Through a blend of critique, lecture and studio-time, the Fine Art program fosters creative problem-solving skills, encourages experimentation and guides you in developing your skill as an artist.
To complete program requirements, you will take three types of courses: required core courses, Fine Art option courses based on your areas of interest, and elective courses that allow you to explore other interests.
2019/20
Year one
In your first year, you work with a wide range of materials and processes, ranging from new media and acrylic paint, to digital production and power tools. As well, you learn how to effectively critique your own work and the work of your classmates. You study the elements of and principles used in visual language, traditional and non-traditional art mediums and subjects, and the history and theories of Western art.
Term I
ARTE 104 - Five Centuries of Art and Visual Culture: From Renaissance to the 19th-Century
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course is an introduction to the history of art and visual culture of Western Europe from the fifteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century. The course will cover this topic primarily in a linear historical fashion, but with room for thematic discussions. Therefore, a selection of works that are relevant to major historical themes will be explored. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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ARTE 107 - Three-Dimensional Foundations
| Hours:15:45:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This studio-based course introduces the principles, vocabulary and concepts of three-dimensional space-based art. Students work with traditional and contemporary materials and technical processes that are relevant to sculpture, installation and other creative forms, including constructed and reductive forms, and repetitive or distributive processes. A critical vocabulary for discussing spatial forms is developed through project discussion and critiques. A technician conducted safety workshop for use of the woodshop area, hand tools, and standing machines is a mandatory course component. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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ARTE 110 - Foundation Drawing
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course introduces the visual elements, methodologies and principles of drawing. Students learn to work with traditional mediums and various papers. The principles of perspective, tonality and line dynamics are studied in-depth. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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ARTE 111 - 2D Foundation: Theory and Structure
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theories, elements and vocabulary of the visual language. Students work with two-dimensional form to study the structures and principles of composition, illusionistic space, visual dynamics and colour theory. The critique practice is introduced. Development of problem solving and crafting skills, communication skills and productive work habits are emphasized. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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ENGL 102 - Analysis and Argument
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. The essay is the most important genre in this course, but students may also study works from other genres. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. A thorough review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Note: Students should not register in more than one first-year English course per term. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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Term II
ARTE 106 - Digital Foundations
| Hours:15:45:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course introduces the concepts, vocabulary, histories and processes that are key to digital art practice, including but not limited to: lens-based digital image practice and fundamentals of code-based, electronic, and/or networked art. Students will gain knowledge and experience in digital processes through a lab component and projects that explore the creative possibilities of working in the digital environment. The course is studio-based with lectures. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 111. |
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ARTE 119 - Introduction to Creative Research
| Hours:30:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course introduces modes of research that are fundamental to contemporary studio-based art, including but not limited to: material research, historical practices and research for innovation. Students develop two-dimensional or three-dimensional studio projects that generate from research models. Visits to specific exhibitions and artist studios may be required. The course is studio-based with lectures. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 110 and ARTE 111. |
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ARTE 120 - Observational Drawing
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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Students commence the in-depth study of observational drawing by applying knowledge and skills developed in Foundation Drawing. Subjects include still-life, portrait, and figure, and may include architecture, plant or animal form. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 110. |
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ARTE 224 - The Visual Culture of Modernity: Fin-de-siècle to Mid-Twentieth Century
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course is an exploration of art and visual culture in the Modernist Era up to the mid-twentieth century. Beginning with representations of nineteenth-century urban life and newly modern ways of viewing the world, students will learn about the major modernist philosophies, art movements, and architectural influences. The chaos and destruction of both World Wars as related to various forms of cultural production will also be studied. |
| Prerequisites: ARTE 104. |
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ENGL 103 - Introduction to Literature
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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Building on the writing skills students developed in ENGL 102: Analysis and Argument, ENGL 103 continues to develop critical thinking and writing skills applicable across the university curriculum through intensive reading and analysis of literary texts. In addition to a minimum of one play, novel, or novella, students analyze works from other literary genres. With this exploration of the variety and forms of literature, ENGL 103 covers the basics of literary analysis, research and reading skills imperative to all university disciplines. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in ENGL 102 or in WRIT 101. |
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Year two
In your second year, you apply the vocabulary and techniques you learned in your first year to new projects and ideas. Through course work, visiting artists’ presentations, gallery visits and time in your studio, you learn what it means to make your mark in the art world. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to confidently choose the right path for continuing your artistic journey.
