SDA Research Programs
SDA School of Art - Art History Research Program Syllabus
Program Duration: 12-18 months
Format: Weekly classes and workshops
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Art History Research (Weeks 1-4)
Week 1: Overview of Art History
Introduction to key concepts, periods, and movements in art history.
Week 2: Research Methodologies
Understanding qualitative and quantitative research methods in art history.
Week 3: Visual Analysis Techniques
Learning to analyze artworks critically and contextually.
Week 4: Archival Research
How to locate and use primary and secondary sources effectively.
Module 2: Writing Skills Development (Weeks 5-8)
Week 5: Academic Writing Essentials
Structure, style, and clarity in art historical writing.
Week 6: Citation Practices
Understanding different citation styles (MLA, APA, Chicago) used in art history.
Week 7: Crafting a Thesis Statement
Developing strong, arguable thesis statements for research papers.
Week 8: Writing Workshops
Peer reviews and feedback sessions on writing drafts.
Module 3: Advanced Art History Seminars (Weeks 9-16)
Week 9: Renaissance Art
Exploring key figures and works, and their impact on the art world.
Week 10: Modernism and Postmodernism
Analyzing movements, styles, and theories that shaped contemporary art.
Week 11: Non-Western Art Traditions
Understanding diverse artistic practices from around the globe.
Week 12: Contemporary Art Critique
Engaging with current trends and issues in the art world.
Weeks 13-16: Student Presentations
Presenting research findings to peers and faculty for critique.
Module 4: Paper Publishing and Competitions (Weeks 17-24)
Week 17: Preparing for Publication
How to choose the right journal and prepare submissions.
Week 18: Mentorship and Individual Guidance
One-on-one sessions with faculty for personalized feedback on research papers.
Week 19: Writing Competitions Overview
Discussing available writing competitions and their submission criteria.
Week 20: Submission Workshops
Finalizing papers and preparing submissions for competitions and journals.
Module 5: Research Portfolio Creation (Weeks 25-32)
Week 21: Compiling Research Works
Gathering and organizing research papers, essays, and presentations into a cohesive portfolio.
Week 22: Formatting and Presentation Techniques
Best practices for presenting research in both print and digital formats.
Week 23: Peer Review Sessions
Engaging in group critiques to improve research presentations.
Week 24: Final Review and Feedback
Comprehensive review before final submissions.
Module 6: Certification and Career Support (Weeks 33-36)
Week 33: Building a Career in Art History
Exploring various career paths in art history and related fields.
Week 34: Networking and Professional Development
How to network effectively within the art community.
Week 35: Mock Interviews
Practice interviews focusing on presenting research work and career aspirations.
Week 36: Program Wrap-Up and Certification
Reflecting on learning outcomes and receiving certificates of completion.