2003-2005 - Graduate School - The University of Alabama

276 The University of AlabamaMASTER OF FINE ARTS (M.F.A.) PROGRAM IN THE BOOK ARTSThe program leading to the M.F.A. in the book arts degree is a 60-credit-hour courseof study comprised of four areas: printing and publishing, bookbinding, papermaking,and the history of the book, with a program emphasis on the book as an integrated unit.Students may pursue one of three concentrations: printing and publishing, bookbinding,or a fusion of the two, focusing on the whole book. Emphasis is placed on developingcraft skills based on historical principles and techniques, as well as artistic expression.The M.F.A. in the book arts program develops professional-level book artists who havewell-honed technical knowledge of the various facets of contemporary bookmaking, anintimate personal involvement with their specifi c areas of interest, and an understandingof the role of the book in society.Admission RequirementsApplicants may submit either the general portion of the Graduate Record Examinationor the Miller Analogies Test in support of the application for admission. Admissionrequirements for the M.F.A. program in the book arts are consistent with those for theM.L.I.S. degree program. A portfolio is not required; however, students are encouragedto submit one.Degree RequirementsCandidates for the M.F.A. degree in the book arts must earn a minimum of 60 semesterhours of credit, including at least 6 hours in the history of the book and 3 hours in ahistorical/theoretical course appropriate to the goals of the individual student; at least33 hours in the book arts studio; and 12–18 hours of electives within or outside the bookarts program. All coursework must be completed with a grade average of “B” or better.All students enter the program in the fall and spend four semesters in residence.All M.F.A. students must complete, as part of the 60 hours, the following requiredcourses:BA 520 Printing I — Elements of Printing....................................................... 3BA 521 Printing II — Printing and Typography............................................... 3BA 530 Binding I — Elements of Binding ....................................................... 3BA 531 Binding II — An Exploration of the Paper- and Cloth-Bound Book.... 3LS 655 History of the Book: Book as Artifact ................................................. 3LS 654 History of the Book: Print Culture and Society................................... 3BA 592 Graduate Symposium........................................................................ 3BA 599 Creative Project Production, Thesis, and Exhibition.................... 9–12NOTE: No more than 20 percent of courses required for a degree may be taken on apass/fail basis.Those students concentrating in printing and publishing must also complete the following:BA 522 Printing III — Printing and Parallel Editions....................................... 6BA 523 Printing IV — Printing and Publishing................................................ 6Those students concentrating in bookbinding must also complete the following:BA 532 Binding III — Leather Binding............................................................ 6BA 533 Binding IV — Binding Exploration...................................................... 6Those students concentrating on the whole book must also complete advancedcoursework in both printing and binding. The confi gurations of advanced courses willbe determined through discussion with the book arts faculty.