Thesis & Independent Study

Senior Thesis in Studio Art

Honors in Studio Art is earned by the demonstration of excellence in both coursework and a self-directed Senior Thesis project, which consists of two units of self-directed studio investigation (ARTS 360, 370) undertaken in the Fall and Spring of the senior year. The thesis culminates in a formal exhibition in the Jewett Arts Center, accompanied by a 15-20 page paper documenting the conceptual, visual and technical development of the project. A studio art major interested in pursuing a thesis project for honors must have completed all 100 level requirements, have a 3.5 GPA in the major, and must demonstrate the capacity to carry out the project she envisions. In first week of the Fall semester, a candidate for honors must submit a two or three page thesis proposal, outlining the major questions and references propelling her studio practice, along with a portfolio or documentation\ of 10-12 examples of recent studio projects and a list of Art courses taken. The full studio art faculty meets to review this material and to make recommendations before the add deadline. 

With the approval of the full studio faculty and a designated advisor, the student will be granted permission to enroll as an ARTS 360 student in the Fall. A formal thesis review will be held by the faculty mid-semester and again in early December to assess the development of the project. If it is determined that the project does not qualify for a second semester of thesis work, the student will receive one semester of 360 credit, acknowledging the independent research she has completed. If the committee judges the work to be of honors level, the student may proceed with the second semester of ARTS 370 work, culminating in a major public exhibition. The project must be installed and ready for public view during the Ruhlman conference.  An orals committee consisting of at least four faculty members will assess the work and written materials during the reading period in May to determine whether the student has earned departmental honors.

A candidate for honors in studio art should begin to think about a senior thesis project in the second semester of her junior year and consult with a faculty member as a potential thesis advisor. Normally she will have taken at least one studio course with her advisor, and have completed all of the structured courses available in her identified area of interest. While the student will meet with her thesis advisor regularly throughout the year, the full studio faculty will follow her progress and be available for consultation and feedback. Visiting artists and other guest critics will also be available for critique, reflection and advice.

Independent Research in Studio Art

Any student who has demonstrated strong aptitude and insight in the 300 level studio courses may propose an advanced independent study (ARTS 350) project, which consists of one semester of self-directed studio research under the guidance of a studio faculty advisor. An independent study project may involve collaborative research, may combine more than one studio discipline, and may be structured to earn a full or half credit. Students who pursue independent projects in studio art are expected to exhibit their work publicly. Note that ARTS 350 projects do not substitute for regular advanced course work in the minimum major or minor and should be proposed only after completing all the advanced course work available in a studio discipline.