Art

The department of Art Research was established with the aim of expanding theoretical postgraduate research in different areas of art. It is now one of the pioneer academic centers in the field of theoretical studies in art. The department began admitting master students in 1995 and four years later in 1999, the first doctorate students enrolled in this department. The prospective applicants should enjoy different artistic backgrounds in the areas of visual arts, performing arts and practical arts as a pre-requisite for entry. The master and doctorate programs are geared in such a way that the students not only are empowered in art philosophy, aesthetics, research methodology, basic concepts of art, they also get familiar with different artists and their styles, artistic concepts such as philosophical theories, religious and cultural topics, sociology, psychology, education and aesthetics and art criticism. The department strives to educate alumni who are capable in theoretical issues of art history and philosophy, aesthetics, interdisciplinary studies and criticism in art-related areas. In addition to modern and contemporary art, the department also focuses on Iranian arts during the ancient, Islamic, and contemporary eras. The production of theoretical knowledge in the form of academic research in various fields of art constitutes one of the main goals of this department. The mission of the Department of Art Research & History concerns the promotion of research quality in order to better integrate the students into the intellectual atmosphere of the Iranian artistic community.