discussions as well as through readings, video and film viewing. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFP 703 - Graduate Seminar: Photography III

This third residency seminar explores the major figures working in photography after WWII as the medium began to be accepted widely as fine art by museums, galleries, art historians, and the general public. Significant technical advancements in photography including color imaging, the Polaroid instant process and digital imaging reshape the language of the medium and revolutionize the way photographers and artists are able to communicate with an audience. Digital advances now allow photographers to compete with painters and other large-scale artists exploring a range of environmental; and social issues in a postmodernism culture. Topics include the concepts that led to the development of modernism, postmodernism, feminism, colonialism, and racial representation; commodity culture, as well as ideas about collecting; technology; and digital revolution. Topics are explored in writing assignments and class discussions as well as through readings, video and film viewing. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFP 704 - Graduate Seminar IV

In this seminar students will explore tactics for creating and sustaining their art profession. Students will create a professional portfolio including a CV, artist statements, images of their work, a business card, and other promotional materials, as well as develop a website or blog. Discussion will focus on potential professional opportunities for each individual, now and in the future. Each student will set professional goals and develop skills to succeed in meeting these goals. This course concludes with students giving a 15-minute professional public artist presentation about their work in their final residency. (3 Credits)

MFP 726 - Thesis Research and Writing, Visual Arts and Photography

Pulling from the prior three seminars, as well as each students individual research, this seminar asks students to critically engage with the big ideas or questions that inform their studio practice, and then learn how to present those ideas in written form. There are critical reading assignments, writing exercises and class discussions about both research tactics and the ideas born from that research. As the thesis essay is seen as a practical, useful document, this seminar helps students find ways to reflect and think deeply about where they have been and where they hope to go. (1 Credit)

MFP 727 - Professional Practices (Visual Arts, Photography, and Writing)

MFP 751 - Studio Comp: Photography I

This first semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the first residency. Goals should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFP 752 - Studio Comp: Photography II

This second semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the second residency. Goals are guided by work completed during the first semester and should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFP 753 - Studio Comp: Photography III

This third semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the third residency. Goals are guided by work completed during the second semester and should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed ; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFP 754 - Thesis Project: Photography

This fourth semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the fourth residency. Building on the work created in the last three semester goals should aim the student forward towards the development of a serious body of thesis work and should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFP 791 - Elective I

Students take one six-hour elective each residency. These electives are workshop-, studio-, or performance-based and are assigned with the intention of expanding the students artistic practice outside their chosen field of study. Students are encouraged to engage and create in a context outside their traditional studio or classroom. (2 Credits)

MFP 792 - Elective II

MFP 793 - Elective III

Visual Arts

Program Description

During the residency:

Students present, in select studio groups, all work created during the semester.
Students are required to participate in formal History, Theory and Criticism seminars, lectures and discussions that develop and expand the students knowledge about Art and Culture as well as their understanding of their own work and the place it fits in the contemporary art world. Over the course of the 5 residencies faculty present lectures and syllabi on history, professional practices, and theories, related to arts that advance the students understanding of the development of concepts in art from the past to the present. Students write reviews and criticism of the ideas presented as well as on their own ideas and work, these writings culminate in an extensive thesis paper which not only proves their comprehension of Theory and History but also places their work within the contexts of art.
Students are required to participate in small group and individual critiques with faculty and visiting artists. These critiques are an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue, share concepts, review accomplishments and make plans for further development of work and concepts in coming semester and beyond graduate school.
Each residency, visiting artists will lecture of a variety of topics including their own work, professional practices, and theory. Students are required to attend all lectures in a given residency. Students have the opportunity to sign up for individual critiques with visiting artists.
With faculty assistance students choose an approved artist mentor for the coming semester. Each semester the student must choose a different artist mentor.
Each residency, in concert with their faculty advisor and with the oversight of the Director of the Graduate Program, students make a detailed and comprehensive plan for the coming semester. This plan is the basis for reading, writing and creative, work goals and guides student - mentor discussion during the semester.