Term III
ARTE 205 - Introduction to Painting
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students are introduced to contemporary painting methods, concepts and materials. Studio work includes painting practice in acrylic media, preparing and building substrates, creative research, lab and outdoor work, peer discussion and group critiques. Students may be required to attend off-site lectures and art exhibitions outside of scheduled class hours. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 120. |
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ARTE 206 - Intermedia: Digital Art
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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In this studio course, students expand on knowledge gained in Digital Foundations to explore concepts and processes relevant to contemporary Digital and Intermedia Art. Projects may include, but are not limited to any of the following as they focus on this ever-changing discipline: screen- or time-based media, networked art, interactive art, low-tech electronic digital practice, locative or mobile practices. Students will build a vocabulary for discourse and practice through readings, discussions, presentations, and critiques, and will be expected to attend some lectures, art exhibitions, or online events outside of scheduled class hours. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 106. |
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ARTE 230 - Introduction to Contemporary Drawing
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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In this studio course students investigate materials, methodologies and forms prevalent in contemporary drawing practices. Written assignments, visits to galleries and attendance at artist lectures may be required. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 120. |
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ARTE 234 - Art and Visual Culture II: Modernism and Postmodernism
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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Lecture survey course on history of global art and visual culture from 1950 to contemporary practice of the 2000s, focusing primarily on western culture but including major world regions. Emphasis is placed on historical, social, and interpretive issues relevant to the critical analysis of artistic production and meaning. |
| Prerequisites: ARTE 224. |
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Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
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Term IV
ARTE 208 - Introduction to Professional Practice
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:3 |
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Students examine professional issues and responsibilities that artists encounter in a contemporary art practice. In a seminar forum, with gallery and studio visits and presentations from practicing professionals and students, students explore the various methods employed to develop and sustain a professional studio practice. Exhibition practices, art-writing, team and community collaboration and dissemination strategies are the focus of this course. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 230. |
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ARTE 219 - Concepts and Practice
| Hours:30:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
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In this studio course, students generate artwork through independent research, from a choice of subjects and concepts. These self-directed projects progress from conceptual and material development to final presentation and critical discussion. Projects may include writing assignments, supplementary readings, visits to galleries and attendance at visiting artist lectures. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 119. |
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Fine Art Option
| Hours: |
Credits:3 |
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No description available. |
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Fine Art Option
| Hours: |
Credits:3 |
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No description available. |
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Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
OR
FFAC Option
| Hours: |
Credits:3 |
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No description available. |
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Fine Art options
ARTE 207 - 3D Spatial Practice
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This studio course introduces creative concepts and practices relevant to spatial practice in contemporary sculpture, installation and related art forms such as performance, artists’ walks, relational practice or transitory outdoor projects. Students work on projects that consider what space and environment means in contemporary three-dimensional art, including questions and approaches around the object, installation, action, intervention and audience. Art work takes place in, and beyond, the studio, requiring students to attend outside exhibitions and install or present works outside the campus studio. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum C- in ARTE 107. |
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ARTE 214 - History of Photography
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course surveys the technological, social and cultural histories of photography from its origins in the early 19th-century to the 21st-century. Students consider the impact of photography on a variety of fields, including portraiture, science, colonial exploration, anthropology, sociology, criminology, journalism and the fine arts. While familiarizing students with influential photographers and iconic photographs of the 19th-, 20th- and 21st-centuries, this course also introduces students to the scholarly discourse around historical and current uses of photographic images. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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ARTE 215 - Painting II
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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Students further develop aesthetic and technical painting processes as they undertake studio projects using materials, concepts and methodologies of contemporary painting. Studio work includes exploration in painting practice and critical research, and extended discussion and group critiques. Students are also required to attend some off-site lectures and art exhibitions outside of scheduled class hours. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in ARTE 205. |
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ARTE 216 - Intermedia II: Emerging Forms
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This studio course expands on the critical and contemporary approaches to intermedia and digital art practice explored in ARTE 206. Projects take place in or beyond the studio, and collaboration in or across discipline is strongly encouraged. Students engage in reading discussions and presentations on related themes, and are expected to attend some lectures, art exhibitions, and events in real or online spaces outside of scheduled class locations and hours. |
| Prerequisites: ARTE 206. |
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ARTE 314 - Thinking Photography
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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To ‘think photography’ is to consider how photographs convey meaning and influence social and cultural practices. In this course, students debate photographic theory about the nature and function of photographic images. Also, students examine a range of photographic practices, both current and historical, and discuss documentary photography, photojournalism, advertising, scientific photography, sociological and anthropological uses of photography, art photography and personal photography. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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ARTE 259 - Special Topics in Art
| Hours:30:60:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course provides an in-depth study of a specific subject area or theme within Fine Art. The topic for the course varies term to term and topics are posted in the department and on the department website prior to registration. Specific prerequisites for each topic are also posted, and students are advised to check the descriptions prior to requesting permission from the Chair. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
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The program of study may change from year to year. The authoritative source for course descriptions and the rules and regulations that apply to students is the Academic Calendar.
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Take credit for your work
Check transfer agreements between this program and other post-secondary institutions in Alberta. Find out which transfer credits you may be awarded for individual courses.
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