VA 101
3 credits
Figure Drawing
Prerequisite(s): None.
This is an introductory drawing course focused on the human figure. Students will learn how to draw from a live model, utilizing a variety of techniques and materials in both draped and undraped settings.
Note: This course utilizes nude models.
VA 113
3 credits
Introduction to Drawing
Prerequisite(s): None
This is an introductory drawing course that is designed to give the student technical art training and skill development balanced with experimental processes. Students will be exposed to both traditional and non-traditional methods, materials, ideas, and techniques. This course will emphasize the importance of drawing from three distinct positions: technical skill development, development of personal expression, and the important role art plays in describing and formulating our society today.
VA 115
3 credits
Introductory Studio I: Material Practices
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces various methods of 2-D visual communication related to creative image making and surface production. Students explore elements and principles of contemporary design and a wide range of material processes, and apply this knowledge to concept development and creative strategies.
VA 116
3 credits
Intro Studio II: Space, Form and Time
Prerequisite(s): None
This course explores traditional three-dimensional artistic processes with contemporary approaches that expand and transcend conventional definitions of these practices. Hybrid and interdisciplinary forms of 3D practices will be explored through project-based learning that encompasses topics to include: bodily representation and performative presence, space and time, form and content, and structure and function.
VA 117
3 credits
Introduction to Animation Drawing
Prerequisite(s): None
This course introduces animation drawing through a variety of methods. Students will explore aspects of drawing to facilitate the production and development of all aspects of animation. This course covers the basic skills and knowledge of drawing techniques that form the basis of the fully developed animated project. There will be a focus on aspects of line, shape, value, perspective, spatial effects, and composition as related to animated drawing.
VA 140
3 credits
Indigenous Design and Technology: Special Topics I
Prerequisite(s): None
This introductory course provides an opportunity for students, artists and educators to study Indigenous design-related techniques and art making practices. In this course students will gain skills to create works inspired by traditional and contemporary methods. Students will discuss issues of cultural copyright and will be encouraged to create work applicable to their own cultural contexts.
Note: This course is offered as VA 140 and FD 140. Students may only take one of these with the same letter designation for credit.
VA 141
3 credits
Indigenous Design and Technology: Special Topics II
Prerequisite(s): VA 140/FD 140 with the same letter designation
This course provides an opportunity to combine traditional technology and design within a contemporary context. Students will learn how to work with the basic principles of traditional Indigenous designs and how to apply their own designs to a functional and aesthetic object of their own making.
Note: This course is offered as VA 141 and FD 141. Students may only take one of these with the same letter designation for credit.
VA 142
3 credits
Indigenous Art and Design in Context
Prerequisite(s): VA 140/FD 140 and VA 141/FD 141 with the same letter designations
This course provides students with the opportunity to practice and refine skills learned in traditional and contemporary Indigenous design and technology. Practice will be informed by students’ research into the cultural context of these practices, with specific reference to Northwest Coast cultures.
Note: This course is offered as VA 142 and FD 142. Students may only take one of these for credit.
VA 143
3 credits
Indigenous Art and Professional Practices
Prerequisite(s): VA 140 and VA 141, plus three additional university-level credits
Taught by instructors steeped in the reality and experience of indigenous art practices, this course offers an introduction to the broad principles of building a professional art practice. Students will be taught a range of skills important in succeeding as a professional creative artist or in related occupations and fields. Students will learn about balancing cultural integrity and traditional knowledge with cultural industry demands.
VA 160
3 credits
Introduction to Video Production
Prerequisite(s): None
This course is an introduction to the basic techniques and creative processes of video production. It offers exercises in both studio and on-location video production for students who have had little or no previous exposure to the production of video as a creative medium. The course will emphasize the development of technical skills and knowledge which are necessary for the effective use of video as an artistic tool and for documentation or personal expression. Emphasis will be on hands-on exercises concerning pre-production, production and postproduction.
