Master of Art (M.A.) in Cultural Art History

The realm of art transcends the boundaries of time, place, religion, politics, economics and culture. Art is where cultural, creative and historical characteristics are expressed--in timeless works that ultimately belong to us all. Cultural Art History more fully explores the cultural cross-fertilization of traditions manifested in works of art—and the influences underlying their production. In addition, Cultural Art History explores the ongoing fascination for and importance of works of art—over time—from multicultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. Art history has never been more significant in the broad cultural fabric. Studies continue to reveal that human beings—throughout the ages—share common characteristics that remain steadfast--despite cultural distinctions and the passage of millennia. As globalization progresses, it becomes increasingly more apparent that the human experience is uniquely embodied in the visual arts.

Graduate learners of Cultural Art History will deepen their broad humanistic backgrounds, and heighten their understanding of the dimensions of multiculturalism and disciplinary integration relevant to the discipline—and contemporary thought. They will be expected to work independently and aggressively to identify and pursue artistic, cultural, historical and intellectual links, which have the potential to contribute to new knowledge, in the disciplinary and interdisciplinary realms. These goals will be achieved through a process of exploration and discovery that will inform learners’ knowledge and further hone their analytical, critical, research and writing skills. A primary goal of graduate study is to facilitate recognition of Cultural Art History’s appropriateness in the broader Humanities, and to identify various avenues by which the discipline might be pursued.
 
The Masters program in Cultural Art History is designed for learners who intend to develop professional careers in cultural art history, (which may include teaching, most likely at the college level), law, program development, museum and gallery work, art dealership, art therapy, fine arts, travel and tourism, research, art criticism, creative writing, and journalism. Some of these areas will require additional study at the graduate level leading to the Ph.D. The Warnborough M.A. in Cultural Art History will fully prepare learners for the doctoral program. Learners wishing to become scholars of Cultural Art History should plan on proceeding to the doctoral program, and should plan their Masters program accordingly.

Entry into the M.A. program requires a recognized undergraduate degree Art History or another of the Humanities). Beyond the general requirements of Warnborough College Ireland, no other general pre-requisites are required. Individual module pre-requisites are noted in module descriptions.

This program is offered via distance learning, via a fully open-learning version (on-site and virtual) and by a combination of distance, on-site and virtual learning. Individual programs can be structured in module formats; can be project/research directed, or can combine these options. At the graduate level, learners are expected to be highly self-motivated and capable of independent work.

Learners may be exempt from certain modules (modules) in the curriculum, based on prior modules taken, and/or demonstrated knowledge of art history and related disciplines. Modules taken at any time during the learner's career may be counted, if they fulfill appropriate requirements.

Elective modules are selected from a wide range of options. Learners may be exempt from elective module pre-requisites, based upon their previous module work and experience, and demonstrated research and writing skills.

Because of the enormous flexibility of the WCI program, learners may work with their mentors to structure their program in the context of their individual interests, and professional and academic goals. Read the complete module descriptions for information as well as ideas.

Graduate learners typically work with their mentors to combine modules into customized programs, suited to their goals for graduate study. Read the complete graduate module descriptions for information as well as ideas! Think of them as a set of guidelines, rather than a set of rules. The descriptions will give you a sense of the knowledge and skills you need to develop. They will also give you ideas on areas you may wish to pursue most aggressively, in your graduate program.

The M.A. Program will offer learners contact with diverse art historical methods, a survey of the major periods of American, Western European and Eastern artistic traditions, along with exposure to other artistic traditions, forms, genres and perspectives. Issues and special topics and problems are an important facet of graduate study. Graduate learners will be expected to achieve a detailed understanding of their chosen cultural art historical area.

All Cultural Art History learners are also required to actively participate in and contribute to Empyrean—the Warnborough Fine Arts Gallery and Forum, and the Warnborough Learning Management System (LMS).

Master's candidates will be required to pass a minimum of 60 credit, in courses/equivalents at the 500 level or above. Of the 44 credits in the major area of study, at least 20 of these should be at the 600 level and above. 300 – 400 level modules can be adjusted to count as 500-600 level modules, as determined and adapted by the Instructor and Warnborough College. See full module list here.

Program Requirements

The MA in Cultural Art History is comprised of 4 compulsory modules, 7 elective modules, and a Master's Thesis or Project. Total of 60 credits.

11 modules: 44 credits (4 credits each)
Dissertation: 16 credits

The following modules are compulsory: (4 modules, 4 credits each, total of 16 credits)
1) CAH 501 Library Methodology
2) CAH 502 Conducting Research in Art History

3) Choose one from the following module:
      CAH 503 Critical Writing in Art History
                OR
      CAH 504 Theory and Interpretation

4) Choose one from the following module:
      CAH 505 The Business of Art History
                OR
      CAH 600 Museum Practices

The following modules are elective: (7 modules, 4 credits each, total of 28 credits)
A Choice of 1 Module selected from CAH506 through CAH801
A Choice of 4 Modules in the major area of art historical emphasis (Western or non-Western)
A Choice of 2 Modules outside of the major area of study (Western, non-Western, or topical)

See full module list here.

Masteral Thesis

Students will work with their mentors to establish the parameters for their independent research, the findings and conclusions of which will be the subject of their thesis. The Master's Thesis will be completed according to the guidelines and parameters set by Warnborough.

Students can complete the program in four terms or less. Depending upon exemptions, performance and the work load, it may take more or less time. Students should regard four terms as the average length of the program. Students may shorten that timetable by arranging for high-intensity customised research projects and/or by attending special shorter term programs, such as Warnborough’s International Summer Schools program.

Upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, students will receive the Master of Arts in Cultural Art History degree. There are no other exit points in the program. Students will receive credit for modules they have successfully completed.

Students can pursue the M.A. in Cultural Art History in the learning centre environment, or via distance learning. Regardless of the venue, graduate students are expected to be able to work independently. Approaches to instruction will be similar in both environments.

>>> Other Resources

Students are required to obtain texts needed for successful completion of program projects, through libraries, on-line resources and/or bookstores.

Click here.
Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing.

Download Application Form.
View admissions information.

Note: Please specify if you wish to do the program by RESEARCH or by INSTRUCTION (modular).

Program Director Dr Jill Kiefer has been designing, coordinating and leading arts programs for over twenty years. She has taught Fine Arts for the University of New Mexico, and has led workshops, tours and presentations in the USA and Europe. Dr Kiefer has developed curricula for hundreds of workshop and presentation programs. She is a published author, editor, artist and illustrator, and is the founder and director of Port-of-Arts, Ltd.

Please contact Dr Jill Kiefer at jkiefer@warnborough.edu or admissions@warnborough.edu