Level 3 Directed Research & Production GENERAL INFORMATION As an optional finishing year, Level 3: Directed Research and Production, allows graduates to further solidify the direction of their photographic practice with full access to SPAO resources and the guidance and nurturing of an advisory relationship with SPAO instructors. The schedule for this level has formal class and meeting times of approximately 4 hours a week. This is divided between progress meetings and critiques with instructors, and facilitated group discussions, presentations and critiques with Level 3 classmates. Additionally, Level 3 graduate students are encouraged to participate in any Level 1 and 2 Auteurs classes, Intensive Concentration Workshops, practical demonstrations, and field trips, which are in keeping with their research and areas of exploration. The majority however, of a Level 3 graduate student’s time will be spent on the research for and refinement of their photographic direction, and the further evolution and production of their set of portfolios. SPAO facilities outside of regular class and meeting hours are open to student access, day and evening, depending on workshop and part-time studies schedules, and it is the Level 3 students that will participate in the Monitor system and have the most free access to SPAO resources through it. Monitoring, mentoring and teaching assisting will add an important layer to the SPAO Level 3 experience. Graduate students will have the opportunity to clarify their photographic knowledge and gain confidence in their skills through interface with Level 1 and 2 students. Teaching assisting, presentation and demonstration will be some of the practical aspects of this valuable interaction. Level 3 students will also further connect their practice with the commercial and visual arts fields. They will curate an exhibition for the SPAO gallery, hold their own solo show in this space, and participate in SPAO group shows including the year-end Exhibition No. 2. The pursuit of commissioned work will be encouraged and supported within the limitations of SPAO resources. A session of practical study or assistantship in the field relevant to their chosen career path will be arranged for interested students. Competition in juried contests will be a required exercise. The Core Curriculum classes and meetings run 26 weeks of the SPAO year and instructors have extended office hours outside of that schedule to provide students with intensive one-on-one tutelage for the entire school year. SPAO endeavors to produce photographers and photo-based artists of the highest calibre for entry into the commercial and visual arts fields. Level 3, as a deepened exploration of the themes and approaches begun in Level 2, allows for a further maturation of vision and full development of a graduate student’s photographic practice.   Core Curriculum Classes/Meetings GROUP RESEARCH AND REVIEW ~2 hours/week An instructor facilitated, informal forum that will bring all of the Level 3 graduate students together once a week. Students will present individual research to their colleagues and get together to form shared investigative initiatives. Portfolio production progress, exhibition matters, and practicum experience will be among the topics generated by each student’s individual endeavors, and discussed in this relaxed peer review. RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ADVISORY MEETING ~2 hours/week Regular one-on-one sessions in which an instructor will work with graduate students in an advisory capacity. Students will have the opportunity to: Set realistic and yet challenging goals, discuss the content and progress of their research and base concepts, create production and dissemination strategies, discuss details of work in production, and get in depth personalized critiques of finished pieces.