VA 161
3 credits
Video Production II
Prerequisite(s): VA 160 or VA 271
This course is a continuation of VA 160, providing a more comprehensive exploration of video production. It offers complex exercises in studio and on-location video production for students who have satisfied the requirements for VA 160 or who have previous video production experience
Note: Students should have some experience with video editing software or equipment.
VA 165
3 credits
Word and Image
Prerequisite(s): None
Following a historical survey of approaches to produce hybrid works, students will explore and practice the techniques of an integrated, inter-dependent artform of using textual elements with still and moving images (video).
Note: Students with credit for ENGL 165 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 170
3 credits
Introduction to Digital Video
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will introduce students to the technical and conceptual aspects of digital video art. Students will explore the history of video art, contemporary video makers who utilize the medium, and will develop digital video projects of their own. It is recommended that students have access to a digital video camera, as the department as a limited number.
VA 180
3 credits
Digital Photography I
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course emphasizes the basics of digital photography, beginning with digital camera controls, progressing on to editing fundamentals and techniques, and ending with the production of final prints. The functional and aesthetic impact of digital photography in today’s society is also investigated.
Note: Students with credit for GD 158 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 205
3 credits
Art Practices and Popular Culture I
Prerequisite(s): AH 102
This course offers an examination of popular culture in relation to contemporary art-making practices, emphasizing the cross-fertilization of "fine" and "popular" art in recent decades. Students will investigate relevant art historical movements (e.g. Cubism, Dada, Pop), and the social and political role of art and the artist. This course fosters skills in visual literacy, stressing their critical importance in understanding and participating in a culture that increasingly embraces the visual and the popular. Students will be required to participate in a curatorial/exhibition assignment.
Note: This course is offered as VA 205 and AH 205. Students may take only one of these for credit.
VA 221
3 credits
Drawing II
Prerequisite(s): VA 101 or VA 113.
This course provides a continued study of the principles and practices introduced in 100-level drawing courses. Students will utilize both black and white and colour applications in drawing, with an emphasis on advanced skill development, personal expression, and experimentation.
Note: This course utilizes nude models.
VA 222
3 credits
Figure Painting
Prerequisite(s): VA 101 or VA 223.
This course is dedicated to painting the human figure. Students will learn how to paint from a live model in both draped and undraped settings. Students will utilize a variety of techniques and materials in the study of traditional and non-traditional methods of figure painting.
Note: This course utilizes nude models.
VA 223
3 credits
Painting & Drawing I
Prerequisite(s): None; one of VA 113, VA 115, or VA 116 is strongly recommended.
This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of pictorial development and practice as it relates to this discipline. Students are introduced to various painting and drawing techniques, as well as rudimentary information regarding studio materials and equipment. This course serves to provide experimental processes balanced with technical art training. Students are exposed to various principles and theories that examine art -- historical and contemporary practices.
Note: Students with credit for VA 123 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 224
3 credits
Painting & Drawing II
Prerequisite(s): VA 223
This course provides a continued study of the principles and practices introduced in VA 123. Emphasis is placed on skill development, personal expression and experimentation. With respect to contemporary art practice and discourse, students gain valuable practical experience in the use of studio equipment and archival processes, as well as deeper understanding of the relationship between form and content.
Note: Students with credit for VA 124 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 231
3 credits
Sculpture & Extended Media I
Prerequisite(s): VA 116
This overview of 3-dimensional work begins with the physical world of objects and materials, and explores principles and elements of design in a series of studio projects. A range of traditional skill-based processes, diverse media, and contemporary interdisciplinary practices inform the exploration of ideas and materials.
Note: Students with credit for VA 131 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 232
3 credits
Sculpture & Extended Media II
Prerequisite(s): VA 231
Engaging in the larger cultural dialogue, students explore innovative content and technologies in the areas of object-making, site based installation, performance, time-based works, and digital forms. Students develop conceptual content concurrently with practical knowledge of materials and fabrication techniques.
