Graduate Handbook: MA Program

The Master's Program

"The master's degree is conferred only on completion of a coherent and focused program of advanced study." (Graduate School Catalog)

In addition to fulfilling the requirements outlined below, students should continue to acquire a broad knowledge of art history and related subjects by taking and auditing courses and through outside reading. Those who did not major or minor in art history should speak with the Graduate Coordinator as soon as possible about additional coursework that may be required. They should also make every effort to meet the language requirement as quickly as they can. Those who enter the program with broad art historical training and sound language preparation should complete the MA in two years. Students needing extra time should discuss their circumstances with the Graduate Coordinator.

Regular Program

A. Courses	AH 701
	Four seminars 800-level (or equivalent)*
	Three lecture courses in art history (300-600 level)*
		(One may be a directed study with the major professor)

B. Breadth	One course each in:
		Ancient/Medieval
		Renaissance-Northern-Baroque
		18th-20th Centuries
		Asian/African

	Students are required to take classes in three of these four areas on this campus.*
C. Language	One foreign language. (See Language Requirements)

D. Master's paper	(See below)

* For students admitted Fall 2005 and later

Asian Option

A. Courses	AH 701
	Two seminars 800-level (or equivalent)
	Four lecture courses in art history (300-600 level)
		(One may be a directed study with the major professor)
	Two courses in East Asian Studies outside art history
B. Breadth	One art history course each in two of the three Asian subfields (Chinese, Japanese, and Indian)
	One art history course in a non-Asian field
	(Courses taken as an undergraduate satisfy breadth requirements.)
C. Language	One foreign language. (See Language Requirements)
D. Master's paper	(See below)

Master's Paper

The master's paper is a seminar paper or equivalent that has been perfected over one additional semester under the supervision of the student's major professor and one additional faculty member. Both readers must approve the final version. The text of the master's paper should be between 30-40 pages of double-spaced typewritten text (illustrations, appendices and bibliography are additional). No formal defense is required. The department will keep a copy on file for ten years.

Illustrations. Illustrations, plans and diagrams must be of good quality and systematically labeled. High resolution digital insertions and high quality Xeroxes are acceptable.

Format. All basic issues of format (including method of citation, type of bibliography, list of illustrations, use of chapter or section headings, use of foreign languages) are to be determined in consultation with your major professor. For matters of style, consult the University of Chicago's A Manual of Style (14th ed.). The Chicago Manual is followed by most art history periodicals and academic presses; its basic guidelines are also stated in Kate L. Turabian's, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, an inexpensive paperback.