Dr. Cassandra Smith

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Cassandra Smith is a Visiting Lecturer in Art History at the School of Art & Design of the University of Illinois, where she specializes in Indigenous art, film, and performance. Smith's research integrates pedagogical and methodological frameworks from Indigenous studies, digital humanities, performance studies, and gender studies to explore decolonial museum practices and critical ethnographic studies. She is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the arts as essential in developing analytical skills that contribute to the formation of an equitable world, encouraging her students to appreciate the significance of arts education in creating informed global citizens. Her teaching and research delve into themes encompassing materiality, relationality, performativity, and Indigenous epistemologies, engaging with concerns that intersect Feminist, Queer, Black, and Latinx art histories. Smith's current research focuses on the contemporary artist Skeena Reece and her multidisciplinary practice, which has been showcased widely across North America and abroad. Smith emphasizes the role of parody in performance art and asserts the importance of ethical museum interventions.

Research Interests

Courses

ARTH 299: Ancestral Early Modern Native American Art ARTH 299: Modern Contemporary Native American Art ARTH 299: Textiles Fiber Arts Indigenous Americas ARTH 361: Contemporary Art ARTH 491: Indigenous-Centered Museum Practices ARTH 491: Native American Art: Disciplinary History ARTH 491: History Indigenous Film ARTH 550: Gender Performance Diversity Indigenous Art Cultural Contexts ARTS 595: MFA Graduate Laboratory ART 595: Professional Practices Art History

Requirements for University of Illinois

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:103
GRE General
Prerequisites
Mathematical background Linear Algebra Calculus
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE is optional for admission to all graduate programs in Statistics. Full status admission requires higher language scores than limited status.