MFA in Craft – MFA in Craft]http://www.ocac.edu/programs-study/mfa-craft]MFA in Craft
Application Deadline: March 1st for priority funding. Positions open until filled.
Oregon
College of Art and Craft (OCAC) has a long tradition of educating
entrepreneurial, critical thinkers and creative makers who innovate
through engagement with materials. The MFA is an advanced Craft studies
program which emphasizes problem solving through the manipulation of
materials and the vigorous exchange across disciplines and media. With
an expansive and versatile approach, the MFA is an intellectual
investigation of process, purpose, and communication distinguished by
its methodology as much as its outcome. The 60 credit program combines
courses in studio creative practice, cross media studies, theoretical
seminars, and electives. The program has been designed as a full-time
immersion, with two full academic years (fall and spring) and one
mid-sequence summer term of study.
Key Areas of Studies
Creative Practice – 30 credits
Self-directed
studio work comprises half of the student’s required MFA credits, and
it is expected to be an ongoing practice throughout their course of
study, including the summer. Each graduate student will meet regularly
with a committee to discuss and evaluate their progress. The committee
consists of three members with at least one being an OCAC faculty
member. Fall and spring semesters require enrollment in a minimum of six
credits, and the summer session requires enrollment in a minimum of
three credits.
Integrated Practice (critique seminar) – 12 credits, 4 classes
Each
semester a distinguished MFA Instructor-in-Residence will lead a
seminar-based critique course focused on assisting graduate students in
understanding and articulating the substance of their work. This course
provides the structure for understanding the critical issues of craft
within the context of the student’s studio practice. The course is
augmented with discussions prompted by various outside academic and
professional guests, assigned readings, as well as trips off-campus to
area resources and exhibitions.
Critical Inquiry (Chair’s seminar) – 12 credits, 4 classes
Facilitated
by the MFA Chair, this course explores the contemporary, cultural,
critical, methodological and economic aspects of making art. OCAC
faculty, guest artists, writers, curators, and other relevant
professionals will assist in providing diverse competencies and
perspectives. The course will also address professional development
issues such as internships, grant writing, and pedagogical strategies.
This course is open to all first – and second-year MFA students and is
offered during the fall and spring terms only. Four semesters enrollment
in this three credit offering is required.
Exploratory Focus (electives) – 6 credits, 2 classes
The
curriculum provides 6 credits for graduate students to engage in
studies that investigate topics, techniques, or materials that are
specific to an individual student’s interest. In consultation with their
advisor, students may select elective offerings in the areas of
academic studies, book arts, ceramics, drawing and painting, fibers,
metals, photography and wood, as well as internships and independent
studies.
