ART HISTORY and CURATORIAL STUDIES MASTER of ARTS DEGREE BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

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1 ART HISTORY and CURATORIAL STUDIES MASTER of ARTS DEGREE BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY Art History and Curatorial Studies Faculty Heather Belnap Jensen, PhD, Assistant Professor 19 th Century European Art, Modern Art Mark Johnson, PhD, Professor Ancient, Early Christian and Byzantine Art, Medieval Art, History of Architecture Mark Magleby, PhD, Assistant Professor 18 th Century Art, 20 th Century Art Martha Peacock, PhD, Professor Renaissance and Baroque Art James Swensen, PhD, Assistant Professor American Art, Photography Adjunct Faculty Campbell Gray, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Museum Director Curatorial Studies, Theory and Criticism Marian Wardle, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Museum Curator American Art Aims and Purpose The MA program in Art History and Curatorial Studies was established with the primary intent of preparing students for further graduate study in art history and/or a professional career in curation, conservation, art librarianship, gallery work, or other art-related careers. Admission Application for admission to the MA program in Art History and Curatorial Studies is done through the Office of Graduate Studies in one of three ways: Online at ( Download application from Graduate Studies website; or,

2 Paper application from department or Office of Graduate Studies. Applicants must meet the following conditions in order to be considered for admission: A. Completion of an undergraduate degree in art history or related field with a minimum of 18 semester hours in art history. In exceptional cases, this expectation may be waived on condition that the student either demonstrate proficiency or make up the deficiencies during a probationary period. B. Achievement of a 3.5 GPA during the last two years of undergraduate study. C. Submission of all admissions material listed herein by February 1 (firm date). Items to be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies or completed online: 1. Completed application forms. 2. Two official transcripts for all college work. 3. Three letters of recommendation. 4. Graduate Record Exam scores. 5. Non-refundable application fee ($50). In addition to these materials to be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies, or online, the following should be attached to your electronic application and/or sent to the Art History and Curatorial Studies Graduate Coordinator, Department of Visual Arts, Brigham Young University, E-509 HFAC, Provo, Utah : 1. Two written papers (from any humanities-related field) that exhibit mature research, critical thinking skills, and sound writing skills. 2. A personal letter that introduces the applicant to the faculty, and which may include information regarding the student s experience with the arts, expectations from the program, academic and professional goals, financial needs, and anything else the student may feel important. This letter should be addressed to the Art History and Curatorial Studies Graduate Coordinator. As part of the application process, prospective students will be asked to: 1. Participate in an in-house exam that will assess critical reading and thinking skills relevant to the discipline of art history.

3 2. Interview with the art history faculty. D. The Art History and Curatorial Studies graduate faculty will review each application. Applicants will be notified by mail of the faculty decision one month after the deadline. Provisional Status Acceptance Should there be some concern by the faculty about any part of an application, and the faculty are willing to accept the applicant with reservation, that student will be informed that they have been accepted into the program on a provisional basis. Those provisions will be delineated in writing to the applicant with a specific time frame indicated for the applicant s successful completion of the provisions. Should the student not address and remove all provisions in the designated time allotted, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students who satisfy all provisions will be accepted as full standing degree-seeking students the following semester. Academic Standards and Student Review A. Students accepted into the graduate program are expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA in all graduate work and complete a minimum of 6 credit hours per year. B. The Art History and Curatorial Studies Faculty hold a review of the graduate students at the end of each semester and at the end of each summer. It is the intent of this review to examine and evaluate the progress of each graduate student in the program. Students are assessed in terms of their coursework, thesis progress, performance as teaching assistants/instructors, and commitment to the program. Student progress will be determined to be either satisfactory, marginal, or unsatisfactory. Since the review is concerned with aiding the students in their progress, its results are usually positive. If a student s progress, however, is found to be marginal then the faculty committee will place individually appropriate requirements or stipulations on the student and request that these be met by a specific time. These stipulations will be made in writing and mailed to the student; a copy will be placed in the student s advisement file. If the conditions are not met to the satisfaction of the graduate faculty, the Graduate Coordinator will notify the university Graduate School that the department is unwilling to allow the student to continue in the Art History and Curatorial Studies program. These actions may be taken even when the student in question has maintained a satisfactory GPA, but has failed to meet other academic

