Course Descriptions

Visual Arts: 100 Level Courses

VISA 101-3 2-D Foundation 1 (3,1,0)
VISA 102-3 2-D Foundation 2 (3,1,0)
VISA 103-3 3-D Foundation (3,1,0)
VISA 104-3 Photographic Fundamentals (3,1,0)
VISA 111-3 (FINA 111) History of Art 1 (3,1,0)
VISA 112-3 (FINA 121) History of Art 2 (3,1,0)
VISA 121-3 (FINA 113) Drawing 1 (3,1,0)
VISA 122-3 (FINA 123) Drawing 2 (3,1,0)
VISA 150-3 (FINA 150) Introduction to Visual Culture (3,0,0)

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VISA 1010

2-D Art Foundation 1 (3,1,0)(L) 3 credits

This course is an intensive, studio based exploration of artmaking with an emphasis on developing creative relationships between the fundamentals of art processes, materials, conceptual knowledge and current art practice. Within a positive working environment students will develop the creative approaches necessary to pursue their own ideas in response to a structured program of challenging studio projects, constructive discussion and illustrated lectures and seminars. The course is designed to link the knowledge and practice of pictorial development with individual creative drive and conceptual understanding. Students will be expected to participate fully in the class projects and critiques with the majority of the studio work completed outside the regular class hours.

Prerequisite: None

VISA 1020

2-D Art Foundation 2 (3,1,0)(L) 3 credits

As a continuation of the issues and practices introduced in the first semester of 2D-foundation this course builds towards more specific approaches to pictorial art making and focuses on the general studio processes and the ideas related to Printmaking, Painting and Photography. The course progresses through assignments designed to explore the essential processes and aesthetic potential of each media. Colour theory, acrylic painting, basic printmaking techniques, photography and darkroom processes will form the core of studio investigations. Under the guidance of the instructor, students are challenged to apply their resourcefulness and creativity to the characteristics, issues and processes inherent to each medium. As in the previous semester, studio work will be accompanied by illustrated talks, demonstrations and creative strategies. Students are required to attend all classes and participate fully in the class discussions, seminars and projects. As in all studio classes the majority of the studio work will be completed beyond the usual class time.

Prerequisite: VISA 1010

VISA 1030

3-D Foundation (3,1,0)(L) 3 credits

This course introduces materials, techniques, and ideas that are fundamental to three dimensional aspects of visual art. Ideas related to long-standing traditions of sculpture, as well as those coming from the work of contemporary artists will be explored through the use of such materials and concepts as: wood, styrofoam, and clay; found objects; and installation. This course will also serve as an introduction to the equipment and safe working procedures of the Visual Arts Carpentry Workshop. Seminars in this course will be used for the discussion and critique of students' projects as they relate to the history and contemporary practice of visual artists.

Prerequisite: None

VISA 1040

Fundamentals of Photography (3,1,0)(L) 3 credits

This is an introductory photography course for students who are not enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree program. The course curriculum will focus on the technical aspects of black and white photography and the use of photography as an artistic medium. An understanding of these technical and aesthetic aspects of photography will be carried out in the context of an ongoing study of the history and contemporary theory of fine art photography. Students will be expected to find further studio time in order to complete assignments related to camera and darkroom techniques introduced in class. Credits for this course cannot be used towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Art nor for the Diploma in Visual Art.

Prerequisite: None

VISA 1110

History of Art 1 (3,1,0) 3 credits

Survey of the Arts of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture from primitive man up to the Renaissance and including the Baroque period.

Prerequisite: None

VISA 1120

History of Art 2 (3,1,0) 3 credits

A survey course in Art History from the Renaissance to the 20th Century.

Prerequisite: VISA 1110

VISA 1210

Drawing 1 (3,1,0)(L) Studio - 3 credits

An introduction to the fundamentals of drawing, covering formal elements of drawing, composition, and balance as well as practical techniques for seeing/drawing effectively. The student will be introduced to a range of drawing media and methods. Visual references, group critiques, discussions and readings will fortify theory. Although practical projects and techniques will be demonstrated in class, students are advised to timetable additional studio time in order to complete assignments which will be presented for critique.

Prerequisite: None

VISA 1220

Drawing 2 (3,1,0)(L) Studio - 3 credits

A continuation of VISA 121, building on basic drawing skills, history and theory. This will cover further concepts such as texture and colour as well as layering and proportion/distortion, with an emphasis on visual communication of content through composition, choice of media and surface. Visual references, group critiques, discussions and readings will fortify theory. Practical aspects of assignments will be introduced in class but students are advised to timetable studio time in addition to class time in order to complete assignments for critique.

Prerequisite: VISA 1210 or equivalent

VISA 1500

Introduction to Visual Culture (3,0,0) 3 credits

An interdisciplinary investigation of culture through the study of our visual environment. Beginning with the development of a critical framework for understanding visual art forms, the course will progress to encompass other viewpoints and forms of visual communications such as television, film, video, computers, billboards, graffiti, new technology and other image making sources. A variety of topics related to our visual environment will be presented by guest lectures, artists and field professionals. This is a lecture class: no drawing skills are required.

Prerequisite: None