Note: Students with credit for VA 132 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 240
3 credits
Indigenous Design and Technology: Special Topics III
Prerequisite(s): Prior completion of Indigenous Arts certificate; VA 140 and VA 141 with the same letter designation (for example, VA 140C and VA 141C are prerequisites for VA 240C)
This course continues the study of traditional technology and design within a contemporary context. Students begin to work with intermediate techniques and principles of indigenous design, and will apply a greater understanding of cultural context in the creation of functional and aesthetic objects.
VA 241
3 credits
Indigenous Design and Technology: Special Topics IV
Prerequisite(s): VA 240 with the same letter designation
This course continues the study of traditional technology and design within a contemporary context, with the emphasis on advanced techniques and principles of indigenous design. Students apply a thorough understanding of cultural context in the creation of functional and aesthetic objects, and gain the knowledge and insight to allow for a continued independent practice.
VA 251
3 credits
Print Media I
Prerequisite(s): None; one of VA 113, VA 115, or VA 116 is strongly recommended.
This course introduces fundamental procedures of basic intaglio/relief methods, including etching and linocut. Students will develop their own unique sensibilities in relation to how these processes affect creative image development. They will also gain understanding of the historical, social, and aesthetic ramifications of this medium and its relationship to contemporary art issues.
Note: Students with credit for VA 151 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 252
3 credits
Print Media II
Prerequisite(s): VA 251
This course is a continuation of the basic techniques introduced in VA 151, with emphasis on creative and personal development. Intermediate processes and issues are explored, including advanced etching techniques, the introduction of collograph, multiple plate colour printing, mixed techniques, and concepts of production. Projects and critiques focus on conceptual development in relation to contemporary and historical visual print culture.
Note: Students with credit for VA 152 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 271
3 credits
New Media I – Introduction to Electronic Media
Prerequisite(s): General competency with computers; VA 115 or VA 116 is strongly recommended.
This course offers an introduction to the language, content, and methods of audiovisual new media art. Students are introduced to concepts, techniques, and strategies for the design and composition of new media artworks. These works are interdisciplinary in nature and grounded in cultural practices that will be explored during the course. Concepts grounding new media such as collage, database form, time-based composition (motion graphics, animation, sound), integration of image and sound compositions, and new approaches to presentation and projection will be explored. The overall objective of the course is to develop skills in hands-on production in the context of an understanding of the basic forms and discourses of contemporary media art practice.
Note: Students with credit for VA 171 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 272
3 credits
New Media II – Computational Media Art
Prerequisite(s): VA 271
This course introduces students to the basics of scripting and interactivity for audio-visual media art production. Students will learn the basics of scripting using a simple language designed for artists and visual designers. Topics covered will include process orientation, interactivity and game structures. Contemporary artists creating works in computational media will be studied for examples and strategies of current practices that can inform students’ own computational art projects. Typical projects can include generative and interactive audiovisual installation or screen-based work.
Note: Students with credit for VA 172 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 280
3 credits
Digital Photography: Advanced Imaging
Prerequisite(s): VA 180
This course is for students who have basic knowledge of digital photography. Attention is placed on the development of personal work and the refinement of techniques. Students expand their knowledge of contemporary art photography, furthering the conceptual content of their work in relation to current issues and contexts.
Note: Students must have access to a digital SLR camera.
VA 283
3 credits
Introduction to Photography
Prerequisite(s): None. One of VA 113, VA 115, or VA 116 is strongly recommended.
This course introduces the basic principles of black-and-white darkroom photography. Students learn manual camera controls using analog film cameras, followed by chemical processing and printing. Digital photographic processes involving scanning and printing will also be covered.
Note: Students must either provide their own 35 mm camera or rent one from the department.
Note: Students with credit for VA 183 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 284
3 credits
Darkroom Photography
Prerequisite(s): VA 283.
