MFA Courses

This studio class will focus on the understanding of the human surface and structural anatomy. Through drawings from live models, casts and the skeleton, students will gain a knowledge of the form and function of the human machine. Students will also explore the anatomy through the production of 3-dimensional studies in clay. Students will be expected to develop a substantial command of the language and terminology of anatomy.

This course of study has the goal of further refining techniques in complex 3-D model building and animation. Students apply previous study to the development of a reel using 3-D software. Students study further all aspects of 3-D model building and animation including lighting effects, camera angles, motion studies, digital video and sound. Graduate students must complete additional coursework demonstrating higher level course work including research, analytical and critical thinking skills in the form of a capstone project.

Students will produce a specific plan of action when entering the professional art and design field. Subjects to be researched will include such topics as financial planning, equipment needs, exhibition and/or employment opportunities and requirements, professional organizations and potential developments in the field.

In preparation for graduation, each Master of Fine Arts candidate must complete a “diploma piece.” The work(s) will demonstrate the application of concepts and skills developed in the program. A faculty committee will oversee the diploma project from initial concepts, studies and research through to final presentation of the piece. The course work will be evaluated on ambition, scope and success. The goal of the diploma project course is too prepare students to enter the professional art field.

This studio course is the first of three graduate studio courses in which the student will produce a substantial body of work in digital media. The student works to develop an innovative design process through a series of digital projects. Issues of style, innovation and technology will be addressed in individual and group critiques.

This studio course is designed to develop further a body of work. The student builds upon previous course work to refine focus and direction while continuing to develop design process and digital skills. Continued investigation of style, design and technology will be addressed in individual and group critiques.

his studio course continues to refine and focus the student’s body of work in preparation for a diploma project. The student works under the guidance of a 3-person faculty committee to further define and develop design process and digital skills. Issues of design theory and criticism related to the student’s body of work will be addressed in individual and group critiques.

This studio course is the first of three graduate studio courses in which the student will produce a substantial body of work in painting and drawing. The student will investigate issues of technique and subject while improving both skill and presentation. Issues of content, subject and expression will be addressed in individual and group critiques.

This studio course is designed to develop further a body of work. The student builds upon previous course works to refine focus and direction while continuing to develop skill and presentation. Continued investigation of content, subject and expression will be addressed in individual and group critiques.

This studio course continues to refine and focus the student’s body of work in preparation for a diploma project. The student works under the guidance of a 3-person faculty committee to further define and develop content, skill and presentation. Issues of art theory and criticism related to the student’s body of work will be addressed in individual and group critiques.

This course provides intensive concentration on issues and processes in the digital media and design field. The topic of the course will vary according to the current expanding issues available in the discipline. The course could cover such subjects as approaches to design and communication theory, the handling of software and technology or the understanding of production processes. Students are expected to perform at an advanced level that is consistent with a graduate program.

See description for GTD501 Graduate Studio: Special Topics in Digital Media and Design I.

See description for GTD501 Graduate Studio: Special Topics in Digital Media and Design I.

This course provides intensive concentration on issues and processes in painting and drawing. The topic of the course will vary according to the multiple areas of inquiry available in exploring painting and drawing issues. The course could cover such subjects as painting techniques from the Renaissance, approaches to contemporary history painting, and issues in portraiture. Students are expected to perform at an advanced level that is consistent with a graduate program.

See description for GTP501 Graduate Studio: Special Topics in Painting and Drawing I. Prerequisite: Pre-approval by Academic Dean.

GTP503  Graduate Studio: Special Topics in Painting and Drawing III
Prerequisite: Approval by Academic Dean
5 semester credit hours

See description for GTP501 Graduate Studio: Special Topics in Painting and Drawing I. Prerequisite: Pre-approval by Academic Dean.

This seminar course focuses on different theoretical, conceptual or thematic approaches examining specific art history issues. Course work includes readings, lectures, discussions and papers. The course could cover such topics as Renaissance and Baroque, Architecture in Chicago, and The Figure in 20th Century Art. Students are expected to perform at an advanced level that is consistent with a graduate program.

See description for GTA 501 Graduate Studies: Special Topics in Art History I.

See description for GTA 501 Graduate Studies: Special Topics in Art History I.

Students will be expected to stage a professional quality exhibition with an accompanying written thesis that will explain the work’s art historical and social significance.

This seminar course is the first of three graduate seminar courses in which the student will explore the relationship of history and culture to his/her work. Students investigate such areas as anthropology, science, art history, sociology, psychology, political science. Through individual research, writing and group discussion students begin to formulate a theoretical support for their work.

This seminar course is designed to develop further students' critical analysis and research began in Thesis Research I. Students continue to formulate a theoretical support for their work. Presentations, research and group discussion lead to an initial thesis draft.

This seminar course refines and focuses the student’s research in preparation for a final thesis paper. The student builds upon previous course work refining critical issues and direction of the thesis paper. Students present final research and a verbal presentation of his/her thesis to the seminar.

Students apply digital illustration and design skills using Macintosh-based production methods. Students should come out of this class with a sense of confidence in their ability to integrate their illustration work into design projects that incorporate layout and typography. Typography and graphic design, as they relate to print communications, will be explored as an essential component in the effective use of the computer applications. Traditional as well as digital illustrations will be created and utilized for print publications as well as in a ‘digital’ slide show. Graduate students must complete additional coursework demonstrating higher level course work including research, analytical and critical thinking skills in the form of a capstone project.

Everything done in this class will be "real world" print illustration. The student will concentrate on a more finalized completion of a working portfolio and will be working more independently on all assignments. There will be critiques during the concept stage and on the finished pieces. All assignments will remain deadline-oriented. This process will include the production of thumbnails, roughs, color comps, finished pencils, final art and computer design, including all typography. Graduate students must complete additional coursework demonstrating higher level course work including research, analytical and critical thinking skills in the form of a capstone project.

This course focuses on programming for multimedia and the development of web projects through the investigation of real-world production techniques such as conceptualization, timelines, resource assessment and information architecture, team-driven production, production, behaviors, testing and debugging. Projects will incorporate time based media, CD ROM/DVD technologies and the World Wide Web. This course requires a good working knowledge of Macromedia Director and HTML. Programs include: Macromedia Director, Adobe Premier, Sound Edit 16, ImageReady and Flash. Graduate students must complete additional coursework demonstrating higher level course work including research, analytical and critical thinking skills in the form of a capstone project.

This course teaches the student to develop a figurative sculpture based on direct observation of the model.  The students develop further understanding of key concepts including anatomy, proportion and structure.  Emphasis is placed on understanding of 3-dimensional form from intensive observation.  The exploration of materials which can include plaster, wax, patinas and finishes and preparation for metal casting will be covered in this course.

This course consists of instruction introducing environmental design concerns. Topics will focus on the development of 2-D and 3-D concepts and will incorporate model-building. Directed projects will focus on environmental graphics which may include trade show design, external environmental design, banners and signage, display kiosks, point-of-purchase displays and billboards. The computer will be used as one of the tools in the execution of projects. Graduate students must complete additional coursework demonstrating higher level course work including research, analytical and critical thinking skills in the form of a capstone project.