The overall emphasis in the M.F.A. program is on studio production. Students throughout their three years must take a series of critique seminars. Work-in-progress, produced for the given quarter's critique class, is intensively discussed within a group context. Students must also, throughout their graduate careers, work each quarter on an independent basis with faculty of
their choice. MFA candidates are encouraged to work with a range of faculty members. During the second year, students must select a thesis committee with whom they will work closely with on the development of both thesis studio production and research interests. However, even after the selection of the thesis committee, students are still encouraged to work with a range of faculty on an independent basis in order to continue to respond to and reflect on a diversity of ideas and differing approaches to both studio production and art distribution systems. Throughout the first two years, students must also undergo a series of progress checks including open studio reviews and a second-year exhibition. Students are evaluated by faculty committees during their first and second years. Satisfactory opinion by these committees coupled with both satisfactory independent study evaluations and grades of at least a B or above will allow the student to progress to candidacy for the degree. During the third year, candidates must mount a thesis exhibition. In tandem with the final thesis exhibition, students are required to do a public presentation on their work as part of their final defense before their thesis committee.

A graduate emphasis in Feminist Studies (refer to the Woman's Studies Program section of the catalogue for information) and/or a graduate emphasis in Asian/American Studies (refer to Asian/American Studies Program section of the catalogue for information) and/or a graduate emphasis in Critical Theory Emphasis (refer to Critical Theory Emphasis Program secton of the catalog for information) are also available.

M.F.A. IN FINE ARTS WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ARTS, COMPUTATION, AND ENGINEERING (ACE)

As digital technologies infiltrate increasingly diverse aspects of cultural practice, and human culture at large is influenced by the presence of digital technologies, there is a profound need for a new type of professional in the entertainment industry, in education, and in the arts, who can help to construct, manage, and monitor these changes. Such a professional must be technically skilled, artistically skilled, and theoretically skilled, all at an equally high and rigorous level. The goal of the M.F.A. in Fine Arts with a concentration in Arts, Computation, and Engineering is to provide students with a broad-based and interdisciplinary training at the intersection of digital technology and cultural and artistic practices. The ACE program is coordinated across the School of Information and Computer Science, The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, and the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, and places equal emphasis on technical, artistic, and critical proficiency. Strongly practical in composition, it provides students with the opportunity to explore in detail topics such as telematic performance, immersive and augmented environments, embodied interaction, and the cultural impact of new technologies.

Graduation is by publicly presented thesis project and written thesis, in addition to completion of course work.

The ACE concentrations in all three fields consist of a two-year curriculum. The following courses are required:

ACE Core: five ACE interdisciplinary theory seminars (Arts 270), four ACE studio/labs (Arts 271-277), two ACE project internships (Arts 279), and one quarter of ACE thesis research (Arts 278).

(NOTE: A total of 48 units of Core courses must be completed. Any of the ACE core categories may be reduced by one and replaced with a different ACE core course or an elective, in consultation with the student's advisor.)

Electives: four courses in school-based specialization electives chosen by students in consultation with faculty advisors, consistent with the technical, aesthetic, and theoretical themes of their thesis project; and two breadth electives that may be chosen by students in consultation with an advisor, and/or may be assigned by the ACE program committee in consultation with the student. These courses will compensate for lacunae in the student's background and may include upper-division undergraduate courses when appropriate and approved in advance by the candidate's advisor.

DISCIPLINES INCLUDE:

Painting & Drawing
There are two large studio spaces, over 1000 square feet each, utilized for a variety of painting and drawing courses from introductory level to advanced techniques and concepts. Emphasis is not only on production of works but the critical analysis of the subject. Also offered are courses involved in the investigation of contemporary issues in the mediums of painting and drawing by studying works of various modern and contemporary artists and writers.

Performance Art
Basic through advanced level courses build upon the exploration of objects, gesture, action, text, image and media to create narrative or non-narrative works. Elements related to the history and theory of performance art are discussed to illustrate techniques and styles.

Photography
The facility services both black & white and color photography courses with a group laboratory, individual dark rooms, mural darkroom and digital photographic processing. The facility also houses a large array of photographic equipment including a variety of cameras, lenses and lighting kits. Courses range from basic and non-tradition processing methods to advanced level black & white and color photography techniques.

Video
The video facility houses a full range of analog and digital equipment including advanced editing facilities. The facility also encompasses a 1200 square foot video studio and control room, individual editing bays and an adjacent digital laboratory. Video supports most formats and instruction incorporates basic through advanced and special topic courses into a complete video production series.

Digital Media
A wide array of resources exists for students interested in exploring digital media including two teaching laboratories equipped with the latest hardware and advanced software for 3D modeling, motion graphics, interactive software development, web design and digital imaging. There is a multipurpose computing facility open to student for additional support. The Claire Trevor School of the Arts also has a complete motion capture studio for advanced 3D projects and media laboratory for acoustic production.

Sculpture
The sculpture studio encompasses a 1800 square foot wood working facility, a 900 square foot state of the art welding studio and open yard space for the production of large scale works. A large array of modern tools are available for the creation of complex sculptural elements. Courses range from basic sculpture to advanced level instruction using a variety of mediums.

Critical Theory
Studio Art encompasses a variety of artistic topics and methods with the emphasis not only on the production of works but also on the critical analysis behind and about art. Courses range from the introduction of contemporary and modern art and artists to in depth study of particular artistic processes and critique of student works. Basic core courses through advanced and special topic instruction exists to help the student develop a full and complete understanding of their perspective within the art community.

Ceramics
A 1900 square foot studio houses ceramic production utilizing several glazing and firing methods. Equipment includes modern kilns, raku facilities, and large exterior space for production of large-scale works. Basic through advanced level courses and special topic instruction is available.