Theory heavy MFA

[itscontents]

I am considering schools to apply to for my MFA application for 2015 or 2016.  

 

Which schools are renowned for a theory heavy program, possibly leading to a phD, but not necessarily. I want to be in a school that emphasizes critical studies, reading and writing, and would even consider doing an MA in theory that allows for an artistic practice within and throughout the program.

 

I am interested in programs that offer a writing/making approach as I am strongly interested in both writing/reading as well as performance. I have found Goldsmiths to have a program similar to this (MA Phil/Phd) and am wondering what other options are out there as some of you may have suggestions. I would like a program where reading is analyzed precisely, and there is in-depth analysis of texts, where the writing of myself and my peers is really challenged and pushed, rather than skimming over texts and getting broad understandings to haphazardly connect to work. Of course I'm sure many MFA programs will have a lot of reading assigned and it will be up to me to make that a priority, but I also want to be in an environment where others are able to deconstruct and pinpoint theoretical concepts. Many thanks in advance for suggestions.

[beriredux]

Good question! I'd be interested in what others have to say about this. I think Goldsmiths is pretty unique that way. 

 

There is the Whitney ISP—it isn't an MFA or MA, but a graduate level program that might still get you into phd programs later...worth checking out.

 

Maybe Northwestern, Columbia? anyone know? Carnegie Mellon? 

[nowaytosay]

SAIC has a MA program in Visual Critical studies

[smg]

NSCAD? 

 

They have some good folks in their Art History and Critical Studies department but I don't know if they are involved in the MFA program. 

[Xxanderr]

Try Stanford...?

[VLynn]

I am considering schools to apply to for my MFA application for 2015 or 2016.  

 

Which schools are renowned for a theory heavy program, possibly leading to a phD, but not necessarily. I want to be in a school that emphasizes critical studies, reading and writing, and would even consider doing an MA in theory that allows for an artistic practice within and throughout the program.

 

I am interested in programs that offer a writing/making approach as I am strongly interested in both writing/reading as well as performance. I have found Goldsmiths to have a program similar to this (MA Phil/Phd) and am wondering what other options are out there as some of you may have suggestions. I would like a program where reading is analyzed precisely, and there is in-depth analysis of texts, where the writing of myself and my peers is really challenged and pushed, rather than skimming over texts and getting broad understandings to haphazardly connect to work. Of course I'm sure many MFA programs will have a lot of reading assigned and it will be up to me to make that a priority, but I also want to be in an environment where others are able to deconstruct and pinpoint theoretical concepts. Many thanks in advance for suggestions.

 

University of California, San Diego (uscd.edu) ---One of the most theory heavy programs I've read up on thus far. They have both MFA and Phd programs.

[Czarina]

Yep, came in here to suggest UCSD as well!

[beriredux]

CCA - California College of the Arts. You can do a dual degree in Visual and Critical Studies along with a creative practice MA or MFA

[bjones]

UCSD is one of the tiop interdisplinary MFA programs in the country - tution is very reasonable for in state residient. But also look at the degree program in years. UCSD is a three year program. You maybe looking for a two year program for it would be conciderably less cost.

[beriredux]

Just to clarify, UCSD is more of a two year program. You can stay on for three years (not uncommon) but it is structured like a two-year program and if you are international you can only get a two-year visa to attend.

[Onedayx3]

CU Boulder. You can do as many theory courses as you like, but certain professors and seminars come heavy with theoretical readings anyway. The degree won't necessarily reflect that, but you'll get the education.