The only journey, is the journey within.
- Rainer Maria Rilke
Your Life is Your Canvas. Make Art.
- Rainer Maria Rilke
Your Life is Your Canvas. Make Art.
The Department of Arts & Consciousness at JFK University offers intensive MFA, MA, and BFA degree programs in studio and transformative arts that emphasize interdisciplinary skill development, philosophical inquiry, community collaboration, and social responsibility.
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS Degree in STUDIO ART (BFA)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Arts cultivates and fosters each student's unique artistic identity by providing a supportive yet flexible framework in which to develop a socially and spiritually rooted arts practice.
During a three year* course of study (varies by individual), students engage in a deep process of self-examination, while exploring and refining a variety of art-making skills and techniques. Through a combination of experimental and transformative studio art practices, enriching academic research in art history, and a series of critique seminars founded in transpersonal psychology, student establish a grounded confidence in their own creative process. From a holistic model, students gain the practical knowledge and experience to create a professional career as an artist that integrates personal values with their inherent creativity.
Students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree, a second degree in the arts, portfolio development for a graduate program, or other creative path are strongly encouraged to investigate how the BFA degree program can support their artistic journies.
CURRICULUM
The BFA degree requires the completion of 189 units of undergraduate credit.
Prior to enrolling in the BFA degree program, students will have completed 60 units of specific pre-requisites at another college or university. An additional 27 units are necessary to fulfill General Elective requirements, and may also be accepted as transfer credit, or completed at JFK University.
The remaining 102 units are completed as indicated on the curriculum chart below. A minimum of 65 units must be completed in residence at JFK University in no less than two academic years.
- Transfer credit is evaluated on a case by case basis. Working in partnership with the program advisor and in conjunction with the registrars office, students design an individualized academic plan based on previous academic transcripts and evolving artistic goals. This must be reviewed, approved and updated each quarter in order to insure successful completion and fulfillment of all program requirements.
The BFA degree Curriculum has three components:
General Education; which requires courses in Social Science, Humanities and Religion;
Art History; which looks at the history of art, culture and human consciousness from the perspective of the artist in a post-modern society and the key artistic issues of the 21st Century.
Studio Arts: A core curriculum of courses for BFA degree students only, taken in sequence to ensure maximum levels of achievement in artistic skill, technique, and personal awareness of the creative process. Additionally, a wide range of courses directly involved in the creation of art, often enrolling both BFA degree, MA and MFA students, that develop technique and concept as integral facets of the process of self-discovery.
STUDIO ARTS
The foundation of the BFA degree program is built on a progressive structure of core courses taken in sequence with a cohort of other BFA degree students beginning each Fall. The grounding course, Art, Archetypes and Creative Process is a studio-oriented introduction to specific self-inquiry techniques using the creative process. Here, students explore art, metaphor, pattern and symbolism from psychological, cross-cultural and spiritual perspectives in relation to their own art-making experiences. The core then continues through a series of four BFA Core Seminars taken sequentially each quarter:
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A: Artistic Identity
B: Art and The Other
C: The Artist in Society
D: Purpose and Practice
Concurrent with the Core Seminars, BFA degree students enroll for a two-part sequence of courses, Visual Culture A&B that explores the nature of culture and identity from an ethnological and phenomenological basis. What makes us who we are? Where do we fit into the world? What is the role of visual communication in the search for meaning and identity? These and other questions are explored through an intensive combination of academic and experiential work.
Simultaneously, students develop their own artwork under the guidance of the A&C faculty through a series of courses and independent work in a customized academic plan. After the first year, students explore their work in depth with mentorships - a system of individual tutorials with artists in the community who offer specific insights into skill, technique and professional practices crucial to aspiring artists.
The program builds to a BFA degree Final Project, with a public BFA degree Final Project Seminar & Exhibition in the Arts & Consciousness Gallery in the spring quarter of the second year, and an individual BFA degree Final Project Paper due the final quarter prior to graduation.
