School of Visual Art and Design
Laura Kissel, Director
Andrew Graciano, Associate Chair
The School of Visual Art and Design draws upon the strengths of multiple artistic and aesthetic disciplines, newer media, and information technology to provide superior instruction in the visual and media arts. The school seeks to foster and maintain an intellectual and physical environment that encourages and supports research, scholarship, artistic expression, and creative production.
The School of Visual Art and Design offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Interdisciplinary Master of Arts, and Master of Fine Arts. The school is divided into four areas: art education, art history, studio art, and media arts. These areas offer seven separate programs of study leading to advanced graduate degrees.
Admission
Applicants for a graduate degree in the School of Visual Art and Design must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved and accredited college or university and meet all requirements for admission to both The Graduate School and the School of Visual Art and Design.
Applications deadlines are as follows:
- Studio Art (MFA and MA): January 15
- Art History (MA): March 1
- Media Arts (MA): March 1
- Art Education (MA, IMA, MAT): March 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
Applications Requirements
Requirements that are common to all programs are listed first, followed by program-specific items. Please be sure to fulfill all appropriate requirements.
For all programs:
- completion of an online Graduate School application;
- official transcripts from all institutions attended, including proof of baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
- two letters of recommendation (at least one from a professor);
- submission by applicants whose native language is not English of a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam; or Pearson Test of English (Academic). The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 80 (computer-based) or 550 (paper-based); the minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5; and the minimum Pearson Score is 59;
- measles immunization form (if born after December 1956).
Courses
Methods of teaching art to elementary and preschool children. Major emphasis will be given to relevant studio experiences.
Curriculum, methods, and materials for teaching art to elementary and preschool children.
Experiential practice and learning in elementary schools.
A study of prominent theories of the artistic development of children from infancy through adolescence. Students will examine children’s art from various age groups and apply theoretical explanations to these observations.
An introduction to art education as a profession. The history, curricular development, and current issues are examined. Students practice proven teaching techniques.
A sequence of supervised practicum experiences in middle and secondary school art education settings. Seminars and group discussions.
Applications new media such as digital photography, sound, and other interactive hypermedia for the art classroom. Emphasis on integrating art production with art history, criticism, and aesthetics.
Curriculum, methods, and materials for teaching art to secondary school students.
Experiential curriculum, methods, and materials for teaching secondary schoolchildren.
A workshop especially for teachers and prospective teachers, featuring practical art experiences and projects for elementary and secondary school. Topic varies by title.
Research methods used in art education and related areas.
Problems in teaching a discipline-based approach to art education; examination of the lives and works of famous artists and production of teaching materials.
Subject-centered approach to art history; the interrelationship of art and society, and the significance of art in social change.
Comprehensive studies of curriculum designs and methods, methods and technologies from modernist to postmodernist assumptions in elementary and high school art education programs.
Art methods for elementary schools.
Art methods for elementary schools practicum.
Interactive technology in art programs using the computer as a creative tool in art education.
Secondary methods of art instruction.
Practical experience in secondary methods of art instruction.
Seminar for art education internship. Students will be guided through practical field experience and the ADEPT evaluation system.
Internship in art education.
May be repeated up to a maximum of nine hours.
A seminar for art history majors and graduate students in the history and various methodologies of the discipline.
Supervised experience in the field of art history, including museums, galleries, art dealers and auction houses. Requires a university internship contract and is subject to approval by advisor. May be repeated.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
Seminar in the art and civilization of the pre-Roman Etruscan peoples of Italy. Slide lectures, discussion sessions, and some examination of archaeological field methods and pottery classification.
Topic varies by title.
Topic varies by title.
An analysis of the paintings and painters of importance during the period of the Renaissance in Europe.
A survey of the major developments in the art of sculpture associated with the European Renaissance.
European architecture and architectural theory during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The artistic development of Florence from the age of Giotto to that of Michelangelo as seen in the context of social and cultural developments.
Topic varies by title.
17th-century European painting.
17th and 18th-century European sculpture.