4 requirements. If a marginal and unsatisfactory or two unsatisfactory ratings are received in succession, the student will automatically be terminated from the program. A Petition for Exception along with a carefully planned contract to completion may be submitted to Graduate Studies when a department and college have determined there are exceptional circumstances. Dismissal from the program will be determined only after careful consideration of the following factors: Lack of compliance with respect to area, department, and university deadlines. Unacceptable GPA (3.0 is the university minimum; 3.5 is the program s minimum). Unacceptability of Thesis, or unwillingness or inability to complete the recommendations of the graduate committee regarding the Thesis. Inability to pass either written or oral exams. Lack of professionalism as teaching assistant or in other capacities as an employee of the Art History area. Attitude toward the graduate program, the faculty, other students, and the field in general. Advising During the first full semester of study, a student works with the Graduate Coordinator until the Program of Study has been completed and a graduate committee is appointed. The selection of a committee is based on the student s declared area of research. Ideally, this should occur by the end of the first semester of study. The members of this committee may be changed at any point upon the determination of the student and following discussion with the Graduate Coordinator. The graduate committee is composed of at least three members: a chair and two readers. In some cases, the third reader may be a qualified graduate faculty from a cognate field the thesis chair and the graduate coordinator must approve this request. The thesis chair assumes the primary responsibility for advising and directing the student concerning course work, degree requirements, and research.

5 Program of Study The Program of Study is a carefully considered outline that helps students fulfill all degree requirements and reflects all prerequisites, regular courses, seminars, independent study courses, and Thesis credit required for the degree. Each student should submit a completed Program of Study during the first semester of enrollment. Failure to submit a Program of Study within a realistic amount of time following admission to the program may place a hold on the student s records and deny further registration privileges. The Program of Study is officially recorded on Form 3, which is signed by the student, members of the graduate committee, and the Graduate Coordinator. Program of Study forms and all other forms are available from the Graduate Secretary, C-502 HFAC. Once the Program of Study has been properly signed, it becomes the official course of study for the student. Necessary changes are made on a Request For Study List Change, Form 3b, with the permission of the student s graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinator. Necessary changes to one s program are done quickly and easily; there is no fee for changing the Program of Study. Financial Assistance The Department of Visual Arts provides three possible methods of obtaining financial support. A. Supplementary Award: This award is in the form of a partial tuition waiver. The recipient must meet the following qualifications: 1. Accepted as a degree-seeking graduate student. 2. Registered during the regular registration period for at least two hours per semester, one hour per term. 3. Earned a minimum 3.5 GPA the last semester attended. B. Graduate Assistantships: These awards are available to most students and may involve work in the Slide Library or assisting a professor as a teaching assistant for a class. Required qualifications: 1. Accepted as a degree-seeking graduate student. 2. Registered during the regular registration period for at least two hours per semester. 3. Earned a minimum 3.5 GPA the last semester attended.

6 C. Teaching: These assignments are given to students who have demonstrated exceptional qualifications as Teaching Assistants. Professorial comments will be considered in making these assignments, as well as the following: 1. Student must be registered for at least two hours per semester, one hour per term. 2. Student must have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA the last semester attended. 3. Student must have performed well as a Teaching Assistant for both ARTHC 201 and ARTHC 202. Students wishing for a TA assignment should notify the Graduate Coordinator and include a copy of their proposed schedule for the semester in which they wish to TA. These awards and assignments are determined by the faculty a minimum of one semester in advance. Students who are qualified can expect up to six semesters of financial assistance. Assistance beyond six semesters (three years) will be considered only in rare circumstances and on an individual basis. Merit Based Opportunities The following are opportunities for which students can be considered based on academic performance and contribution to the programs of the department: Teaching ARTHC 111 Assisting in ARTHC 201/202 and other courses Travel funding to present papers at conferences Curating exhibition at the Museum of Art Recommendations for Internships Recommendations for the Graduate Research Award We strongly encourage students to discuss specific internship and professional opportunities with their advisor and to participate in events such as student symposia, guest lectures, Art History Association professional-grooming meetings, and other events sponsored by the art history or studio areas. Course Work: 30 hours: minimum 24 course work hours plus 6 Thesis hours of ARTHC 699R. The MA program is designed to allow maximum flexibility for the student s interests. Therefore, up to six hours of graduate courses from other fields (such as History, Archaeology, Anthropology, English, Comparative Literature, Classics, etc.) may be taken in lieu of some of the courses listed below with the advisor s approval.

