Art Theory and Curatorial Studies Programs

Department of Art Theory - An Introduction

The Hungarian University of Fine Arts launched a BA Program in Fine Art Theory in September 2009, and established the Department of Art Theory in 2010.
As of the academic year 2012-13, each year the department offers two programs in accordance with the Bologna system of study cycles: a BA Program in Fine Art Theory and an MA Program in Contemporary Art Theory and Curatorial Studies. The language of these courses is HUNGARIAN.
However, the Department intends to launch an MA programme in English. As soon as the accreditation process ends, the programme will be announced.

BA in Fine Art Theory

The BA in Fine Art Theory is a full-time program of study, which provides the qualification of Fine Art Theoretician. The organizational unit responsible for conducting the program is the Department of Art Theory. The study cycle comprises 6 semesters. Students must earn 180 ECTS credits in order to receive a diploma. 10 state-financed places are offered. The number of tuition fee-paying places is expected to be 4. The expected tuition fee for the program is HUF 350,000 per semester.
THE LANGUAGE OF BA PROGRAMME IS HUNGARIAN.
The BA Program in Fine Art Theory offers students a basic, comprehensive training scheme in art history, curatorial studies and practice. The objective of the program is to provide the future “operators” of the art scene with a complex training at the undergraduate level: students obtain a basic, comprehensive grasp of the history of fine art, contemporary tendencies, institutions and projects, as well as a wide spectrum of curatorial activities and art-related academic fields.
Graduates of the BA Program in Fine Art Theory will be able to effectively participate in the operation of institutions and in projects aimed at creating cultural productions, as well as to successfully mediate between the artists, the society, art enthusiasts, patrons, art experts and the wider public. The program offers comprehensive theoretical and practical training and provides an up-to-date study scheme leading to a marketable degree (in the areas of cultural financing pertaining to museums, galleries, art periodicals, and the commercial sector). In addition to the theoretical aspects of curatorial studies, there is strong emphasis on its practical components (exhibition-making, editing of publications, project financing, submitting applications for funding, organising international programs) as well as a keen focus on keeping abreast of the latest research results in relation to – primarily contemporary – art and art theory. Upon completion of the program, diploma holders are academically qualified to continue their studies at the graduate level.
Admission requirements: http://www.mke.hu/kurator/kepelm_felveteli.php
Plan of study: BA in Fine Art Theory

BA in Fine Art Theory

The BA Program in Fine Art Theory offers students a basic, comprehensive training scheme in art history, curatorial studies and practice. The objective of the program is to provide the future “operators” of the art scene with a complex training at the undergraduate level: students obtain a basic, comprehensive grasp of the history of fine art, contemporary tendencies, institutions and projects, as well as a wide spectrum of curatorial activities and art-related academic fields.
Graduates of the BA Program in Fine Art Theory will be able to effectively participate in the operation of institutions and in projects aimed at creating cultural productions, as well as to successfully mediate between the artists, the society, art enthusiasts, patrons, art experts and the wider public. The program offers comprehensive theoretical and practical training and provides an up-to-date study scheme leading to a marketable degree (in the areas of cultural financing pertaining to museums, galleries, art periodicals, and the commercial sector). In addition to the theoretical aspects of curatorial studies, there is strong emphasis on its practical components (exhibition-making, editing of publications, project financing, submitting applications for funding, organising international programs) as well as a keen focus on keeping abreast of the latest research results in relation to – primarily contemporary – art and art theory. Upon completion of the program, diploma holders are academically qualified to continue their studies at the graduate level.

The BA in Fine Art Theory is a full-time program of study, which provides the qualification of Fine Art Theoretician. The organizational unit responsible for conducting the program is the Department of Art Theory. The study cycle comprises 6 semesters. Students must earn 180 ECTS credits in order to receive a diploma.
THE LANGUAGE OF BA PROGRAMME IS HUNGARIAN.
Admission requirements: http://www.mke.hu/kurator/kepelm_felveteli.php

Curriculum

The curriculum has three main modules: Techniques of representation, Exhibition Design and Curatorial Studies, Art Theory and Art History

Description of the Three Main modules:

Exhibition-Making and Curating module consists of theoretical and a practical input and output. During theoretical lectures, students gain insight into the basics of managerial, legal and curatorial aspects of the field. In the framework of the practical courses students are required to participate in organising and carrying out exhibitions either at the university or at external venues. It might also provide opportunities for gaining experience in organising programs in a collaborative framework.

Art Theory and Art History. Art History lectures offer a traditional, systematised knowledge of art history, and provides comprehensive knowledge the Hungarian and international contemporary art scenes. Art Theory lectures on the one hand review the traditional discourse of art philosophy from the perspective of cultural studies and critique the basic concepts like artistic value, aesthetic judgement or genre distinctions. On the other hand, the lectures familiarise students with contemporary discourses of art.

Techniques of Representation and Space and Form (Studio Workshop ) is a module built on the practical components of art education. This course runs in the first year only. The Hungarian University of Fine Arts is presently the only institution of higher education in Hungary where students pursue their studies in all areas of the fine arts. A unique feature of the program at the HUFA is that students in the art theory program can also acquire the practical training that is based on learning about the various materials, tools, and applied techniques used in making artwork. During studio practice, students familiarise themselves with traditional methods of representation and multiple (drawing, painting, graphic techniques, design, etc.) and the different media (photography, film, video, multimedia). Thus, they do not only participate in the practice of making art, but also acquire a familiarity with the types of materials and technical knowledge - which are indispensable to the work of an artist - at a level that can facilitate a better understanding of the origins and meanings of artwork.

The Structure of the BA programme

MANDATORY COURSES

Introduction into Curatorial Studies I-II.
Curatorial Studies I-IV.
Practice in Exhibition -Making I-VI.

Art Theory and Aesthetics I-VI.
Academic Skills I-VI.
Art History I-VI.

Space and Form (studio workshop)

Sociology of Art I-II.
Psychology of Art I-II

Legal Studies: Copy Right Law and Licensing Acts I-II.
Internship
Degree Project and Thesis Writing

OPTIONAL COURSES  (45 credits should be assessed)

The Techniques and Practice of Art (studio workshop)
Analysing Contemporary Works of Art I-IV.
Sociology of Art V-VI.
Psychology of Art V-VI.
History of Architecture
Image Anthropology (Bildanthropologie)
Art and Cultural History I-II.
The History of Technical Media
The Theory of Technical Media I-IV
Mapping the local:  Course in Contemporary Art (English) I-II
Open Art (Project Week)