The architecture of Europe in the 17th century with special attention to the major architects of Italy, France, Germany, and England. Topics to be included are: the church, the palace, the garden, and city planning.
Topic varies by title.
Topic varies by title.
A detailed examination of 20th century painting.
The development of sculpture in the 19th and 20th centuries with special attention to contemporary tendencies.
Topic varies by title.
Topic varies by title.
Important aspects of American painting with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.
A consideration of the evolution of architecture in America including aspects of town and city planning.
A survey of our material culture concentrating upon the evolution of styles.
Topic varies by title.
Topics in modern Chinese art selected for specialized study. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Topics in Asian art selected for specialized study. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Topic varies by title.
A critical examination of the development of the discipline of art history and an analysis of its major trends and theoretical positions.
Intensive study of a specific topic in film and media studies. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Technical, aesthetical, and historical study of the development of printmaking.
The history and theory of museums and an introduction to museum practices in the setting of a multi-disciplinary institution. Practical experience provided through the various units of the University Museums.
Museum practices emphasizing the conservation, installation, and interpretation of the object in the context of an art museum. Practical experience provided through the Columbia Museum of Art.
History, theory, practices, ethics, and procedures of modern art conservation. Practical experience provided through the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Intensive study of a specific topic in film and media history. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Topic varies by title.
Independent study for advanced undergraduate majors and graduate students in art history. Approved independent study contract required for enrollment. May be repeated, but no more than 12 credits of Independent Study may be applied to the degree.
Critical study of the discipline of art history and scholarly approaches to practices of the discipline.
A history of art seminar focusing on contemporary trends in the visual arts.
Selected problems in the visual arts from c.1780 to the present. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Selected problems in modern Chinese art. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Selected problems in Asian art. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Independent final project in art history.
The analysis, structuring, and production of individual works of art using traditional and non-traditional approaches.
Business practices for the studio artist. Contracts, portfolio preparation, promotion, alternate professions, museums, galleries, copyright, and shipping will be discussed.
BFA Painting Capstone course stressing focus on further development of individual approaches to painting culminating in a cohesive body of work and a written thesis defense.
BFA Painting Capstone course focusing on further development of individual approaches to painting culminating in a BFA Senior Thesis Exhibition and defense.
Introduction to traditional and experimental transparent watercolor technique. Encompasses field work at off campus locations.
Advanced study of watercolor and water-based media with emphasis on individual creative expression. Encompasses field work at off campus locations.
Advanced study in various painting problems, content varies by title.
Further development of individual approaches to printmaking.
Professional development practices including preparing a portfolio and oral presentation of work, researching career options, and preparing applications for exhibition and funding opportunities.
Preparing for an exhibition.
Advanced investigation and analysis of various printmaking techniques. Topic varies by title.
Further development of a personal approach to the ceramic process, supported by an investigation of ceramic history.
Further development of a personal approach to the ceramic process, supported by an investigation of ceramic history.
Advanced investigation and analysis of problems and methods in ceramics. Topics vary by title.
Personal concepts and expressions in various three-dimensional media.
Personal concepts and expressions in various three-dimensional media.
Investigation and analysis of various three-dimensional concepts, processes, and techniques. Content varies by title.
Further development of individual approaches to drawing with emphasis on intellectual and visual perception as content.
Further development of individual drawing with emphasis on intellectual and emotive approaches.
Human anatomy and instruction in drawing and painting the model from life in a variety of media.
Advanced study in the processes and materials of fiber arts.
Advanced study in the processes and materials of fiber arts.
The art and techniques of handmade paper.
Advanced study in various technical aspects of fiber arts. Topic varies by title.
Work experience at a visual communication place of business.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships
Advanced individual projects in graphic design.
The development of individual directions in jewelrymaking.
The development of individual directions in jewelrymaking.
Contemporary applications of traditional craft media, emphasizing the design and conceptual development of works of art.
Advanced study in various technical aspects of jewelrymaking. Topic varies by title.
Further development of individual approaches to photography.
Further development of individual approaches to photography.
Advanced investigation and analysis of problems in photography. Topic varies by title.
