Fine Arts (FINA)
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FINA 1100 3 credits
Introduction to Drawing
Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing in the field of visual art. They will study and practice various technical approaches to drawing. Students will focus primarily on observational drawing including still life, perspective, and the human figure.
Level: UG
FINA 1106 3 credits
Drawing for Design
Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles and techniques of drawing and design for communication. They will explore a variety of media and methods to describe: form, surface, motion, space, and light. Students will learn through observational studies of still lives, life models, and architectural forms. They will study the relationship of form to content, explore various methods of expression, and develop critical and analytical skills through group critiques and discussions.
Level: UG
FINA 1110 3 credits
Introduction to Painting
Students will study the fundamental materials, methods, and techniques of painting. They will practice and develop painting skills through technical and creative challenges. Students will also explore personal subjectivity in relation to historical movements and current trends in art through studio activity, lectures, and class discussions.
Level: UG
Co-requisite(s): FINA 1100
FINA 1130 3 credits
Ceramics I
Students will learn fundamental processes of handling and firing ceramic materials of different sizes, thicknesses, and textures. They will work with basic techniques of clay preparation, joining, building, drying, glazing, and firing while developing personal expression through form, colour, and texture.
Level: UG
FINA 1131 3 credits
Sculpture I
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts, methods, and materials of contemporary sculpture. They will survey major movements in sculpture over the last century through lectures, demonstrations, and individual and group critiques. Students will integrate theory and practice through technical challenges presented by processes and materials.
Level: UG
FINA 1135 3 credits
FINA 1142 3 credits
FINA 1145 3 credits
FINA 1166 3 credits
Colour Theory and Practice
Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles and application of colour theory in the fine arts. Students will gain skills in colour mixing and application to create specific visual effects. They will study the relationship of colour perception to content, explore various methods of colour expression, and develop critical and analytical skills through group critiques and discussion.
Level: UG
FINA 1167 3 credits
Visual Language: Making and Meaning
Students will be introduced to the visual concepts and principles of constructing and analyzing two-dimensional images. Studio-based exercises and assignments will emphasize process, materials, and the exploration of formal principles. Students will explore the visual relationships between formal elements, media, and content. Students will be introduced to the role of the artist as a producer of meaning through the use of historical and contemporary examples.
Level: UG
FINA 1170 3 credits
Introduction to Film Photography
Students will explore conceptual and practical approaches to black-and-white photography. They will learn to operate a 35mm single-lens-reflex camera, and learn to use basic darkroom techniques. Students will study the history of photography, and contemporary photography through class critiques and lectures.
Level: UG
FINA 1175 3 credits
Form, Structure and Materials
Students will study the fundamental principles of the conception and design of three-dimensional structures within the field of contemporary art. They will explore the relationships between form, structure, and materials through a range of processes and through the realization of three-dimensional objects and compositions.
Level: UG
FINA 1200 3 credits
FINA 1210 3 credits
FINA 1230 3 credits
Ceramics II
Students will review and reinforce ceramic skills and develop them to a higher degree of sophistication and complexity. They will focus on developing complete control of the ceramic medium at this level and participate in firings. Students will search for creative ways to use ceramic materials to explore concepts, to develop their own vocabularies, and to find a personal voice.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1130
FINA 1231 3 credits
Sculpture II
Students will build on concepts and materials introduced in Sculpture I and will investigate and debate a blend of traditional and non-traditional strategies for making sculpture. They will be introduced to new processes and materials to reflect the complex nature of contemporary sculptural practice and will participate in lectures, demonstrations, and individual and group critiques. Students will also use local resources such as libraries, galleries, and museums.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1131
FINA 1242 3 credits
Print Media II
Students will explore a wide variety of techniques in both intaglio and screenprinting including photographic and digital imaging. They will explore the potentials of mixed media prints on different surfaces in two- or three-dimensional structures. Students will also develop their conceptual interests and visual language through assigned projects and class discussions.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1142
FINA 2135 3 credits
Digital Media: Design in Contemporary Art
Students will learn to work with digital design software to create vector-based artwork. They will apply these programs to create still images, an artist book, and an art installation. They will expand their knowledge of software such as Photoshop™. Students will also learn to locate contemporary digital art practices in the context of contemporary cultural production.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1135
FINA 2147 3 credits
Issues in Contemporary Art I
Students will study theoretical issues relevant to the production and reception of visual art and popular culture in the last 35 years, including debates around semiotics, modernism/postmodernism, feminism(s), postcolonialism, and the attendant politics of identities produced through structures of race, class, gender and sexual preferences/practices. Students will examine the emergence of new technologies and their use in art practices. Students will visit exhibition venues, including public museums and galleries, commercial galleries and artist run centres. Note: This is a seminar-based course.
Level: UG
FINA 2170 3 credits
Intermediate Film Photography
Students will continue to develop and expand their knowledge of black-and-white film techniques and digital camera techniques, in addition to learning archival print processing, film scanning, digital manipulation, and studio lighting. They will explore contemporary issues by viewing and analyzing photography as art. Students will continue developing their knowledge of contemporary photographic practices and will develop a coherent body of work that reflects critical thought, contemporary art practices, issues, and theory.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1170
FINA 2235 3 credits
Digital Media: Interactive Art on the Web
Students will expand their knowledge of Photoshop™ and learn new software for the creation of online interactive art. They will apply these programs to create artwork that will encompass digital stills, online work, augmented reality, and 360° video. Students will also learn to locate contemporary digital practices within the broader history of cultural production.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1135
FINA 2270 3 credits
Digital Photography
Students will explore digital photography as an artistic medium. Students will learn Photoshop™ skills for photographers and digital darkroom techniques. Student attention will be placed on the development of personal work and refining technical skills. Students will develop a knowledge of contemporary visual arts practices in digital imaging and photography. Students will focus on critical content in personal work and learn to see their own work in relation to current issues and contexts in art. Students must have a digital camera and basic computer experience to enroll in this class.
Level: UG
FINA 2300 3 credits
Advanced Drawing I
Students will continue to strengthen their observational drawing skills while moving toward a more subjective involvement in the content of their work. They will also investigate and research alternative forms of expression as they develop and re-evaluate their work. To assist in this investigation students will study various trends in art, both current and historical.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1200
FINA 2310 3 credits
Advanced Painting Studio I
Students will develop their abilities to respond in a self-directed manner to the challenges of painting assignments. They will investigate and research alternative forms of expression as they develop and re-evaluate their work. Students will study contemporary trends in art and various artistic practices, both current and historical, to assist in this process.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1210
FINA 2330 3 credits
Ceramics III
Students will build on existing ceramic skills and engage in personal research, experimentation and self-directed learning. They will use additional ceramic techniques such as mould-making and slip casting and mural tile production with the goal of developing greater expression, originality, and a defined personal style.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1230
FINA 2331 3 credits
Sculpture III
Students will build on the materials and concepts explored in Sculpture I and Sculpture II. They will further develop and be challenged with projects which address craft, process, concepts, and materials. They will explore contemporary sculpture practices including the creation of independent sculptures and sculptural installations. Students will work within a framework of thematic and site-specific projects. They will explore assignments centred on advanced uses of the studio.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1231
FINA 2335 3 credits
Digital Media: Video and Installation
Students will expand their knowledge of digital software such as Photoshop™ and software for video editing. They will also learn to use professional level digital video software in a lab setting. They will apply these programs to create artwork that will encompass online work, installation, video and sound. Students will also learn to locate contemporary digital practices within the broader history of cultural production.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1135
FINA 2342 3 credits
Print Media III
Students will continue to explore different techniques in both intaglio and screenprinting. They will investigate and research the possibilities of interdisciplinary approach to print in contemporary print context. Students will also develop their conceptual interests and visual language through assigned and self-directed projects.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1242
FINA 2371 3 credits
Photo-based Alternative Processes & Installation
