Department Head

Anna Gitelson-Kahn

Graduate Program Director

Anais Missakian

Curriculum

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the BFA program are prepared to:

  • engage in the design process by framing a premise and iterating material responses as an idea evolves.

  • understand the purpose and context of a finished work and how these may inform decisions made in the process of creating it.

  • articulate inspirations, explain interpretations and defend solutions in one's own creative process.

  • demonstrate strong visual and material competency—including in color, pattern, texture, structure and materiality—in regards to the creation of two- and three-dimensional work.

  • demonstrate excellence in craftsmanship by creating wovens, knits and surface works that are well considered, deftly made and fully resolved.

  • explain the current field in the context of art, architecture, design and technology.

  • demonstrate broad historical and theoretical awareness of the textile field and its larger disciplinary, cultural and economic contexts.

  • recognize environmental/sustainability and social concerns related to textile processes and manufacturing.

Graduates of the MFA program are prepared to:

  • implement the design process through the framing of content and context.

  • articulate the purpose and context for a finished work and how these may inform decisions in the process of creating it.

  • recognize the potential of textile materials, techniques and processes to articulate ambitious ideas.

  • display analytical and critical thinking/reasoning skills to support the development of one's work, as well as the work of others, and in order to engage in rigorous discourse related to historical and contemporary issues that influence the art and design fields.

  • exhibit strong visual and material competency, including an understanding of color, pattern, structure and materiality as they relate to the creation of two- and three-dimensional work.

  • demonstrate excellence in craftsmanship by creating wovens, knits and other material forms that are well considered, made and resolved.

  • demonstrate confidence and proficiency in the field, with emphasis on advanced equipment and processes.

  • become acquainted with scales of manufacturing and distribution.

  • recognize environmental/sustainability and social concerns related to textile processes and manufacturing.

  • articulate their role as designers in the field while demonstrating broad historical and theoretical awareness of textiles and its larger cultural and economic contexts, along with how it intersects with other disciplines.

  • explain the current field in the context of art, architecture, design and technology.

  • identify where the work will sit in the world.