Program Overview
Below is an outline of a self-study Master’s program in Modern Art history that focuses on modern and contemporary art and its role in current culture. This program closely follows requirements for the Master’s in Modern Art History, Theory and Criticism offered by Azusa Pacific University. I withdrew from Azusa’s program after completing two courses as I decided to put my Master’s degree in Education and Human Development from George Washington University, certificate in Museum Studies, and experience as a curriculum designer to work by creating a self-study, online program for a Master’s in Modern Art History.
I am working through this Master’s program in two capacities: 1) as a curriculum designer creating the highest quality courses using sound pedagogical principles, and 2) as a student completing all the course work. I plan to share each course outline for others to access; courses will include a syllabus, a course outline which includes eight modules with learning goals, assignments, links to high quality resources, the majority available online, and self-assessment rubrics.
Description
The program includes historical study of art theory and visual objects, as well as methods in critical analysis of writings and texts, visual analysis of artworks and the synthesis of the historical and current role of art and visual objects in contemporary culture of 2020. The art works and objects studied in this program focus primarily on cultures within North America and Europe, with some exceptions. The program leverages the availability of web sources and open scholarship as the main source of content with the limited use of a textbooks. Students will develop independent and original research, in addition to critical thinking and analysis skills.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of areas of art history and gain proficiency in interpreting images/objects in ways that consider the historical contexts in which they were produced and received.
- Assess and critique scholarly arguments and critically evaluate the strength of the visual and textual evidence presented
- Determine visual culture’s historical role in shaping national, group and individual identities
- Demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication skills necessary for discussing and sharing knowledge about modern and contemporary art works and objects
- Analyze significant art historical movements and artists who have shaped and influenced art and art creation in our current culture
- Synthesize the role of visual art movements, artists and objects within contemporary institutions—political, education, and museums
Course work
Core Courses:
- History of 19th-Century Art, Criticism, and Theory (launching December 2020)
- History of 20th-Century Art, Criticism, and Theory (completed. Azusa Pacific University, 2020)
- Methodologies of Art History
- Writing Art Criticism
Electives:
- Canadian Art History (launching October 2020)
- History of Modern and Contemporary Sculpture (completed, Azusa Pacific University, 2020)
- Modernism and the Museum
- Art and Politics: History of Purity and Propaganda
- Art in Education: Theory and Practice in K-12 and Higher Education
Foreign Language:
- Reading and Translating French
Capstone:
- Capstone Project (Part I)
- Capstone Final Project (Part II)