MA in Aesthetics and Politics

Students graduating from the MA Program in Aesthetics and Politics are expected to:

• Have read widely and deeply in the literature on modern and contemporary political, critical and aesthetic theory;

• Be able to articulate the complex relationship between political and aesthetic problems, theories and movements;

• Write critically and at a scholarly level for a variety of publications and audiences; and

• Begin to engage in dialogue with the world beyond CalArts.

This program embraces a multi-perspectival approach to the various intersections between the realms of the aesthetic and the political.  First, the MA focuses on what is normally understood as political art -- i.e. art-making that chooses to become critical discourse in the public sphere.  Second, the program addresses the reverse phenomenon -- the famous "aestheticization of politics" that so troubled critical theorists during the twentieth century and that continues to invite further reflection.  Finally, the program aims to become a pole of attraction for students, artists, and scholars interested in the type of theorizing -- characteristic of continental thought -- that contextualizes aesthetic and political phenomena within a dynamic space in which social meanings are generated, renewed and contested.  Applicants interested in these fascinating crossroads and increasingly burgeoning fields of study will have the unique opportunity of enjoying the artistic environment and interdisciplinary dialogue offered by CalArts.

The MA Aesthetics and Politics is a one-year full time plus one-year low-residency degree program that engages students in an intensive critique of the relations between culture, politics and society in today's demanding global context. Taught in the unique arts-centered environment of CalArts, the Program offers a series of rich and dynamic core courses that span globalization, technology and media, politics and the arts, socio-economics and urbanism. Concentrated elective options delivered by a dynamic faculty and supplemented by a diversity of visiting specialists as well as public conferences enable students to work intimately with leaders in their field. Over two years, students work towards an independent thesis that marks the culmination of their degree and are provided a mentor to support the development of their work. The MA program equips students with a unique combination of creative and analytical skills that enable them to enter their professional milieu with confidence and the ability to participate in practical, cultural and theoretical fields of work. 

This program is flexible and substantial enabling students to focus time and depth on their studies, to take advantage of the creative environment of CalArts, to have access to a larger and more diverse cross-section of theorists and artists, and to opt to study while working in their second year.

Credits 

The Program requires students to take 36 credits of study spread out over two years: the first year, 24 credits, the second low-residency year, an additional 12 credits. The low residency year enables to students to undertake flexible learning options, virtual classes, and provides opportunities for alternative study, internships and professional networking. To arrive at the required number of credits for the MA, students can add elective courses or independent studies in either year one or two. Alternatively, internships or study abroad can also be credited towards the MA degree. 

Year One (24 credits) 

During the first year, students complete all of their core and elective course credits on-campus at the California Institute of the Arts.

Program Requirements (Description of courses are below)

Year 1, Fall Semester

Contemporary Political Thought (3 units)

Contemporary Aesthetic Theory (3 units)

Critical Discourse in the Arts and Media (3 Units)

Elective Course (3 units)

Year 1, Wintersession

Theorist in Residence (1 unit)

Year 1, Spring Semester

Critical Discourse in the Arts and Media (3 units)

Thesis Seminar (3 units) Elective Course (3 units)

Independent Study (2 units)

Year Two (12 credits) 

During the second, low-residency year students complete their remaining coursework and prepare their graduate thesis. The low-residency second year enables students to deepen and expand their thesis research, but also to pursue internships, work, or international exchanges (for example with partner programs in France and the UK). International students should note that their options in year 2 may in part be determined by their immigration status.  There may be some limitations on their Year Two Low-Residency Options because of restrictions associated with their visas. International students are advised to seek clarification on the available options through the Office of International Students and Programs

On-Campus Low-Residency Option Year 2,

Fall Semester (On Campus-Low Residency)

Critical Discourse in the Arts and Media (1 unit)

Thesis Directed Study (3 units) Independent Study/Internship (2 units)

Year 2, Wintersession (On Campus)

Theorist in Residence (1 unit)

Year 2, Spring Semester (On Campus - Low Residency)

Critical Discourse in the Arts and Media (2 units)

Thesis Directed Study (3 units)

Off-Campus Low-Residency Option

Low-residency students complete 11 of their second-year credits through a virtual classroom experience. Students selecting the off-campus low-residency option are required to be physically present on campus during the two weeks of Wintersession for the Theorist in Residence seminar (1 credit). Students are also required to meet to discuss their thesis progress with their mentor in person during Wintersession on campus.

Year 2, Fall Semester (Off Campus - Low Residency)

Critical Discourse in the Arts and Media (1 unit)

Thesis Directed Study (3 units)

Independent Study/Internship/International Exchange (2-3 units)

Year 2, Wintersession (On Campus)

Theorist in Residence (1 unit)

Year 2, Spring Semester (Off Campus - Low Residency)

Critical Discourse in the Arts and Media (2 units)

Thesis Directed Study (3 units)