Through this process-oriented sequence, students gain valuable insights into their artwork and their life's work. As students move through the program, an interconnected, non-competitive and deeply bonded community develops. This co-created community serves to mirror, reflect and challenge each in turn, as students safely examine interior blocks and innate potential through authentic self-expression and constructive feedback. Through this process, the deeper source of creativity in each individual is tapped and tended, allowing the absolute uniqueness of each student to emerge, unfold and flourish.
Linking - The BFA degree program provides an opportunity for students to link undergraduate coursework to graduate programs in The Department of Arts and Consciousness. Upon successful completion of up to 154 BFA degree units, students may apply to the MA in Transformative Arts or the MFA in Studio Arts programs. If accepted, students may then enroll in linked graduate level courses and receive up to 18 units of dual degree credit upon their completion. Students should consult with an A&C advisor early in their academic program to determine and create an individualized linking plan.
| Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art Requirements | Units | |
| Lower-Division Pre-requisites | 60 | |
| Composition | 6 | |
| Humanities | 9 | |
| Natural Science | 3 | |
| Math | 3 | |
| Social Science | 6 | |
| Studio Art | 9 | |
| Open Electives | 24 | |
| General Education | 27 | |
| GEN ED | *General Electives | 27 |
| Additional Program Requirements | 102: | |
| General Education | 20 | |
| COR 3100 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| COR 4135 | Research Writing | 3 |
| PHR 3405 | World Religions | 3 |
| PHR 44 | Meditative/Spiritual Practice (any 1 from below)
PHR 4407 Rites and Symbols of Feminine Spirituality PHR 4412 Intro to Eastern Meditative Practice PHR 4413 Intro to Western Meditative Practices PHR 4420 Zen Buddhism PHR 4430 Christian Mysticism |
2 |
| GEN ED | Philosophy/Religion Elective | 3 |
| GEN ED | Humanities Electives | 3 |
| GEN ED | Social Science Electives | 3 |
| Art History | 15 | |
| A&C 4022 | History of Contemporary Art | 3 |
| A&C 4024 | The History of Arts and Consciousness | 3 |
| A&C 4025 | The Spiritual in Modern Art | 3 |
| Art History Electives (6) | 6 | |
| BFA Core | 21 | |
| A&C 4530 | Art, Archetype and Creative Process | 3 |
| A&C 4510/4520 | Visual Culture A&B | 6 |
| A&C 4803 | BFA Core Seminars A: Artistic Identity | 3 |
| A&C 4805 | BFA Core Seminar B: Art & the Other | 3 |
| A&C 4805 | BFA Core Seminar C: Artist in Society | 3 |
| A&C 4805 | BFA Core Seminar D: Purpose & Practice | 3 |
| Studio Arts | 42 | |
| A&C 4660, 4670, 4675 | (fulfilled with any)
Group Studio Practice/Studio Art Electives |
42 |
| BFA Final Project | 4 | |
| A&C 4985 | BFA Final Project Seminar: Exhibition | 2 |
| A&C 4983 | BFA Final Project: Paper | 2 |
| Total Units Required For Degree | 189 | |
BFA PROGRAM
BFA CORE
A&C 4510 Visual Culture A (3 units) An exploration of the relationship between art and culture specifically pertaining to the visual arts. Using examples from a variety of societies the notions of visuality and representation as integral to the concept of culture will be discussed. Of central importance will be the presentation of visual cultures developed from the time of modernity to the present. Some of the issues discussed will be the development of different technologies and their impact on ethics concepts of ownership authenticity representation and the making of societies of spectacle. Fall
A&C 4520 Visual Culture B (3 units) The second part of the two-quarter Visual Culture requirement, this course will combine studio work and the study of ethnography. Students will examine diverse cultures and select one in particular, either contemporary or historical. From which to create original artwork made with that culture's cultural perspectives and philosophical perspectives. Students will work in the media of their choice. Specific cultural requirements and formal expectations will considered in discussion and evaluation of student artwork. Winter
A&C 4530 Art, Archetype and Creative Process (3 units) An introduction to Arts and Consciousness through an intensive series of studio, academic and experiential assignments. The course examines the origins and structures of creative self-expression and its relation to culture and spirit. Students gain important insights into the nature of criticism and self-investigation as well as the dynamics of group interaction in support of increasingly deeper levels of skill and insight. Fall
A&C 4803 BFA Core Seminar A (3 units) A- ARTISTIC IDENTITY
A continuation of Art, Archetypes and Creative Process. Students identify key internal processes and thinking patterns as they develop and define their own artistic identity. This seminar also introduces and builds basic critiquing skills, contexts and vocabulary for giving and receiving feedback about art.
