Program in Modern Art: Critical and Curatorial Studies

Other Information
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/arthistory/

Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing M.A.

Chair: Robert E. Harrist Jr., Ph.D.
933 Schermerhorn
Tel: 212.854.8532

Director of Graduate Studies: Zainab Bahrani, Ph.D.
810 Schermerhorn
Tel: 212.854.5351

Director of M.A. Programs: Kaira M. Cabanas, Ph.D.
826 Schermeron Hall
Tel: 212.854.4505

Acting Director of Graduate Studies, Fall 2009: Jonathan Crary, Ph.D.
917 Schermerhorn Hall
Tel: 212.854.3194


About the program

This program is founded on the conviction that critics engaged with modern and contemporary art need to understand curatorial strategies and that curators must be able to write with full knowledge of critical theory. Taking advantage of both Columbia's location in one of the world's major centers for the production and display of modern and contemporary art, and the department's close ties with the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and other institutions, the program immerses students in the art world of New York City. At the core of the program are the

The Critical Colloquium is taken in the first term of study and combines reading and analysis of texts by major theorists and critics. Each week discussions focus on key terms and analytical lenses in the history of art and art criticism. The Curatorial Colloquium is taken in the second semester of study and introduces students to the history, theory and practice of object collection and display as well as to the history of exhibitions such as Documenta and the various biennials. Each colloquium both draws on the expertise of Columbia's distinguished faculty and includes guest presentations on particular issues. Writers for Artforum, Grey Room, Parkett, Texte zur Kunst, and October, as well as curators and museum professionals from The Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, among other international venues, are among the Colloquia's regular participants.

Resources

The resources of the Department of Art History and Archaeology extend beyond the classroom: The Avery Memorial Architecture and Fine Arts Library, the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, the Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture, and the many museums and art galleries of New York offer an incomparable array of world art on permanent and temporary exhibition. The Visual Media Center for Art History provides learning opportunities for graduate students in the area of new imaging and information technologies. More information about the Department of Art History and Archaeology is available on the Web at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/arthistory/.



Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit 1 official transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a Statement of Academic Purpose, a writing sample (a course paper, term paper, etc.) and 3 letters of evaluation from academic sources. All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English, must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS. For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

DEGREE:

Master's Only

   

Deadline for Fall Admission

February 3rd

Deadline for Spring Admission

no spring admission

Resume/CV

yes

Writing Sample

Yes, a critical writing sample(10-15 pages)

GRE General

yes

GRE Subject

No

Miscellaneous

see below

 

Some background, generally a minimum of four undergraduate courses, in art history or studies in archaeology or anthropology related to art history, is required. Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages is strongly recommended prior to admission. All applicants should submit a sample of critical or scholarly writing. Interviews are not offered as part of the application process. Applicants are advised to visit the department’s Web site or contact the department for information about faculty and [for general information about] the graduate program.