During the semester:

Students meet with their chosen artist mentor for critique at least 3 times during a residency and are in written or verbal contact with them each month.
Students will write a summary of the residency they have just attended.
In discussion with their faculty advisor and artist mentor students create and complete an individual reading list which supports their creative work.
Students are given reading assignments to complete which prepare them for and complement the History, Theory and Criticism seminars, lectures and discussions.
During the semester students write 4 semi-formal papers that they submit to their faculty advisor. The topic of these papers is guided by advisor suggestions, which are based on reading, theory and creative work goals, stated during the residency. These papers are intended to connect critical theory and history lessons during the residency with students work and lead to structuring the final thesis.
Students are in written and/or verbal contact with their faculty advisor throughout the semester. During these contact hours students and faculty discuss; goals successfully completed; challenges faced; written work; and review the mentor relationship.
Students complete a stated amount of work during the residency. Students are expected to devote 25 hours a week to their work. When they return to the next residency students present all work done during the semester.
Students will write an artist statement and biography that they will bring with them to the next residency.
Students will write a semester summary highlighting their achievements as well as detailing challenges and experiences over the semester.
After discussion with the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and the Department Chair or the student’s Director of Program, students may use existing facilities and resources at the Institute of Art at New England College Manchester Campus (such as, but not limited to, the library’s special collections, wood fire kiln, digital labs or other resources). An additional fee for facilities use and resources will be determined.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of a graduate degree program at the Institute of Art at New England College, students will:

Content Knowledge and Application

Apply technical skills as appropriate to a student’s medium, subject, and conceptual concerns. To this end, demonstrate committed, disciplined studio practice and full engagement in the intentional formal presentation of one’s creative work, as relevant to the discipline.
Demonstrate an ability to actively and fully engage in individual and group discussions, including thoughtful participation, intentional listening, and receptiveness to constructive dialog and critique.
Engage in risk taking and invention in one’s creative and academic work. Risk-taking and invention should also be evident in research, writing, and through full and rigorous engagement in the curriculum. Risk taking implies comfort with a range of ideas and perspectives, as well as with contradiction and ambiguity.
Demonstrate an understanding of one’s work relative to historical and contemporary practice and demonstrate an awareness that creative work exists in a social context.
Develop an inventive, individualized, flexible, and entrepreneurial plan for maintaining a sustained practice.

Collaboration and Participation

Participate in cross-disciplinary collaborative work, engaging fully with structured programming as well as with alternative sites and communities, engaging with concepts and entities outside of the immediate artistic and academic bubbles of one’s discipline.
Demonstrate an awareness of the artist’s role as one of local and global citizen. Social and global awareness includes an understanding that power structures operate through all forms of communication–in the creation of meaning and therefore in the making and interpretation of works.

Communication and Articulation

Demonstrate an aptitude for the communication of ideas through multiple modes of expression and the intentional consideration of audience. Aptitude includes formal skill as well as an an articulation of one’s own ideas and creative work as subjective. Communication will demonstrate an ongoing awareness of and consideration for social and cultural contexts.
Actively consider and respond to issues around appropriation, influence, and source material through one’s creative and professional practice. In all academic and creative work, all appropriated words, images, and ideas of others will be fully and clearly identified.

Critical and Creative Thinking

Engage in critical and creative thinking by demonstrating an ability to assess ideas, research, theories, and/or creative works presented by diverse thinkers and makers, synthesize multiple perspectives into a coherent understanding of a problem, issue, or question, and generate alternative responses, as demonstrated in the coherent presentation of a question, interpretation, or approach in multiple modes or forms.
Demonstrate expanded formal and conceptual exploration, applying those connections to one’s own practice by drawing inspiration and/or differentiation from a wide range of formal strategies and ways of constructing meaning.

Ethical and Social Responsibilty

Reflect on behavior with an awareness of one’s ethical and social responsibility. This includes active, thoughtful participation in community and advocacy for one’s own health and wellness and that of others. Students will demonstrate self-reliance, empathy, and social literacy in their personal, academic, and professional interactions.
Utilize ethical scholarly practice in creative and academic work.