7 ARTHC 500 Art in Theory: Spectatorship (3) Review and critique of major theoretical approaches in Art History with emphasis on the philosophical relationship between viewer and object. (Required 1 st year - only offered Fall) ARTHC 505 Art in Theory: Language (3) Review and critique of major theoretical approaches in Art History with emphasis on the recent interest in language and semiotics. (Required 1 st year - only offered Winter) ARTHC 510 Art in Theory: Context (3) Review and critique of major theoretical approaches in Art History with emphasis on the space of display, the museum, and the work s social reception. (Required 1 st year - only offered Fall) ARTHC 520 Studies in Ancient Art (3) Selected topics in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Art. ARTHC 530 Studies in Medieval Art (3) Selected topics in Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Art. ARTHC 540 Studies in Renaissance Art (3) Selected topics in Northern and Southern Renaissance Art. ARTHC 550 Studies in Baroque Art (3) Selected topics in Northern and Southern Baroque Art. ARTHC 560 Studies in 18 th and 19 th Century Art (3) Selected topics in 18 th and 19 th Century Art of Europe and America. ARTHC 570R Studies in Modern and Contemporary Art (3) Selected topics in Modern and Contemporary Art of Europe and America. ARTHC 580 Studies in Architecture (3) Selected topics in Architecture of Europe and America. ARTHC 590 Studies in Curatorship (3) Selected topics in Curation and the Museum. ARTHC 599R Academic Internship (1-8) Professional museum experience with a curatorial mentor.

8 ARTHC 600R Individual Study (1-8) In-depth study into any chosen art historical era. ARTHC 699R Master s Thesis (1-6) Foreign Language Requirement* A reading knowledge of at least two foreign languages is required to complete the program. German, French, and Italian are considered the major languages of western art; however, in some cases, the student and the graduate committee chair may choose another language which is related directly to the student s special interests and needs. Major language requirements may be fulfilled by completing the 201 level language courses, passing a foreign language reading course (French or German) offered select spring and summer terms, or by successfully passing a written translation exam administered by the department. The student must fulfill this requirement before undertaking the writing of the thesis and enrolling for ARTHC 699R. *Note: Credit earned in language courses does not count toward the hour requirements of the degree. Continuous Registration The Office of Graduate Studies of Brigham Young University has the objective of graduating students who meet the highest standards of professional and scholarly performance. In support of that goal is a regulation requiring continuous registration in order for a student to be maintained in a degreeseeking program. These regulations specify that a student must: A. Complete at least six semester hours of approved program credit during each academic year (September through August). B. Register for at least two semester hours of approved program credit during any semester or term in which university personnel are consulted or facilities used. Normally, a student will register for at least two hours each semester/term and will work continuously on the degree. However, if a student chooses to take all six hours during one semester/ term, they will have access to university facilities and faculty only during that semester/term of that academic year. An option available to the student who is unable or who chooses not to register for the minimum six hours during the academic year, can reapply on the Application to Resume Graduate Study form without any loss of credit and

9 without having to fill out an entirely new application. A minimal $30 processing fee is charged for this option. The Department of Visual Arts will carefully reevaluate each request, as reinstatement will not always be automatic. Comprehensive Survey Exam This comprehensive slide exam will appraise the student s mastery of the general field of art history. Preparation for this exam will thoroughly provide students with a Masters level knowledge of the full art history survey. Furthermore, this exam will prepare students to be able to teach the introductory level college survey. It will be given during the fall semester of the student s second year. Thus, students will have completed most, if not all, of their course work, which should enable them to be prepared for such an exam. Additional opportunities to take this exam may be offered at the discretion of the art history graduate faculty. Thesis Hours Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam, the language requirement, all course work, all students must enroll in ARTHC 699R. Though more than six credit hours may be taken, only six are credited toward the graduation requirement. A minimum of two credit hours of either of these courses must be taken during the semester in which a student plans to graduate. Selecting a Thesis Topic When searching for a potential Thesis topic, students must keep in mind the research areas of the present faculty. Due to the nature of the faculty and their respective research emphases, students are advised to select a topic which falls into one (or more) of the following broad areas: 1. Ancient 2. Medieval 3. Renaissance 4. Baroque th Century 6. American th Century th Century 9. Curatorial

