Critical and Curatorial Studies (CCS)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.


CCS 547. Introduction to Critical and Curatorial Studies I3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Description: An introduction to curatorial practice of the last 30 years. Focusing on the curator's increasingly prominent role in the reception and synthesis of contemporary art, the course explores developments in exhibition design in terms of art production, international exchange, globalization, and critical theory.

Note: Cross-listed with ARTH 547.
Note: A student may receive credit for only one of the courses: ARTH 547, CCS 547, ARTH 647, CCS 647.
Note: Formerly Museum Methods I.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 548. Critical and Curatorial Studies II3 Units

Prerequisite(s): ARTH 547, or CCS 547, or ARTH 647, or CCS 647, or consent of instructor.

Description: This seminar is structured as a curatorial practicum. Students work with the professor to develop and produce an exhibition from the university's print collection. Throughout the semester, weekly readings and presentations focus on contemporary exhibition practice as well as on the theoretical and critical concerns undergirding the student's developing exhibition.

Note: Cross-listed with ARTH 548.
Note: A student may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 548, ARTH 648, CCS 548 and CCS 648.
Note: Formerly taught as Museum Methods II.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 600. Graduate Seminar1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing.

Fee: An additional $75.00 is charged for this course.

Description: Reports, critiques, presentations and discussions on personal research and current topics in visual arts.

Note: Cross-listed with ART 600 and ARTH 600.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 643. Independent Study1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Description: Opportunity for the student, under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty member, to pursue individualized study related to research or practice that is not included in regular courses in the curriculum. Credit according to achievement.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 645. Thesis Guidance3 Units

Description: Thesis research/preparation under guidance of a faculty member.

Note: Can be repeated up to two times for a total of six credits for students enrolled in the dual MPA-MA Art & Art History Critical and Curatorial Studies program.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 646. Topics in Curatorial Studies1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Description: Advanced study on selected topics in Critical and Curatorial Studies.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 647. Introduction to Critical and Curatorial Studies I3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Description: An introduction to curatorial practice of the last 30 years. Focusing on the curator's increasingly prominent role in the reception and synthesis of contemporary art, the course explores developments in exhibition design in terms of art production, international exchange, globalization, and critical theory.

Note: A student may only receive credit for only one of the courses: ARTH 547, CCS 547, ARTH 647, CCS 647.
Note: Cross-listed with ARTH 647.
Note: Formerly Topics in Curatorial Studies.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 648. Critical and Curatorial Studies II3 Units

Prerequisite(s): ARTH 547, or CCS 547, or ARTH 647, or CCS 647, or consent of instructor.

Description: This seminar is structured as a curatorial practicum. Students work with the professor to develop and produce an exhibition from the university's print collection. Throughout the semester, weekly readings and presentations focus on contemporary exhibition practice as well as on the theoretical and critical concerns undergirding the student's developing exhibition.

Note: Cross-listed with ARTH 648.
Note: A student may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 548, ARTH 648, CCS 548, and CCS 648.
Note: Formerly taught as Museum Methods II.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

CCS 649. Curatorial Internship1-3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor and appropriate institution partner.

Description: Development and application of advanced curatorial knowledge, skills, and practices through mentored practical application in a museum work environment. (Institutions such as: Speed Art Museum, University Art Collection and Galleries, or other local, regional, or national institutions.)

Note: May be repeated up to 9 hours toward MA degree.
Note: Formerly ARTH 649.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes