ARTS 780 Art and Design Research Methodologies

Students define the thesis or portfolio “problem” and conduct research through a variety of methods in order to envision the end state and how it may be achieved.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

In order to make meaningful contributions professionally, graduate students need to learn to ask the right questions to identify problems and how to conduct research to solve these problems.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (6)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge and be supported by at least 1 citation in current MLA format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 1 other classmate’s threads. The reply must be 150 words and supported with at least 1 citation in current MLA format.

Topic Ideation Assignment

Thinking broadly and categorically, the student will choose 3 fields of research. The student will write 300 words for each of the three fields (in MLA format) that describe his or her chosen topics.

Refined Topic Selection Assignment

Based on the course reading, the student will explain why/how his or her topic is “sticky” and viable in at least 300 words with 1 citation (in MLA format) from the course text Made to Stick. The topic is narrowed and articulated in 2 – 3 sentences.

Defining the Problem and Purpose Assignment

The student will write a brief Research Problem Statement and formulate a Research Purpose Statement Paragraph (in MLA format) in a clearly articulated paragraph explaining the single goal of the total research effort.

Research Source Survey Assignments (2)

Research Source Survey: Preliminary Assignment

The student will gather and analyze 10 of the 20 sources required by the Literature Review. MLA format is required.

Research Source Survey: Final Assignment

The student will gather an additional 10 sources and analyze them for the Literature Review. MLA format is required.

Literature Review Assignment

The student will write a 20-page Literature Review using the 20 sources surveyed previously to establish a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic. MLA format is required.

Thesis Proposal Documents Assignments (3)

Thesis Proposal Document: Written Draft Assignment

In this initial stage, the student will compile and refine his/her semester’s work into a formal written proposal document in Microsoft Word, consisting of approximately 7-10 pages. The document includes essential elements such as a cover page, problem statement, purpose statements, abbreviated literature review, stakeholder analysis, research implications, planned research methods, and proposed visual solution. This stage focuses on clear articulation, proper organization, and professional polish of the written content, which should be reviewed by an editor before submission.

Thesis Proposal Document: Design Draft Assignment

Building upon the written content, the student will translate his/her proposal into a professionally designed document using Adobe InDesign. This 12-14 page document emphasizes visual hierarchy and design principles, incorporating elements such as a designed cover page, table of contents, consistent grid system, page runners, appropriate typography, and strategic use of imagery. The student will establish and implement paragraph and character styles while ensuring proper formatting, margins, and line lengths throughout the document.

Thesis Proposal Document: Final Draft Assignment

The culminating stage involves refining the designed proposal based on peer critique feedback. The student will improve both the structural organization and aesthetic appeal of his/her InDesign document, maintaining the 12-14 page length while enhancing the overall presentation. This final version serves as the polished recruitment tool for potential faculty committee members and represents the student’s ability to communicate his/her research plans effectively through both content and design.

Additional Research Methods Assignment

The student will write and design additional research methods that will be implemented to fill the knowledge gap by identifying 3 cases and their visual artifacts to analyze. The length is to be 5-10 designed pages with a minimum of 6 sources (3 Cases/3 Visuals). All sources must be cited in MLA format.

Case Study and Visual Analysis Assignments (3)

Case studies and visual analyses can be conducted and reported in various ways. It is up to the student how they go about conducting the analysis; however, each Case Study and each Visual Analysis must be reported in a topical/thematic written report between 600 – 750 words in current MLA format, using at least one source and 3 citations for each Case Study and MLA Fig. References when referring to an image for a Visual Analysis.

Chapters Introduction and Research Assignments (2)

The student will write the first two chapters of his/her thesis using InDesign, following the model in the textbook. The chapters will articulate the project and research conducted during the semester. Chapter 1: Introduction should be 2-3 pages, and Chapter 2: Research should be 20-25 pages. A draft will be required before the final. MLA format is required.

Design Brief Assignment

The student will write and design a design brief that outlines the expectations for the art and design portion of his/her thesis projects. This document is the framework that will be used in part two of the thesis process, the creation of deliverables. There is no minimum word count for this document. The assignment will be assessed on the clarity and thoroughness of the response. MLA format is required.