Special Topics Courses

Special Topics courses open space for new ideas and emerging practices across art, media and design.

They sit just outside the regular program structure, creating room to experiment, test new approaches and respond to what’s happening now. Some are timely. Some are exploratory. All reflect current creative practice.

Special Topics offerings are updated once per semester, so the list changes regularly.

What Makes a Course a Special Topic?

Special Topics courses focus on subject matter that is not fixed. The topic changes from term to term and is shaped by current issues, emerging technologies, or faculty research and studio practice.

They are often more experimental or exploratory than regular courses and may be offered for only one or two terms. Special Topics can appear at different course levels and count toward degree requirements in the same way as other electives.

How Special Topics Relate to Electives

Elective describes how a course fits into your degree, not what the course is about. Many types of courses can be electives, including studios, seminars, and Special Topics.

All Special Topics courses are electives, but not all electives are Special Topics. While electives may include standard, recurring courses, Special Topics stand out because their content changes and reflects current thinking and evolving creative practices.