The sequence of Thesis 1 and Thesis 2, along with Exhibitions 1 and Exhibitions 2, comprises the required coursework in the second year, in which students develop their capstone written thesis and final exhibition projects. These courses encompass both researching and writing the thesis and the preparation and presentation of work in the MFA final exhibition. Both projects begin in the penultimate semester and are completed in the student's final semester at CCA.

The MFA Thesis at CCA incorporates research on a topic, agreed on by student and thesis advisor, that is relevant to the student’s practice. In Thesis 1, this research field is established and a clear outline and argument is developed. In successive drafts, student produces 18-20 pages of writing that includes an examination of the historical and philosophical context of their own work. A draft of the full document is completed by the end of the semester.


The course is expected to meet 36 hours in the semester.

 The Thesis 1 and Exhibitions 1 sections will meet on alternating Fridays from 2:00 - 4 pm with specific Friday dates for each course section forthcoming. 

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