Students will work with photo-based methods and techniques that go beyond the conventional photographic print by exploring a variety of contemporary photo-based practices, including alternative, antique and experimental approaches. The students will develop skills in wet, dry and mixed media photo-based techniques, working with original and found images to produce projects and installations. Note: No prior photography experience is required. It is recommended that students have access to their own digital or film camera.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): Any 6 credits of FINA 1100 level courses or higher
FINA 2400 3 credits
Advanced Drawing II
Students will pursue and define their own personal approach to drawing in the field of contemporary art. They will conduct research and complete both assigned and self-directed projects. Students will lead discussions and critique the work of contemporary artists, as well as the work of their peers.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 2300
FINA 2410 3 credits
Advanced Painting Studio II
Students will pursue and define their own approach to painting in the field of contemporary art. They will conduct research and complete both assigned and self-directed projects. Students will lead discussions and critique the work of contemporary artists, as well as the work of their peers.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 2310
FINA 2430 3 credits
Ceramics IV
Students will concentrate on the integration of forms, surfaces, and materials in the development of a personal style in ceramics, and will aim for originality and expressiveness. They will set many of their own objectives within the framework of specific assignments and learn advanced firing techniques.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 2330
FINA 2431 3 credits
Sculpture IV
Students will work with the material and technical possibilities afforded by the sculpture studios to develop independent projects under supervision of the instructor. The student and instructor will agree on timelines, material and conceptual research, and a detailed series of questions guiding the students' inquiry. Students will initiate their own body of research and work closely with the instructor to develop work that encompasses a strong conceptual element as well as a focused material exploration. They will prepare for and generate class discussions.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 2331
FINA 2442 3 credits
Print Media IV
Students will specialize in one or more print media to develop a portfolio of works. Building on independent work habits, students will examine ideas and practices in contemporary print media through assigned and self-initiated projects. They will investigate the possibilities of extending print media into multi-media prints, print-based installation or other art forms. They will develop an increased insight into their work and will improve their ability to articulate conceptual and critical issues in class discussions.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 2342
FINA 3100 3 credits
Advanced Studio Practice and Seminar I
Students will pursue and define individual and collaborative approaches to their art practice. They will be expected to develop artwork based on thematic assignments with the goal of understanding their own practice in relation to contemporary art production. Students are required to identify an area of practice to be developed. To assist in this investigation, students will study trends in art and various artistic practices, both contemporary and historical.
Level: UG
FINA 3110 3 credits
Introduction to Curatorial Studies
Students will be engaged in discussions and workshops around various aspects of working in museum or gallery environments. They will explore the issues and procedures of mounting an exhibition which include organization, documentation, curatorial responsibilities, financial and budgetary matters, ethical and legal implications, and conservation of artwork. They will visit public art galleries and museums, artist-run centres, and alternative art exhibitions to analyze and respond to the theme and genre for those venues. Students will be required to organize and curate an exhibition.
Level: UG
FINA 3111 3 credits
Professional Practices
Students will study professional issues and practices useful to visual artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers in the field of art. They will focus on developing skills relating to portfolio development and documentation, grant proposals, and curriculum vitae writing, and acquiring knowledge towards issues including copyright law, promotional practices, and art institutions.
Level: UG
FINA 3112 3 credits
Public Art: Theory and Practice
Students will explore, both in theory and in practice, the questions raised by public art. They will study the solutions offered by artists working in the field as well as the critical issues surrounding its diverse audience. Informed by those questions and solutions, students will create public art proposals for review by their peers.