A&C 4805 BFA Core Seminar B (3 units) B- ART AND THE OTHER
Students explore the external world and how their own work and practice is informed and shaped by collective consciousness. Studio visits, exhibitions, self-designed "artist dates" and the intentional cultivation of intuition are the focus. Students in this stage of the program focus on filling their inner creative well-spring through interdependent relationships and external resources. Curiosity and synchronicity lead as students discover, absorb, critique and reflect on a world of life, beyond the art world.
A&C 4807 BFA Core Seminar C (3 units) THE ARTIST IN SOCIETY
In this seminar, students are introduced to transformative arts practices as they explore ways to integrate their artistic identity with an external community. Through creative, experiential research activities, volunteering, teaching and serving, students find first-hand knowledge of their own innate gifts and ways to share these with the world. The interrelationship of work as a spiritual practice, art making and the context of a meaningful life will be deeply explored.
A&C 4809 BFA Core Seminar D (3 units) - PURPOSE AND PRACTICE
At this stage of the program, students are ready to define their own artistic life purpose and develop professional materials to support the pursuit of a personal creative path. Students focus on portfolio development and the creation of a Creative Proposal, a directed plan of action that outlines goals and intentions around artistic direction, career interests, exhibition and/or graduate study.
A&C 4985 BFA Exhibition Seminar: Final Project (2 units)
This seminar addresses the key issues of completion of the BFA degree program and preparation for professional exhibition of students' artwork. The seminar offers a final critique of students' artwork - with the instructor and other class members and finally with a faculty committee who visit the seminar in order to review and assess each student's artwork. This faculty review occurs as a part of seminar and also ensures that each student has met the appropriate Program Learning Outcomes for the BFA degree. The seminar prepares and installs the annual BFA degree Final Exhibition to be mounted in the A&C Gallery at the end of the seminar. The Final Project Seminar addresses individual aesthetic and formal concerns as well as giving students practical experience in the planning, conceptualization, publicity and installation of a professional quality art exhibit.
A&C 4983 BFA Final Paper (2 units)
The BFA degree Final Paper is completed in tandem with or following the Final Project Exhibition Seminar on a tutorial basis. Students select an individual advisor to work with throughout the quarter. The Final Project Paper summarizes the academic, aesthetic, cultural and psycho-spiritual framework of their own creative work and the context through which it offers value and meaning to the larger community. Guidelines for the paper are reviewed and discussed with the advisor. The Final Project paper is submitted to the BFA degree review committee prior to the committee's review of the student's artwork. The committee's approval of the student's graduation from the program is based in part upon the student's creative ideas and concepts put forward in the written work.