Advanced visual arts computing techniques on using software such as Photoshop, Studio Pro, and Netscape.
Television as a medium; small format video systems are used in the creation of individual projects.
Independent study for advanced undergraduate majors and graduate students in art studio. Approved independent study contract required for enrollment.
A multi-level graduate painting class focusing on field work and studio practice through both individiaul tutorial and group exercises with a painting area faculty member. May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
Individually directed studies in art. Content varies with instructor. May be repeated up to a maximum of 9 hours.
Independent study for advanced graduate students in art studio. Approved independent study contract required for enrollment.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
A multi-level graduate level painting class that includes both group seminar and individual tutorial under the direction of a painting area faculty member. The course will address student’s individual initiatives in context of issues in the medium. May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 18 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 15 hours.
May be repeated up to a maximum of 9 hours.
Formulation of a proposal for a creative terminal project and initiation of that project.
Creation of creative terminal project.
Advanced study of screenwriting. Content varies by course title: 521A Screenwriting; 521B Feature Film; 521C Manga and Anime; 521D Television Writing. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Advanced study of feature film writing. Content varies by course title: 521A Screenwriting; 521B Feature Film; 521C Manga and Anime; 521D Television Writing. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Advanced study of Manga and Anime. Content varies by course title: 521A Screenwriting; 521B Feature Film; 521C Manga and Anime; 521D Television Writing. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Advanced study of television writing. Content varies by course title: 521A Screenwriting; 521B Feature Film; 521C Manga and Anime; 521D Television Writing. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Narrative for motion picture. Content varies with course title: 571A, Narrative; 571B, Documentary; 571C, Animation; 571D, Experimental; 571E, Cinematography; 571F, Sound for Motion Picture. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Documentary production. Content varies with course title: 571A, Narrative; 571B, Documentary; 571C, Animation; 571D, Experimental; 571E, Cinematography; 571F, Sound for Motion Picture. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Animation production. Content varies with course title: 571A, Narrative; 571B, Documentary; 571C, Animation; 571D, Experimental; 571E, Cinematography; 571F, Sound for Motion Picture. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Experimental motion picture production. Content varies with course title: 571A, Narrative; 571B, Documentary; 571C, Animation; 571D, Experimental; 571E, Cinematography; 571F, Sound for Motion Picture. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Motion picture cinematography. Content varies with course title: 571A, Narrative; 571B, Documentary; 571C, Animation; 571D, Experimental; 571E, Cinematography; 571F, Sound for Motion Picture. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Sound production for motion picture. Content varies with course title: 571A, Narrative; 571B, Documentary; 571C, Animation; 571D, Experimental; 571E, Cinematography; 571F, Sound for Motion Picture. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Art and practice of site-based and installation art. Content varies by course title: 581A, Site-based and Installation Art; 581B, Mobile Platforms; 581C, Media Performance; 581D, Video Game Design; 581E, Sound Art. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Art and practice of mobile platforms. Content varies by course title: 581A, Site-based and Installation Art; 581B, Mobile Platforms; 581C, Media Performance; 581D, Video Game Design; 581E, Sound Art. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Art and practice of media performance. Content varies by course title: 581A, Site-based and Installation Art; 581B, Mobile Platforms; 581C, Media Performance; 581D, Video Game Design; 581E, Sound Art. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Art and practice of video game design. Content varies by course title: 581A, Site-based and Installation Art; 581B, Mobile Platforms; 581C, Media Performance; 581D, Video Game Design; 581E, Sound Art. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Art and practice of sound art. Content varies by course title: 581A, Site-based and Installation Art; 581B, Mobile Platforms; 581C, Media Performance; 581D, Video Game Design; 581E, Sound Art. May be repeated as content varies by title up to 3 times.
Selected topics in media arts. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.
Intensive study of a specific topic in film and media studies. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Intensive study of a specific topic in film and media history. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Intensive study of a specific topic in U.S. film and media studies. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Intensive study of a specific topic concerning films produced in a country other than the United States. May be repeated as content varies by title.
Research in media management and distribution.