10 Topics which do not fall into any of these areas are to be avoided. Discussions with the faculty and the Graduate Coordinator will be helpful in selecting an appropriate and workable Thesis topic. Students are encouraged to consult completed art history theses for the type of topics previously researched, and the application of critical methodologies and theory. The Office of Graduate Studies prints Minimum Standards for Submitting Dissertations, Theses, or Project. This form may be obtained from the Graduate Secretary, E-509 HFAC. Copies of art history Theses are found in the Slide Library and in the Harold B. Lee Library. Thesis Prospectus Prior to work on the Thesis, the student must prepare a prospectus of the topic to be researched. This should be a rather brief (three to five pages), yet specific, explanation of the topic and the theory and/or methodology to be used. The prospectus should be typed, double-spaced, and contain a working bibliography. After the student has worked out the prospectus, the graduate committee and the student will meet to discuss the topic. In all stages of writing the Thesis, a student should maintain regular contact with the graduate committee, particularly the chair (or primary reader), for needed guidance in such matters as organization, direction, coherence, writing style, and graduation deadlines. The thesis prospectus will be due at the end of the student s first semester (December 1). Thesis Format The Art History graduate faculty has elected to adopt an essay or article-length format for the Thesis. This is consonant with standard practices in the discipline. It will also facilitate a timely graduation and will enable you to have a product that can be readily revised and submitted for publication in an art historical journal or forwarded to prospective graduate programs or employers. Only on the advice of the graduate advisor and upon approval by the graduate faculty may a student follow the book-length model for their Thesis. Deadlines for Thesis Process End of first semester of graduate work: Thesis prospectus End of second semester of graduate work: Detailed outline of thesis End of third semester of graduate work: Completed draft of thesis End of fourth semester of graduate work: Thesis defense

11 Quality of Thesis Work A completed Thesis must represent the original research and writing of the student. It is expected to be a document of high quality; demonstrating critical thinking, logical organization, and mature writing skills. A Master s Thesis is the formal written report of a critical and exhaustive investigation of a topic or problem of material not previously assembled. This investigation must 1) present new knowledge, and 2) substantiate, revise, synthesize, or refute accepted conclusions in the area of research. A draft of the Thesis must be reviewed and approved by the graduate chair and second reader before the final oral defense can be scheduled. After approval, the student must provide unbound copies of the Thesis to each committee member, and the department, at least two weeks prior to the date of the oral defense. A student will be assessed after the defense by the committee as either pass, pass with qualifications, recess, or fail. A vote of recess allows the candidate time to make significant revisions and cannot be scheduled sooner than one month and no later than six weeks after the earlier defense. Should the student not pass the second defense, a fail will be given. Scheduling the Defense Before the final oral exam or defense can be scheduled, certification must be obtained from the graduate committee (Form 8c) that the student is ready for the defense. This signals to the Graduate Coordinator that the Thesis is complete and of acceptable quality, and that the student is sufficiently ready to defend it. At least two weeks must elapse between the time the form and copies of the Thesis are submitted and the date of the defense. The Graduate Coordinator consults with the graduate committee and the student and sets the date, time, and place when all can meet for approximately two hours. Oral Defense Expectations for this defense include: 1) A well thought-out, well-organized, cogent summary of the student s work, including: a. An explanation of how the thesis relates to the discipline of art history b. The rationale behind the project in the context of the state of the research on this subject or field c. The questions or issues the thesis set out to address d. The organization of this material e. The analysis of this material

12 f. The conclusions drawn from the research and argumentation g. A discussion of the contributions of this thesis to the discipline 2) A discussion of the implications of the thesis for future research and writing 3) A discussion of how the thesis relates to a student s course work 4) Thoughtful, well-founded responses to all questions posed by committee members Please be aware that new policies are in place mandating that the graduate student and her graduate chair are present at the thesis defense. Exceptions can be made for committee members who are away from the university, but only under certain circumstances and only upon approval by the Art History area, Department of Visual Arts, College of Fine Arts and Communications, and the Office of Graduate Studies. Preparation of Defended Thesis After successfully completing the defense, the student makes the necessary corrections in the Thesis, complete Form 8d, Approval for Submission, obtains original signatures for each copy of the thesis (includes Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications), and submits the requested number of copies and binding fee to the library cashier s office. *Note: As of Fall 2009, all theses must be submitted electronically. However, both the department and thesis advisor request a hard copy of the thesis. Thesis Information Theses are to be prepared according to either the M.L.A., Handbook for Writers or Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, K. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations, or the Chicago Manual of Style. These style manuals are available in the university bookstore. Students should include either digital scans or high-quality photocopies of the works of art researched and discussed in the Thesis. Preparation and format of the Thesis should be cleared with the Graduate Coordinator and meet University Minimum Standards for Submitting Theses. Upon satisfactory completion of the final copy of the Thesis and all other requirements, the graduate committee will report their official final approval to the Graduate Secretary Office of Graduate Studies.

