Structure and content
Review the required courses and course descriptions for the graduate program.
| Term 1 Fall | Term 2 Winter | Term 3 Spring/Summer | Term 4 Fall | Term 5 Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Studio I CRST 611 9 credits | Graduate Studio II CRST 612 6-9 credits* | Graduate Studio III CRST 613 9 credits | Graduate Studio IV CRST 614 6-9 credits* | Graduate Studio V: Thesis Project Defence CRST 615 12 credits |
| Research Context I CCST 601 3 credits | Research 3 credits | Pedagogy CCST 603 3 credits | Research 3 credits | THESIS PROJECT: PAPER DEFENCE EXHIBITION |
| Optional Supervised Independent Study CRST 620 3 credits* | Optional Supervised Independent Study CRST 620 3 credits* | |||
| 12 Credits | 12 Credits | 12 Credits | 12 Credits | 12 Credits |
*The Supervised Independent Study (CRST 620) may be taken in Terms 2-4 with a 6-credit Graduate Studio.
Course Descriptions
CRST 611 Graduate Studio I
Students engage with evolving research topics through iterative studio practice, material-based research, critique, discussion, and the contextualization of their work within relevant fields. Based on this process, they produce a preliminary research plan that defines a research direction and establishes a framework to guide their program.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CCST 601 Research Context I
Students examine a range of theoretical frameworks shaping their contemporary craft and material practice. They iteratively develop and critically evaluate methods and approaches to support their thesis project. Through research and written reflection, candidates establish its contextual foundation.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CRST 612 Graduate Studio II
Students refine their research position and methodology through studio-led inquiry while advancing a body of creative work. They define their thesis project and articulate their research in a finalized research plan that establishes the goals and structure for both independent summer research and the remainder of the program. Students present and substantiate their work to their supervisory committee at the end of term.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CCST 602 Research Context II: Craft Discourse
Students explore and contextualize their research within the frameworks of craft and art history. They advance and refine conceptual frameworks for their inquiry, including methods, methodologies, and broader theoretical
perspectives (e.g., philosophy, humanities, social sciences, sciences). Students produce a substantial annotated resource list and a contextual research strategy to guide their independent summer study.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CRST 613 Graduate Studio III
Students refine, develop, share, and critique their research-informed independent studio work, advancing toward the completion of a final exhibition and thesis defense. Students present and substantiate their work to their supervisory committee at the end of term.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CCST 603 Pedagogy
Students develop foundational pedagogical skills by designing a teaching strategy suitable for a post-secondary educational context. They also compile a preliminary dossier of professional teaching materials to support future post-secondary job applications.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CRST 614 Graduate Studio IV
Students refine and advance their studio research toward a resolved thesis project. Students present and substantiate their work to their supervisory committee at the end of term.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CCST 604 Research Context III: Research Support Paper
Students refine and produce a professional-quality support paper, suitable for public dissemination, presenting their research to date. This research may be shared in a variety of critical contexts, including open classrooms, workshops, public presentations, and symposia with fellow MFA students. This paper will provide the substantial foundation of the written component of the thesis project presented in CRST 615.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CRST 615 Graduate Studio V
Students work intensively to complete and defend their thesis project—including a thesis exhibition, written thesis, and oral defence—that critically engages with a defined research position and demonstrates rigorous theoretical and methodological approaches, contributing to the body of contemporary craft and art knowledge.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
CRST 620 Supervised Independent Study (Optional)
With approval from their supervisor and the Dean, Academic Programs, the student will work with a faculty mentor to advance a clearly defined component of their research that cannot be addressed within existing graduate courses. This course will be linked to an existing 300- or 400-level undergraduate course with learning outcomes adapted for graduate level expectations. Where only technical supervision is required, this course will be linked to existing 100- or 200-level course, granting access to the instructor and facilities.
Not available for Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.
May be taken up to two times for credit.