Level: UG
FINA 3113 3 credits
Subversive Art
Students will examine critically subversive art practices that "talk back" to dominant culture, including institutions of art and art history. Students will apply a critical point of view in their own contemporary art practices to critique social, cultural or art institutions, working in traditional art media and/or other formats such as digital media, performance, zines, graphic novels, street art (postering, stencilling, etc.) Students will also focus their studio practice through assigned readings, discussions and writing. Note: Students may earn credits for only one of FINA 3113 or FINA 3202 Special Topic: Subversive Art.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): (a) ENGL 1100, (b) any 6 credits of 2000-level FINA courses, and (c) one of ARTH 1120, ARTH 1121 or FINA 2147
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3131 3 credits
Wall Works
Students will study the processes and ideas surrounding the creation of sculptural works for the wall. Students will explore low and high relief sculpture, ranging from the abstract to the representational. They will also learn to understand contemporary art practice of developing personal compositions and integrated architectural works, through conducting independent research.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ENGL 1100, FINA 1167, 1175, 1100, 1131, ARTH 1120, ARTH 1121, (b) 6 credits from courses in FINA at the 2000 level
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3133 3 credits
Forming Stories
Students will study clay modeling, mold-making, sculpture, and casting as it relates to narration in contemporary sculpture. Students will specifically research and develop stories, using historical examples as a starting point, that can be translated visually and materially through the form, structure and surface of clay. They will then further transform these narrative, modeled sculptures through the process of mold-making and casting.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ENGL 1100, FINA 1167, 1175, 1100, 1131, ARTH 1120, ARTH 1121, (b) 6 credits from courses in FINA at the 2000 level.
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3135 3 credits
Advanced Digital Media: Open Studio 1
Students will pursue and define individual and collaborative approaches to their digital art practice. They will develop artwork based on thematic assignments with the goal of understanding their own practice in relation to contemporary art production. Students will work in a number of digital medias such as Photoshop™, media for video editing, and other digital media.
Level: UG
FINA 3147 3 credits
Issues in Contemporary Art II
Students will expand their knowledge of issues in the field of contemporary art. They will explore principles of critical and cultural studies that inform contemporary art praxis. Students will actively participate in this seminar-based course, which is structured around a series of required readings and facilitated discussions, supplemented by relevant slides, video and digital materials. Students will also go on local field trips to galleries, museums and artist-run centres.
Level: UG
FINA 3150 3 credits
Telling Lies Again - Making Narrative Art
Students will explore various approaches to creating narrative imagery through painting and drawing. They will apply both contemporary and historical strategies to storytelling in single-scene and serial formats. Students will examine the gap between text and visual imagery through their own work as well as in class readings and group critiques. Note: Credit will not be given for both FINA 3202 Special Topics in Studio Arts: Telling Lies Again - Making Narrative Art and FINA 3150 Telling Lies Again - Making Narrative Art.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 1167, 2300, 2310 and ARTH 1120, 1121 and ENGL 1100 or by permission of the instructor
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3152 3 credits
Creating Visual Narratives: The Graphic Novel
In this art studio course students will study the contemporary visual narrative art form and create their own visual narratives and short comics. Visual narrative includes single panel narrative, sequential art in a variety of media, comics, and graphic novels. Students will research and study narrative art concepts in contemporary art and popular culture. Students will develop their own projects exploring the creative potential of this art form to represent social, cultural, or personal stories through visuals and text.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ENGL 1100 and FINA 2147, (b) 6 credits from courses in ARTH at the 2000 level, and (c) 6 credits from courses in FINA at the 2000 level
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3170 3 credits
Advanced Film Photography
Students will continue to expand on their knowledge of film photography as an art practice and focus on developing a cohesive body of work that reflects critical thought, contemporary art issues and theory. Students will be introduced to large format photography, advanced darkroom techniques and professional large scale fine art printing, while continuing to refine their colour, black and white, medium format photography and lighting skills. Student will focus on the development of personal work and technical skills through both assigned and self-directed projects.
