This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2020-2021

Program: M.A., Art

Art History

Program Description

Notice: Admission to the Art History option is suspended while the department reconsiders and revises the curriculum.

We teach our students to experience and value visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as to recognize the concurrent importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking. Our students must understand the history and traditions of art with their relevance to social and community concerns as well as the art of different cultures. They must utilize and interact with the services, facilities and technologies offered throughout the University as well as those provided by the Art department.

Program Requirements

A. Entrance Requirements

  1. B.A. in Art History or the equivalent, with a GPA of 3.0 or better and a minimum of 18 units of upper division art history (if ART 311 Bibliography, Research Methods and Historiography of Art History or its equivalent was not taken as part of the undergraduate major, it must be taken as part of the minimal art history requirements).
  2. Three professional recommendations.
  3. Written statement of purpose.
  4. Personal or telephone interview with an art history faculty member.
  5. Passing score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  6. Two samples of academic writing that demonstrate art historical research skills.

B. Requirements for Classified Graduate Status

  1. Students must pass the Upper Division Writing Proficiency Exam.
  2. Students who choose the Art History option must pass the Foreign Language Reading Exam in French or German and the art history comprehensive exam. In addition, they must complete 12 units of art history at the 400-level or above, including at least one class at the 500- or 600-level. Upon reaching classified status, students must form a thesis committee and select a thesis advisor. Students must complete an additional 12 units at the 500- or 600-level, which must include ART 611, ART 615 and two semesters of ART 519.

C. Requirements for the Degree

  1. Select a graduate advisor and thesis committee.
  2. Complete the Program for Master of Arts form with approval of a graduate advisor.
  3. Meet at least once a semester with the thesis committee to demonstrate satisfactory progress toward the degree.
  4. Complete a minimum of 30 units of approved graduate work comprised of the following:

(Approved student programs shall include a minimum of 21 units of graduate coursework at the 500- and 600-level).

1. Required Courses (6 units)

ART 611 History and Philosophy of Art (3)
or ART 590 History and Philosophy of Art Education (3)

ART 615 Art Analysis and Criticism (3)

2. Graduate Level Elective Courses

ART 500 History of Art Museums and Collecting in Western Civilization (3)
ART 502 Gallery and Museum Practices (3-3)
ART 519A-Z Selected Topics in Art History (3-3-3)
ART 520 Studio Problems: Video/Digital Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 521 Studio Problems: Painting (3-3-3-3)
ART 522 Studio Problems: Illustration (3-3)
ART 524 Studio Problems: Drawing (3-3-3-3)
ART 525 Studio Problems: Printmaking (3-3-3-3)
ART 535 Studio Problems: Sculpture (3-3-3-3)
ART 540 Studio Problems: Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 544 Studio Problems: Graphic Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 550 Studio Problems: Photography (3-3-3-3)
ART 560 Studio Problems in Ceramics Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 588 Studio Problems in Public Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 620 Advanced Studio Problems: Video/Digital Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 621 Advanced Studio Problems: Painting (3-3-3-3)
ART 622 Advanced Studio Problems: Illustration (3-3)
ART 624 Advanced Studio Problems: Drawing (3-3-3-3)
ART 625 Advanced Studio Problems: Printmaking (3-3-3-3)
ART 635 Advanced Studio Problems: Sculpture (3-3-3-3)
ART 640 Advanced Studio Problems: Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 644 Advanced Studio Problems: Graphic Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 650 Advanced Studio Problems: Photography (3-3-3-3)
ART 660 Advanced Studio Problems in Ceramics Design (3-3-3-3)
ART 681A/B Seminar in Art Education (3-3)
ART 686 Research in Art Education (3-3)
ART 688 Advanced Studio Problems: Public Art (3-3-3-3)
ART 696B-C Directed Graduate Research (2-3)
ART 699A-C Independent Study (1-3)

Students may apply approved 400-level courses toward their area of concentration.

(Not applicable in the Studio areas of concentration.)

3. Courses in Related and/or Outside Field (9 units)

These are to be selected, with the approval of the advisor, from 400-, 500- and 600-level courses in art or related fields.

4. Culminating Experience (6 units)

ART 698C Thesis or Graduate Project (3-3)

5. Oral examination, if deemed necessary by the appropriate departmental graduate committee.

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 30

Contact

Department of Art
Chair: Edward C. Alfano
Art and Design Center (ADC) 120
(818) 677-2242

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Acquire competent knowledge and skills in various art media, concepts and methodologies.
  2. Produce a competent body of individual and collaborative work suitable for a master of arts degree, for the local, national and global marketplace.
  3. Solve visual problems at a competent level, including understanding/application of the elements of art and principles of design.
  4. Utilize and apply critical-thinking skills to communicate ideas for their intended audience at a competent level in visual, oral and written formats.
  5. Acquire historical and contemporary knowledge of diverse cultural and aesthetic contexts, including political, visual and material culture.