ARTS 593

Fall 2025 All Classes

All Classes

Credit: 4 hours.

A graduate-level discussion-based seminar designed to provide a fundamental and critical grounding in contemporary art and theory through readings, discussion, writing, and student presentations. Emphasis will be on helping students locate their studio practices in the context of a research university, the contemporary art world, and community-based models of making and distributing art. Specific themes within this framework will vary by semester.

Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 16 hours. Prerequisite: Restricted to Graduate art students.

ARTS 593 class schedule data for fall 2025
CRN Type Section Time Day Location Instructor Section Details
10378
Independent Study
ARRANGED
n.a.
Location Pending
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/25/25-12/10/25
Special Approval:
Instructor Approval Required
56145
Seminar
BG
4:00PM -6:40PM
W
404 Flagg Hall
Grosser, B
Part of Term:
1
Date Range:
08/25/25-12/10/25
Credit:
4 hours
Section Info:
Strategies for Contemporary Art Practice: This seminar introduces graduate students to the practice of art as research within the context of a multidisciplinary research university. Designed primarily for first-year MFAs in studio art—but adaptable and open to graduate students from any arts or humanities discipline—this course prepares artists to navigate their academic programs effectively, to map and engage with relevant communities, and to understand and implement tactics and strategies for artistic research. Through reading, discussion, presentation, and exercises, students will identify their subject(s) of interest, formulate research questions, learn how to write and speak about their practice, and develop plans to leverage university resources and align their degree path with post-graduation professional goals. The course emphasizes a broad conception of artistic practice, encouraging students to explore where their work is best situated—from traditional art world contexts to (potentially radically) alternative disciplinary, social, or cultural spheres—and to articulate the impact and relevance of their work in these wider worlds.
Restriction(s):
Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
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