Interdisciplinary Studies: Concentration in Sustainability (MA/MS) at University of Louisville

The Ceramics emphasis fosters personal exploration of subject matter, technical proficiency in a broad range of working methods, and professional presentation. Students in this program develop a broad base of technique and process knowledge that emphasizes experimentation and conceptual development. The program encourages mixed media exploration, stemming from a core knowledge of ceramic art. The students develop an understanding of ceramics’ vast history as well as an investigation of contemporary practices.

Methods taught include handbuilding, wheel throwing, mold-making, slip casting, press molding, clay extrusion, figure sculpting, portrait sculpting, glaze calculation, decal creation and china painting.

Students gain the experience of organizing events and marketing through their involvement with the student organization, Student League of Independent Potters (SLIPS). The organization is responsible for managing a budget, participating in fundraising through two annual sales of work and coordinating two annual visiting artist workshops.

Developments in the use of digital technologies are transforming the ways we live and work. In recent years, information technology has come to be dominated by digital texts, images, and maps rather than quantitative sources. Humanities students are ideally placed to make use of these important and exciting sources in academic research and in the wider world of employment – yet few humanities degrees provide students with these skills. Driven by a dual focus on digital approaches and more traditional humanities courses, this MA addresses this skills shortage while assuming no particular expertise in computing.

Whether you want to continue in academia with the skills to drive pioneering work in your subject, or want to develop a career in any field that combines cutting-edge IT skills with the traditional strengths of a humanities graduate, this fascinating MA will transform your understanding of how digital technologies can be used.

Through this programme we encourage you to consider the practical processes, ideological dynamics and theoretical dimensions involved in the interface of diplomacy/foreign policy and religion. You have the opportunity to develop analytical skills in the field of religious studies and international relations and will also be encouraged to engage in cross-disciplinary research, notably with the MA dissertation.

Our programme may be especially relevant if you currently work in, or are thinking about working in, diplomacy, international NGOs, and international policy and politics. Core modules are supported by selected Politics modules.

Previously, we have also invited practitioners with experience in the field to contribute to elements of the programme. Where possible we also aim to include trips that are relevant to the topics being covered that year, for example, in the past, students have visitited the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. Where trips are offered, students are normally expected to cover their own travel expenses.