Course description
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts provides academic preparation for candidates pursuing professional careers in the visual arts, teaching and museum positions. Students will develop a critical understanding of art, aesthetics and cultural education, and will gain broad-based knowledge and skills in:
• Forms and aesthetics in ceramic arts media
• Understanding of movements and concepts in art
• An ability to analyze formal issues and apply accurate terminology to that analysis
• Abilities to communicate aesthetic intentions verbally and in written form
• Skills necessary to organize an exhibition of personal works of art to meet M.F.A. criteria
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts offers academic training in the science, technology, aesthetics and management of a career in the ceramic arts. Lectures and critiques provide students with an understanding of the history of ceramics and the issues and ideas that underpin contemporary work in all aspects of the medium, as well as a firm grounding in the science of glaze formation, clay development and firing theory. Practical application of the science and technology of the ceramic arts are combined with individual research and skill building, culminating in exhibition-quality work demonstrating personal aesthetic expression.
Entrance Requirements Candidates for the M.F.A. program must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent training in ceramics. Students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than ceramics who provide evidence of life experience and skill in the ceramic arts may apply with permission of the program director.
To be considered for admission to the M.F.A. program, students must meet the admission requirements of the Hood College Graduate School and submit:
• A completed application to the Hood College Graduate School
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s recent work
• A statement that describes the applicant’s goals in entering the program
• A portfolio of 20 35mm slides of the applicant's ceramic art
• The applicants objectives in the portfolio submitted
Program Overview The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Arts requires candidates to complete a studio emphasis in ceramics with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater.
60 credits are required for graduation:
• 22 credits of core requirements
• 17 credits of required research
• 15 credits of general electives
• 6 credits of art history
Core Courses:
• ARTS 501 Glaze Application
• ARTS 502 Eastern Coil
• ARTS 504 Ceramic Decoration
• ARTS 505 Masters Throwing
• ARTS 508 Ceramic Sculpture
• ARTS 511 Properties of Clay
• ARTS 521 Properties of Glaze
• ARTS 530 Kiln Technology and Firing Theory
• ARTS 540 Clay and Glaze Chemistry, Theory and Practice
• ARTS 543 History of Ceramics
Research Courses:
• ARTS 570 Graduate Seminar in Personal Studio Research
• ARTS 576 Thesis Preparation
• ARTS 580 M.F.A. Thesis Research
• ARTS 595 M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition
