Graduate Concentration in Theory and History of Art and Design

All master’s degree candidates are eligible to add this concentration to their program of study.

Interested students should contact the Theory and History of Art and Design Concentration Coordinator, Jung Joon Lee (jlee54@risd.edu) or learn more about the concentration on the department’s website: thad.risd.edu/concentration.

The Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD) graduate concentration offers the opportunity to engage in RISD’s graduate degrees with critical studies of art and design. Knowledge of the histories and theories of art and design is increasingly demanded of artists and designers. The THAD department has designed this concentration in recognition of this phenomenon and that MFA, MA, MARCH, MLA, MAT, MID, and MDES recipients often enter teaching careers in which they are expected to teach history and theory as well as studio classes. The concentration offers a structured curriculum in the history, theory and criticism of art and design. These studies are enriched by ready access to the collections of the RISD Museum of Art and the experience of its curatorial staff. Through the concentration, you may choose to focus on the history and theory of your particular studio discipline.

Certain graduate courses offered within the individual programs may be incorporated in the credits necessary to complete the concentration. These courses must be approved by the concentration coordinator.

Typically, concentrators communicate with the concentration coordinator twice a year to discuss course options and to update their records. As part of the process, THAD concentrators may preregister for Theory and History of Art and Design courses that will be used for the concentration. The concentration coordinator will contact all concentrators with the relevant instructions shortly before the official registration period; this option is offered in the fall and spring semesters only.

Notes:

Nine [9] credits in THAD Seminars/Electives to be selected based on a study plan to be discussed and developed with the THAD Concentration Coordinator. At least six [6] credits of the nine [9] to be taken as THAD seminars.