ART HISTORY
A&C4023 History of Art and Consciousness (3 units) An examination of world art beginning with the Paleolithic and ending with the beginnings of modernism. Course compares European, Asian, Islamic and Tribal approaches to art. Meso-American and African cultures and their relationship to European colonialism are also considered. Links between human consciousness and cultural evolution are key to understanding the foundations of contemporary culture. Philosophical, economic spiritual and political themes in various artistic contexts are examined closely. Lectures, field-trips and assigned reading. Research paper and written exams.. Fall
A&C 4025 The Spiritual in Modern Art (3 units): An exploration of the ideas and images that signified the advent of modernism, beginning in Europe in the early 19th century, through the 1980's The course will carefully consider the cross-cultural origins of modernist thinking and the social political and philosophical concepts that signified this age of revolutionary change throughout the world. The visual arts, music and poetry of the modern era will be examined as will the nature of the cultural transformations which came about as the result of modernism. Spring
A&C 4020 History of Contemporary Art (3 units) A comprehensive survey of contemporary concepts, artists and artworks which have shaped the art world since the mid 1960's. Emphasis is placed upon divergent cultural and regional approaches to issues of contemporary art and the social realities it reflects. Examination of new genres and technical innovations are balanced with philosophical and conceptual developments which are re-defining ideas of culture and identity. A special emphasis is placed on emergent artistic strategies and artistic motives including queer theory, environmental art and new socially interactive genres. Multi-media lectures, assigned readings and field trips. Written exams and research papers are required. Fall
STUDIO ARTS
A&C 4675/5670 Group Studio Practice (1-3 units): Any of a variety of courses that address the formal, technical and experiential aspects of art-making. Courses exploring drawing, painting, performance, installation and other studio disciplines are offered each quarter.
A&C 4660 BFA Mentorship (1-3units) Independent work with an artist selected from among an approved list of community artists. Quarterly
A&C 4670/5331 Media of Sacred Arts (1-3 units): Selected topics exploring the relationship between creativity and spiritual practice. Courses explore the creation of art intended specifically for sacred and transformative process. Various courses focus on maskmaking, music, movement or mixed media in the creation of sacred art. Courses address the use of sacred art from diverse cultural settings. Quarterly.
A&C 4670/5325 Faces of the Soul (3 units): An intensive exploration of the relationship between Asian traditions of Chi-Gung and energetic healing with maskmaking, movement and other individual creative acts. Special emphasis is placed on the use of creative self-expression to develop and heal the body, and to develop a stronger self image. Spring
How to Apply Follow this check-list of procedures:
- Complete and send-in JFK University Application for Admission with $ 50 non-refundable application fee for BFA applicants ($20 for non-degree applicants) An additional $50 fee is required for international applicants. (available online at www.jfku.edu)
- Two sets of academic transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Transcripts of assessment examinations such as CLEP, AP or DANTES (DSST) may be submitted. SAT and ACT examinations are not required. Applicants to the BFA degree program are normally expected to have completed at least 60 quarter units at another college prior to admission.
- Pre-Admission Interview with an Academic Advisor. To schedule an interview, contact the JFK University Berkeley Campus, Department of Arts and Consciousness at 510.647.2047 or by e-mail at, clovell@jfku.edu. Applicants who live outside the Bay Area may arrange an interview by phone.
- Portfolio Review. A portfolio of 10-15 original artworks in any media, completed within the past two years, must be submitted. This may occur during the pre-admission interview or through the mail, in the following forms: 35mm slides in a slide sheet, with an accompanying list of the artworks, media, dimensions and the year completed; CD or DVD of photographs of artwork; DVD or VHS format videos of installations or time-based artwork, such as movement or performance art. Written material such as conceptual documentation, poetry or other forms of written expression are appropriate for inclusion in the portfolio. Online portfolio submissions may also be made.
- Personal Statement. A typewritten 3-5 page essay describing the applicant's artistic background and interests as well as the reasons for applying to the BFA program. References to sources of artistic inspiration, personal history and interests in spiritual practice and philosophy, or community interaction are appropriate subjects for discussion in the personal statement.
- Advising Meeting. Upon admission to the BFA degree program an additional meeting with an advisor is required to discuss transfer credit, degree requirements and to develop an individualized education plan for the completion of the BFA degree program. Courses are selected and approved for the next available quarter for entry into the program. Registration may then occur at the designated registration period either on site at the Berkeley campus, the Pleasant Hill campus or by phone.
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