Description: The thesis topic is chosen in consultation with the thesis supervisor, and is approved by the thesis advisory committee. Students produce a thesis proposal; conduct the proposed inquiry; produce the thesis; and present it orally to their thesis advisory committee. Scholarly Thesis: Students develop a research based scholarly thesis in consultation with the faculty supervisor. The thesis is a minimum of 20,000 words and must address a research question or problem through an empirical or philosophical investigation. The thesis must include a discussion that documents the student’s reflections upon the methods and procedures employed, and the actual findings that resulted from an examination of the problem. The thesis culminates in a discussion of its implications for art education theory and/or practice. The thesis is presented to the advisory committee for evaluation, and for defence in an oral examination. Studio-based Thesis: Students develop a cohesive body of artwork for presentation and a minimum 10,000 word written thesis component comprising a review of literature and other relevant resources, a theoretical and methodological contextualization, a critical reflection on the project and its outcomes, a linking of art making with art education and other areas of analysis as deemed necessary by the student and the student’s advisory committee. The artwork and text, together comprising the thesis, are presented to the advisory committee. Evaluation includes an oral examination on both components. Teaching-based Thesis: Students organize and conduct a professional teaching project, develop a teaching dossier, and write a thesis text directly related to art education, with the guidance of the faculty supervisor. The project may be carried out on site in an educational setting or institution. In the written component of the thesis (minimum10,000 words) students document, analyze and evaluate the project, presenting a literature review, a theoretical and methodological contextualization, and a critical reflection on the project and its outcomes. Evaluation includes an oral examination on this text, on the teaching portfolio, and on the outcomes of the project. Guidelines for the thesis are described in Thesis Preparation Guide available from the School of Graduate Studies and Art Education’s Master of Arts Thesis Procedures available from the department’s programs office.
Component(s): Thesis Research
