MFA in Art Criticism & Writing
David Levi Strauss, Chair
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2010 incoming class.
Application deadline: January 15, 2010
At the School of Visual Arts in
New York City
Contact [email protected], (212) 592-2408, or go to http://artcriticism.sva.edu
New York TimesIn addition to the required foundation courses in the historical and philosophical bases of criticism, students participate in three levels of writing practicums, leading to the completion of their thesis in the final term. The small class size allows a great deal of one-on-one time with the faculty and extensive dialogue with other students. We concentrate on the essay as form, as well as on shorter forms of review, and learn criticism by doing it. Students’ writing and reviews are published regularly on our online magazine Degree Critical, and art magazine editors are involved in the program in various capacities. The thesis that students write at the end of their course of study is intended to be a substantial work of criticism. We want students to come out of this program able to write in the world.
From its inception, this program has had a special emphasis on the history and current transformations of the image. We live in an age when images have an inordinate power over us—the power to create and direct desire, to influence public opinion, to comfort and inflame. The critics of tomorrow must study images, in all of their manifestations, in order to better understand how we are subject to them.
To apply online, go to http://artcriticism.sva.edu/admissions.html. Generous departmental scholarships are available on a competitive basis.