13 Time Limitations The University catalog has a minimum requirement of 5 years to complete the MA degree, however, the Art History and Curatorial Studies area of the Department has a maximum of 3 years. Most full-time students complete all requirements for the MA degree within two years of admittance. Students who fail to complete all requirements within the three-year period lose their degree eligibility. No funding is guaranteed after the second year. In rare circumstances, extensions can be granted when a student, for personal reasons, is unable to complete all work within a three-year period. A petition for an extension must be made through the Graduate Coordinator. Final approval comes from the University Office of Graduate Studies only after departmental and college approval of the petition. Application for Graduation* A student applies for graduation by the fourth Friday of the first month of the semester in which graduation is planned. This cannot be done until the graduate committee chair gives approval that all work is done or will be completed by the deadlines. Application is made on Form 8a. After completing this form, with all necessary faculty signatures, the student 1) takes it to the university Office of the Treasurer to pay the graduation fee, and 2) gives the form to the Graduate Secretary, E-509 HFAC for processing. As soon as Form 8a is processed, the student is notified and is then free to schedule the final oral defense on Form 8c, Scheduling of Final Oral Examination. Forms and information are available from the Graduate Secretary. It is the student s responsibility to be aware of all deadlines and see that they are met. 1. Before applying for graduation, students should have completed all course work on the approved Program of Study or be currently registered for the remaining requirements in that semester. Work on the Thesis must be either completed or nearing completion before considering applying for graduation. Students must be registered for a minimum of two credit hours in the semester in which they will graduate. 2. Students must obtain the Graduation Application form from the Graduate Secretary during the first month of the semester the students plan to graduate. 3. Fill out the student portion of the Graduation Application and obtain departmental approval (signatures of department chair, or graduate coordinator and graduate committee chair).

14 4. The student s records will then be evaluated by the Office of Graduate Studies. The student will be notified of the results of this evaluation and will be informed of any problems that still need to be cleared. 5. Deadlines for all aspects related to graduation and the various requirements during the final semester are published in the University Catalog, Class Schedule, and by the Department of Visual Arts each semester. These deadlines are firm. Students submitting materials for graduation after these deadlines will be considered for graduation the following semester. Ample time should be allowed to make corrections and to address any deficiencies. Please Note: Students at Brigham Young University may graduate at the end of Fall Semester (December), Winter Semester (April), or Summer Term (August). However, since the faculty are typically out-of-town for research and scholarly activities during the spring/summer break, thesis defenses may not be held during these terms. During the summer months, students should not expect the same advisory attention they normally enjoy during the academic school year, and should contact their graduate committee chair regarding research plans well before the end of school in April.

15 DVA Department of Visual Arts E-509 HFAC or 3122 JKB DIRECTORY Mark Magleby 3122H JKB College Fine Arts and Communications A501 HFAC Graduate Coordinator Heather Belnap Jensen 3122E JKB Graduate Secretary Sharon Heelis E-509 HFAC Art History Faculty Campbell Gray 490 MOA Heather Belnap Jensen 3122E JKB Martha Peacock 3122K JKB James Swensen 3122J JKB Marian Wardle 490 MOA Office of Graduate Studies Academic Advisor Claire DeWitt B-378 ASB Thesis Binding 2060 HBLL Mark Johnson 3122G JKB

16 UNIVERSITY FORMS Application to Resume Graduate Study...DVA Petition for Graduate Full-Time Status...DVA Re-application Honor Code Commitment and Confidential Report...DVA Petition for Exception (Form 2)...DVA Program of Study for Graduate Students (Form 3)...DVA Program of Study Change (Form 3b)...DVA Application for Graduation (Form 8a)...DVA Departmental Scheduling of Final Oral Examination (Form 8c)...DVA Approval for Submission of Thesis for Binding (Form 8d)...DVA Minimum Standards for Submitting Dissertations, Theses, or Projects... DVA Minimum Standards Preliminary Pages Template for Master Degree...DVA Note: The forms which follow are for your information only and should not be used. Originals should be completed in the Graduate Secretary s office in E-509 HFAC or by going online at and clicking on Current Students and then Forms.

17 ART HISTORY AND CURATORIAL STUDIES MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE Department of Visual Arts Brigham Young University Fall 2009

18 TABLE OF CONTENTS Art History and Curatorial Studies Faculty...1 Aims and Purpose...1 Admission...1 Provisional Status Acceptance...3 Academic Standards and Student Review...3 Advising...4 Program of Study...5 Financial Assistance...5 Merit Based Opportunities...6 Course Work...6 Foreign Language Requirement...8 Continuous Registration...8 Comprehensive Survey Exam...9 Thesis Hours...9 Selecting a Thesis Topic...9 Thesis Prospectus...10 Thesis Format...10 Deadlines for Thesis...10 Quality of Work...11 Scheduling the Defense...11

19 Oral Defense...11 Preparation of the Thesis...12 Thesis Information...12 Time Limitations...13 Application for Graduation Directory...15 University Forms...16