School of Critical Studies

The program offers a core series of rich and dynamic courses that explore political and aesthetic theory, technology and media, contemporary black thought, gender studies, urban studies, and the relation between art and politics. Students may take elective courses throughout the Institute, benefiting from CalArts’ unique interdisciplinary arts environment.

Over two years, students work towards an independent thesis that marks the culmination of their degree and are provided a mentor to support the development of their work. MA Aesthetics and Politics graduates have gone on to curatorial positions, positions in arts administration, arts careers, and Ph.D programs in visual culture and cinema and media studies.

The Critical Discourse in the Arts lecture series and the Theorist in Residence program give students further access to a diverse cross-section of theorists and artists and provide intimate access to leaders in their fields. Recent Theorists in Residence include Denise Ferreira da Silva, Geert Lovink, Maggie Nelson and McKenzie Wark.