Graduate

The first in the required core course sequence taken by students in the first year of the environmental art and social practice M.F.A. The sequence offers students a graduated learning opportunity to engage in practice-based research in the field. The concept of practice-based research involves "an original investigation undertaken in order to gain new knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice." (Sydney) In this site-specific course, students apply research to site work and art practice.

The second in the required core course sequence taken by students in the first year of the environmental art and social practice M.F.A. The sequence offers students a graduated learning opportunity to engage in practice-based research in the field. The concept of practice-based research involves "an original investigation undertaken in order to gain new knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice." (Sydney) Students develop their research through the lens of systems and relationships.

Third in the required core course sequence taken by students in the first year of the environmental art and social practice M.F.A. The sequence offers students a graduated learning opportunity to engage in practice-based research in the field. The concept of practice-based research involves "an original investigation undertaken in order to gain new knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice." (Sydney) Students engage with questions of context and community.

First-year seminar on methods of the field. Topics include: strategies for artists working in the field, social and environmental art research methods, histories and case studies (artists, projects, and issues).

First- or second-year graduate seminar focusing on contemporary theory as it relates to social and environmental art practice.

First-year seminar course introducing and exploring pedagogical methods and approaches in art education and in art practice. The teachings of Paolo Freire and others serve as working models to construct open and respectful learning environments both in and outside the classroom.

First-year seminar course focusing on research and writing skills as a dimension of project-based art practice and as support for planning a thesis. This course can be taken for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.

Immersive site-specific field research over the span of a four-day (24 hours/overnight) field trip utilizing public lands of California, via the UC Natural Reserve System. Students engage and relate to a specific place while exploring concepts of site-specificity and develop their own new inquiries about a place by experiencing it physically and by learning about contemporary art concepts through topics of land use. Students also reflect upon the multiple factors that constitute a "site" and how they present possibilities for creative engagement, learn research method skills and approaches that are unique to each site historically, politically, culturally, and environmentally. Due to the rigor of the course, students must submit an application demonstrating the commitment and preparation necessary for successful completion of the class. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Second-year seminar course focusing on exhibition, curatorial questions, and practices as they relate to presenting final thesis work for public reception. Covers practical, theoretical, and historical considerations for artists and researchers in the process of preparing for presenting the outcome of MFA research. Students examine multiple modalities for presentation and exhibition and address issues of diversity and access in exhibition and curatorial practices. This course can be taken for Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only.

First in a sequence of two second-year courses, continuing the focus on students' production and critique. Through peer discussions students continue to deepen their ability to engage in conceptual, scholarly, and interdisciplinary dialogue about their projects and the work of fellow students.

Second in a sequence of two second-year courses, continuing the focus on students' production and critique. Through peer discussions students continue to deepen their ability to engage in conceptual, scholarly and interdisciplinary dialogue about their projects and the work of fellow students.

Students produce their final project in conjunction with refining and completing their written thesis. Critique, tutorials, and directed study in writing and studio production leads to the presentation of their project.

Independent study or research for graduate students. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students complete work toward their final thesis project production with the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. Students obtain permission from the faculty member and submit petition to the sponsoring agency. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in environmental art and social practice.