Approaches to research methods as these inform media arts and practice. Emphasis on the development of critical (e.g., theoretical, historical, social, cultural, etc.) engagement.
Application of theoretical concepts to media arts practice.
Advanced study of media storytelling in one or more of the following topics: 721A Screenwriting; 721B Feature Film; 721C Manga and Anime; 721D Television Writing.
Advanced study of media storytelling in one or more of the following topics: 721A Screenwriting; 721B Feature Film; 721C Manga and Anime; 721D Television Writing.
Advanced study of media storytelling in one or more of the following topics: 721A Screenwriting; 721B Feature Film; 721C Manga and Anime; 721D Television Writing.
Advanced study of media storytelling in one or more of the following topics: 721A Screenwriting; 721B Feature Film; 721C Manga and Anime; 721D Television Writing.
Advanced study of moving image production in one or more of the following topics: 771A Narrative; 771B Documentary; 771C Animation; 771D Experimental; 771E Cinematography; 771F Sound for Motion Picture. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of moving image production in one or more of the following topics: 771A Narrative; 771B Documentary; 771C Animation; 771D Experimental; 771E Cinematography; 771F Sound for Motion Picture. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of moving image production in one or more of the following topics: 771A Narrative; 771B Documentary; 771C Animation; 771D Experimental; 771E Cinematography; 771F Sound for Motion Picture. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of moving image production in one or more of the following topics: 771A Narrative; 771B Documentary; 771C Animation; 771D Experimental; 771E Cinematography; 771F Sound for Motion Picture. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of moving image production in one or more of the following topics: 771A Narrative; 771B Documentary; 771C Animation; 771D Experimental; 771E Cinematography; 771F Sound for Motion Picture. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of moving image production in one or more of the following topics: 771A Narrative; 771B Documentary; 771C Animation; 771D Experimental; 771E Cinematography; 771F Sound for Motion Picture. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of new media art in one or more of the following topics: 781A Site-based and Installation Art; 781B Mobile Platforms; 781C Media Performance; 781D Video Game Design; 781E Sound Art. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of new media art in one or more of the following topics: 781A Site-based and Installation Art; 781B Mobile Platforms; 781C Media Performance; 781D Video Game Design; 781E Sound Art. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of new media art in one or more of the following topics: 781A Site-based and Installation Art; 781B Mobile Platforms; 781C Media Performance; 781D Video Game Design; 781E Sound Art. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of new media art in one or more of the following topics: 781A Site-based and Installation Art; 781B Mobile Platforms; 781C Media Perfomance; 781D Video Game Design; 781E Sound Art. Course may be taken 2 times.
Advanced study of new media art in one or more of the following topics: 781A Site-based and Installation Art; 781B Mobile Platforms; 781C Media Performance; 781D Video Game Design; 781E Sound Art. Course may be taken 2 times.
Specialized research in media arts theory and/or practice.
Advanced study in one or more of the following topics in the media arts: 795A Media Theory; 795B Media History; 795C Media Aesthetics; 795D Global Media Culture; 795E Media Management and Distribution. Course can be taken 2 times.
Advanced study in one or more of the following topics in the media arts: 795A Media Theory; 795B Media History; 795C Media Aesthetics; 795D Global Media Culture; 795E Media Management and Distribution. Course can be taken 2 times.
Advanced study in one or more of the following topics in the media arts: 795A Media Theory; 795B Media History; 795C Media Aesthetics; 795D Global Media Culture; 795E Media Management and Distribution. Course can be taken 2 times.
Advanced study in one or more of the following topics in the media arts: 795A Media Theory; 795B Media History; 795C Media Aesthetics; 795D Global Media Culture; 795E Media Management and Distribution. Course can be taken 2 times.
Advanced study in one or more of the following topics in the media arts: 795A Media Theory; 795B Media History; 795C Media Aesthetics; 795D Global Media Culture; 795E Media Management and Distribution. Course can be taken 2 times.
Field experience in the media arts combined with directed research.
Development and completion of a creative media arts project grounded in theory and research. May be repeated twice for up to 6 hours.