(No Active Programs)

Courses

MFV 801 - Graduate Seminar:Visual Arts I

MFV 802 - Graduate Seminar: Visual Arts II

This second residency seminar will explore concepts and objects of modernity in art, visual culture, and culture. Topics include public/private sphere issues, high and low culture, notions of self and identity, sexual difference and gender. Critical theory discourses and developments in art techniques, work methods and means of production, as well as the impact of cultural events in the 20th-and early 21st-century will be discussed. Topics are explored in writing assignments and class discussions as well as through readings, video and film viewing. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFV 803 - Graduate Seminar: Visual Arts III

This third residency seminar explores the methods, techniques and concepts that have guided Post-Modern and Contemporary Art. Topics include the concepts that led to the development of modernism itself and its impact on culture. The rapid progression and development of ideas will be discussed; including postmodern concepts, race and gender, and commodity culture. The influence of museum, collector and gallery as well as the impact of technology and the digital revolution will be explored. Students will participate in writing assignments and class discussions as well as readings, video and film viewing. Each student will produce short written papers that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFV 804 - Graduate Seminar IV

MFV 826 - Thesis Research and Writing, Visual Arts and Photography

MFV 827 - Professional Practices, Visual Arts and Photography

MFV 851 - Studio Comp: Visual Arts I

MFV 852 - Studio Comp:Visual Arts II

This second semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the second residency. Goals are guided by work completed during the first semester and should include but are to limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFV 853 - Studio Comp:Visual Arts III

This third semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the third residency. Goals are guided by work completed during the second semester and should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFV 854 - Thesis Project:Visual Arts

This fourth semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the fourth residency. Building on the work created in the last three semester goals should aim the student forward towards the development of a serious body of thesis work and should include but will not be limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFV 891 - Elective I

MFV 892 - Elective II

MFV 893 - Elective III

Writing

(No Active Programs)

Courses

MFW 601 - Graduate Seminar: Writing I

This first residency seminar serves as a review and overview of Western and non-Western literature from Antiquity to the mid-1800s. The discourse will focus on reaching an understanding of representative works in their cultural/historical contexts and of the development of literary form and genres within the different literary traditions. The courses pedagogy gives special attention to critical thinking and writing about the relation between form, content and context, as well as comparative and interdisciplinary analysis. Major writers, movements and shifts in cultural and political attitudes will be discussed. Students will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFW 602 - Graduate Seminar: Writing II

This second residency seminar explores literature in modern times, with special emphasis on the development of literary modernism in fiction writing. Topics include theories of the unconscious and writing, the linguistic turn, the return of archaic, art for arts sake high and low culture, and themes of alienation. Topics are explored in writing assignments and class discussions as well as through readings, video and film viewing. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFW 603 - Graduate Seminar: Writing III

This third residency seminar explores the enormous influence of postmodern theory (post WWII_ on the literary world, on into the influence of a post-9/11 digital world on the current literary landscape. Topics include the influence of post-structuralism, feminism, psychoanalysis, post-colonial and queer theories on literature from the mid-twentieth century-on, and the influence of the Internet and advanced digital technology on fiction today. Topics are explored in writing assignments, class discussions, readings, and viewings of film and video. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany assigned readings. (3 Credits)

MFW 604 - Graduate Seminar IV

Students learn to apply the critical understanding of the integration of theory and practice to their own writing. The content of the course is essentially driven by student work and research. To that end readings and content are reliant on and responsive to the students field of research related to their writing. Research skills are employed to deepen students individual writing practice and find an appropriate language in writing and speech to critically engage their practice as artists in the creative process. Each students Thesis begins with a written proposal that delineates his or her artistic practice and outlines a research plan and goals for their creative work. Students will then work on subjective and objective writing, developing short papers over the semester that will become the basis for their Thesis. Students will work in small collaborative discussion groups and support each other in expanding and deepening their research through a series of presentations taking place over four sessions. (3 Credits)

MFW 626 - Thesis Research and Writing, Visual Arts and Photography

MFW 627 - Professional Practices (Visual Arts, Photography, and Writing)

MFW 651 - Studio Comp: Writing I

This first semester studio component will involved the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the first residency. Goals should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFW 652 - Studio Comp: Writing II

MFW 653 - Studio Comp: Writing III

This third semester studio component will involve the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the third residency. Goals are guided by work completed during the first semester and should include but are not limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFW 654 - Thesis Project: Writing

This fourth semester studio component will involved the student fulfilling the work goals they created for themselves in discussion with their advisor during the fourth residency. Building on the work created in the last three semester goals should aim the student forward towards the development of a serious body of thesis work and should include but will not be limited to; the number of works to be completed; the type of material and technical skills to be developed; conceptual ideas to be developed; research of concepts, artists and methodologies. Each student will produce short writing assignments that accompany their readings. (3-10 Credits) Repeatable up to 10 credits.