Level: UG
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3200 3 credits
Advanced Studio Practice and Seminar II
Students will continue to pursue and define individual and collaborative approaches to their art practice and writing skills. They will be expected to develop artwork based on thematic assignments and also to identify an area of independent, self-directed work with the goal of understanding their own practice in relation to contemporary art production. To assist in this investigation, students will study trends in art and various artistic practices, both contemporary and historical.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 3100
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3201 3 credits
Artistic Practice In The Community
Students will study the various forms and methods of introducing art, and issues surrounding art, into the community. They will formulate a plan and initiate an individual or group driven, community-based project, for which guidelines will be varied and tailored to each student's interests in the arts. Students might choose a commercial art project, long-term volunteer or committee work in the arts, a public art project, developing and teaching workshops, giving docent tours, and performing non-profit work relating to the arts.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ENGL 1100, FINA 1167, FINA 1175, ARTH 1120 and ARTH 1121, (b) 6 credits from courses in FINA at the 2000 level, and (c) 3 credits from courses in ARTH at the 2000 level.
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3202 3 credits
Special Topics in Studio Arts
Students will engage in an intensive study of a special topic in studio arts chosen by the instructor. They will study the techniques of a particular art process and/or consider a topic from a specific thematic or conceptual approach. (Students may register for this course more than once providing the topic is different)
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ENGL 1100, FINA 1167, 1175, 1200, 2147, ARTH 1120, 1121, (b) 6 credits from ARTH 2000 level courses and 6 credits from any FINA 2000 level courses.
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3235 3 credits
Advanced Digital Media: Open Studio 2
Students will develop a substantial body of work based on personal research, with the goal of articulating their digital art practice in relation to contemporary art production. They will be required to identify an area of practice to be developed, which could include experimentation and innovation in different digital media such as Photoshop™, Illustrator™, Flash™, Premiere Pro™, Final Cut Pro™ and After Effects™. Students will also focus their studio practice critically through reading, research and writing.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 3135
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3270 3 credits
Advanced Digital Photography
Students will expand on their knowledge of digital photography as an artistic medium and focus on the critical content in personal work through both assigned and self-directed projects. Students will refine their Photoshop™ skills for photographers, learn advanced digital darkroom techniques and be introduced to large scale fine art printing. Students will focus on the development of personal projects, leading to a cohesive body of work. Students will develop and analyze their own work and the work of their peers in the context of contemporary visual arts practices and theory in digital imaging, art and photography.
Level: UG
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3280 3 credits
Performance Art l
Students will be introduced to performance art through a variety of approaches including live performance, group collaborations, sound work and performance for video and still images. They will explore the possibilities of interdisciplinary and ephemeral art forms through performance and body art practices. Students will develop knowledge of contemporary visual arts practices and become familiar with the history of performance art. Students will focus on critical content in their own personal work and learn to recognize current issues and contexts in art. Note: This is a studio seminar. Credit will not be given for both FINA 3280 and FINA 3202 - Special Topics: Performance Art.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) ENGL 1100, (b) 6 credits of FINA 2000 level courses, and (c) one of ARTH 1120 or ARTH 1121 or FINA 2147.
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 3380 3 credits
Performance Art ll
Students will develop advanced personal approaches to performance art and conduct research for both assigned and self-directed projects. Students will develop and analyze their work and the work of their peers in the context of contemporary visual art and the history of performance art. They will refine the critical content in their personal work in relation to current issues and contexts in art.
Level: UG
Attribute: ARTS
FINA 4300 6 credits
Advanced Studio Practice and Thesis I
Students will begin to develop a body of work in relation to their personal research. They are required to identify an area of practice to be developed, along with experimentation and innovation in different media and materials. Students will also focus their studio practice critically through reading, research and writing.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): All of (a) FINA 3200, (b) 6 credits from ARTH 3000 or 4000 level courses, (c) 6 credits from FINA 3000 level courses
FINA 4400 6 credits
Advanced Studio Practice and Thesis II
Students will develop a substantial body of work based on personal research, with the goal of articulating their practice in relation to contemporary art production. They are required to identify an area of practice to be developed, which could include experimentation and innovation in different media and materials. Students will create a culminating body of work accompanied by a written thesis in which the intentions of the work are articulated and theorized.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): FINA 4300
Attribute: ARTS
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