ma in critical craft studies, warren wilson college

Founding director of the first low-residency program focused on craft histories and theory

Link: MA in Critical Craft Studies

See @macraftstudieswwc on Instagram

The MA in Critical Craft Studies is a low-residency graduate program in craft history and theory. This full-time, four-semester/ five-residency program is the first of its kind in the US.

Students and faculty meet in person for two and a half weeks of lectures, workshops, seminars, readings, project work, and individual conferences each July and January. The two-year continuous program begins in July; all July residencies are held on the Warren Wilson campus, and January residencies are held in downtown Asheville with classes at the Center for Craft. Students return to campus for a fifth and final residency to present their final projects in a public colloquium, co-organized by Warren Wilson College and the Center for Craft.

Following each residency, students continue their semester coursework from home, working both individually and collaboratively with other students in their cohort. Each student spends 20-25 hours per week on program work outside of class meetings, including readings; writing and research assignments; meetings with faculty, advisors, and mentors; and group meetings.

Classroom sessions take place online and may occur during evenings and/or weekends.

Coursework builds critical thinking, research methods, and experience with formats ranging from writing and podcasts to exhibitions and curriculum development. Students move through four courses: History and Theory, Research Methods Lab, Materials Lab, and Practicum Project. Courses connect with a thematic focus: introduction; Craft and Public Space; Craft and Communication; and Craft and Learning.

Final projects demonstrate applied knowledge in craft histories and theories, and may include: a journal-article length thesis; an exhibition with essays, programs and texts; curricular development with lectures; a scholarly conference with publication; a podcast series; or a series of short critical essays.