MFW 691 - Elective I

MFW 692 - Elective II

MFW 693 - Elective III

Writing for Stage and Screen

(No Active Programs)

Courses

MFS 901 - Story/Script Development I

Taken during a students first residency. An introduction to the foundational elements of the play script and screenplay including premise, plot, character, story structure, format and dialogue. Comparative studies of the stage and screen versions of selected narrative works, exploring similarities and differences. (3 Credits)

MFS 902 - Story/Script Development II

Taken during a students first residency. Intensive examination of how to test and develop viable story ideas for both plays and screenplays. The focus is on process, beginning with a germ of an idea and expanding it step by step into a workable preliminary structure that incorporates the essential and foundational dramatic ingredients that must be in place to create a successful script. Extensive discussion, analysis, and development of student story ideas. (3 Credits)

MFS 903 - Story/Script Development III

Taken during each of a students first four residencies. An ongoing course offered each semester that analyzes selected masterworks of theatre and film both on the page and in their finished form on the stage and screen. Close examination of how the successful script is a means to an end, coming to life through performance, direction, and the cameras eye. In lieu of texts, the course will work with the actual play scripts and screenplays of selected masterworks, incorporating readings and/or performances of scenes from the plays and screenings of the films. (3 Credits)

MFS 904 - Story/Script Development IV

Taken during a students first semester residency. A thorough analysis of the structural components of dramatic storytelling, both in plays and screenplays. A variety of genres are examined as well as the problems and challenges involved with adapting a work from another medium. Emphasis on the structural shape works take on as they play out in time. Traditional three-act structure is compared to other structural story frameworks. (2 Credits)

MFS 911 - Professional Practices I

Taken during a students third semester residency. Students study the elements of the successful pitch, prepare a pitch session for one or more of their projects, and pitch it to a gathered group of theatre and film professionals. Critique and analysis. (1 Credits)

MFS 912 - Professional Practices II

Taken during a students fourth semester residency. A thorough examination of the business side of a writers work including copyright law, authorship agreements, production contracts, literary representation, and other legal and professional issues critical to the playwright and screenwriter once a script enters production. (1 Credits)

MFS 926 - Thesis Research and Writing

Taken during a student’s fourth semester in conjunction with MFS 952 (Writing Component IV), the course consists of research, reflection, and development of a paper that focuses on a strategic plan for the student’s writing career post graduation. This paper should consist of four basic components:

an artistic statement of your philosophy and goals as a writer for the stage and screen, including discussion of artistic influences;
how you plan to promote and market your work in the next five years;
your thoughts regarding teaching a beginning script writing course on the college level, including the kinds of exercises and written work you might assign and when, how you would structure a semester-long course, including the reading of student work; and
articulating any fears and/or frustrations you have as you look at the next five years regarding your writing career.

In addition, the course consists of the student preparing and delivering a thesis talk at the fifth and final residency, based in part on the strategic plan outlined above. (1 Credit)

MFS 951 - Writing Component I

Taken during each of a students first four semester residencies. Meets both as a class and in one-on-one conferencing with the students semester mentor to analyze ad determine the projects that will be the focus for their semesters work. Preliminary outlines of selected projects of carrying length and genres are presented for discussion. Project are considered and selected based on each students on-going progress in the program and his or her specific genre and subject areas of interest. (10 Credits)

MFS 952 - Writing Component II

MFS 953 - Writing Component III

MFS 954 - Thesis Project

MFS 991 - Elective I

Taken during the first residency this course allows students to select from a variety of subject matter to enhance their artistic understanding and engage with students from the four programs. Elective studies provide opportunities for students to follow specific areas of interest related to their areas of specialization or their prospective careers. (2 Credits)

MFS 992 - Elective II

Taken during the second residency this course allows students to select from a variety of subject matter to enhance their artistic understanding and engage with students from the four programs. Elective studies provide opportunities for students to follow specific areas of interest related to their areas of specialization or their prospective careers. (2 Credits)

MFS 993 - Elective III

Taken during the third residency this course allows students to select from a variety of subject matter to enhance their artistic understanding and engage with students from the four programs. Elective studies provide opportunities for students to follow specific areas of interest related to their areas of specialization or their prospective careers. (2 Credits)

Contract All Courses | Print this page.

Print this Page