Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 University Catalog 
    
2018-2019 University Catalog [Archived Catalogue]

BFA in Craft + Material Studies


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Mi-Kyoung Lee, Program Director
mlee@uarts.edu
215.717.6107

C O N T E N T S

Description

Students major in Craft + Material Studies with a concentration in one of the following areas: Ceramics, Fibers/ Textile, Glass, Jewelry/Metals, or Wood/Furniture. Students use elective credits for deeper study within a discipline to combine multiple craft disciplines or to sample the many courses offered across the university. Students who pursue a B.F.A. in Craft + Material Studies will work closely with an advisor to determine the curricular path that best matches their artistic goals. At the heart of the major is thinking through making. Craft students are passionate about working with materials and about discussing the ideas and concepts underlying their art. Craft students learn to express themselves through material and process. Some students are interested in functional formats: pottery, blown glass, jewelry, wearables, furniture, etc. Others make work addressing other areas of contemporary art and design practice. Having experienced personal control of all aspects of making, from initial design to final finished piece, Craft graduates are flexible and well-prepared to enter the profession as independent studio artists, find positions in related fields in design, business and industry, or go on to pursue advanced degrees.

Program Objectives

  • Students demonstrate independent, creative problem solving and original thinking. They exhibit a distinct and personal approach to art making.
  • Students demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues and historical precedents. They have an appreciation for experimentation/innovation as well as for the traditions of making as applied to contemporary craft practice.
  • Students acquire and demonstrate the professional skills needed to be successful as artists, entrepreneurs, designers for industry and productive citizens.
  • Students are able to talk and write about art (including their own work) critically, intelligently and with considerable insight.
  • Students acquire the level of technical skill required for them to reach their career goals. They establish a work practice appropriate to their ideas and demonstrate a deep familiarity with materials and processes.

Academic Plan

Academic plans provide a semester by semester suggested course sequence. Plans can be customized through discussions with academic advisors.

Program Requirements (120 credits)

Major Selection


  • Select 4 courses from subjects: CERA, FIBR, GLAS, METL, WOOD; 200 level 12 credits
  • Select 2 courses from subjects: CERA, FIBR, GLAS, METL, WOOD; 300 level 6 credits
  • Select 2 courses from subjects: CERA, FIBR, GLAS, METL, WOOD; 400 level 6 credits

 

Concentration


Craft + Material Studies students who declare a concentration should complete the corresponding concentration course sequence below. 

Discipline History (12 credits)


Critical Studies (30 credits)


Students will complete a writing placement exam to determine their composition sequence. Students who do not complete the exam may be placed based on standardized tests scores (if available) or high school GPA. Some students may be required to complete additional developmental coursework.

Students will complete one of the following sequences:

First Year Writing (6 credits)


Developmental


ESL


Critical Approaches to the Arts and Culture (9 credits)


  • Select 3 courses from subject CRIT

Scientific Inquiry Foundation Track (3 credits)


  • Select 1 course from subject SIFT

Critical Studies Electives (12 credits)


  • Select courses from subjects:
    • AHST (Art History), HIST (History)
    • FRCH (French), ITAL (Italian), LITT (Literature)
    • PHIL (Philosophy), RELI (Religion)
    • MATH (Math), SCIE (Science)
    • ANTH (Anthropology), PHIL (Philosophy), PSYC (Psychology), SOCI (Sociology)
    • STCU (Cultural Studies), STDA (Dance Studies), STGS (Gender & Sexuality Studies),
      STMU (Music Studies), STPF (Performance Studies) 
  • Select courses from  : Art History or Critical Studies Elective.

Electives (15 credits)


  • Complete 15 credits of free electives. This requirement is satisfied by any undergraduate course that isn’t required by the program.

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