Senior. Symposium.

Art & Design Research Practicum and Symposium

The Research Practicum and Symposium are essential components of the academic evaluation process for Art & Design majors, as mandated by the state. These initiatives aim to assess students' academic progress and are integral to ongoing accreditation reports. The symposium, scheduled for Spring 2024, involves students presenting their research to faculty and peers, allowing for feedback and evaluation.

Spring 2024 Timeline

• March 18: Students submit completed presentations for feedback from faculty.

• March 25: Faculty provide feedback on the presentations to students.

• April 3: Submit correctly labeled, final PowerPoint to the shared OneDrive folder or email mmcleod@mtsu.edu

• April 8 - 10: Students present their research to faculty and peers during the Art & Design Symposium, with a minimum of 3 faculty members assessing each presentation.

Presentation Requirements

• For students graduating with a BFA in Studio Art or Graphic Design, or BA or BS in Visual Arts: The presentation should focus on the work created during the Junior and Senior years.

• For students graduating with a BA or BS in Art History: The focus should be on an artist of historical significance, chosen in consultation with their instructor.

• Presentations should be no more than 10 minutes in length.

• All presentations must demonstrate understanding and proficiency in the 5 key areas outlined in the rubric, including:

  • An understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of art/design and of the interaction of these elements, and can employ this knowledge in analysis.

  • The ability to present, analyze, critically assess, and discuss the work through perceptual acuity, conceptual understanding, and technical facility at a professional entry level in their chosen field(s).

  • Working knowledge of the historical achievements, current major issues, technologies, media, applicable equipment, processes, and direction specific to their area of research or field(s).

  • The ability to critically evaluate works of art/design from historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts from both Western and non-Western perspectives.

  • The ability to work independently on a variety of art and/or design research by combining, as appropriate to the issue, their capabilities in studio, analysis, history, and technology.

Presentation Format

• All presentations must be completed in PowerPoint and shared with Mark Mcleod through email at mark.mcleod@mtsu.edu

• PowerPoint presentations should be labeled “lastname_firstname_2024S”

• In addition to the presentation, students should compile all materials into a single PDF file. This file should include the presentation slides, speaker notes, and any agreed-upon supporting documents. All speaker notes should be included for clarity and comprehensive assessment. These files should also be emailed to Mark Mcleod