This course extends the practice of black-and-white darkroom photography. Students learn archival chemical printing, and are introduced to medium-format film. Creative experimental darkroom techniques will also be explored.
Note: Students must either provide their own 35 mm camera or rent one from the department.
Note: Students with credit for VA 184 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 321
3 credits
Painting/Drawing III
Prerequisite(s): VA 113, VA 115, VA 116, VA 224, and one of either VA 160 or VA 180. Students in programs outside of the BFA or the Visual Art diploma who do not have the 100-level prerequisites may seek permission of the department.
This course offers an advanced study of painting and drawing techniques and theories as they pertain to contemporary cultural constructs. Students produce individual works of art that are culturally relevant and self expressive, while emphasizing the interrelationship of different art disciplines and practices. Students work independently on self-directed projects designed in consultation with faculty, and are encouraged to bridge their studio practice with art-historical, art-theoretical, and/or culturally relevant Visual Arts research.
VA 322
3 credits
Painting/Drawing IV
Prerequisite(s): VA 321
Students will develop an advanced series of works and will explore technical, material, and theoretical directions related to their studio practice in contemporary painting and drawing. Theoretical frameworks are integrated to enhance these studio and research based investigations.
Note: Students with credit for FA 322 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 331
3 credits
Sculpture & Extended Media III
Prerequisite(s): VA 113, VA 115, VA 116, VA 232, and one of either VA 160 or VA 180. Students in programs outside of the BFA or the Visual Art diploma who do not have the 100-level prerequisites may seek permission of the department.
Examining theoretical and philosophical frameworks, students explore interdisciplinary and multi-media materials, techniques, and approaches. Students engage as agents of change, using social sculpture and expanded art projects to respond to their environment in inventive ways and to further understand inseparable connections between content and context.
VA 332
3 credits
Sculpture & Extended Media IV
Prerequisite(s): VA 331
Students develop an integrated approach to their 3D and extended media studio practice, choosing from a broad range of creative possibilities within the material, spatial, and non-static arts, and combining research, conceptual skills and strategies. Works involve multiple participants through collaboration and shared authorship.
VA 351
3 credits
Print Media III: Mixed Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 113, VA 115, VA 116, VA 252, and one of either VA 160 or VA 180. Students in programs outside of the BFA or the Visual Art diploma who do not have the 100-level prerequisites may seek permission of the department.
This course is designed to continue the exploration of mixing print mediums. Photo intaglio is introduced, encompassing Photoshop manipulation, transparency output and working with photo-polymer applications, preparing images for digital printing, and the combination of digital printing with more traditional print applications. Projects and critiques focus on conceptual development in relation to contemporary and historical visual print culture.
VA 352
3 credits
Print Media IV: Advanced Mixed Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 351
This course will explore interdisciplinary and conceptual approaches to print media, including basic photo-screen techniques and aspects of digital print media. Students will learn to choose the best print media combination to resolve individual concepts, and will critically understand how their work engages with current contemporary art practices.
Note: Students wil credit for FA 352 cannot take this course for further credit.
VA 360
3 credits
Professional Development and Practices
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 15 Visual Arts credits. Three credits in English or Communications are recommended.
This course offers an introduction to the fundamental requirements for pursuing a career in the visual arts. The complexities of the relationship between one’s creative practice and the external expectations on the part of institutions, employers, and clients will be explored. Students will investigate a broad and expanding range of information and transferable skills necessary for an artist to move beyond the institution.
VA 365
3 credits
Documentary Video Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits of university-level arts courses. It is also recommended that students have FILM 110 or FILM 120 and one of the following: VA 160, VA 165/ENGL 165, VA 170, or VA 272. Alternatively, students should have some other experience of working with film or video production.
This course offers students knowledge of key concepts and practical skills in documentary storytelling for digital video. Students will develop a short documentary video (of approximately ten minutes in length) from the proposal/treatment stage through pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be introduced to the work of Canadian filmmakers, who have long been considered leaders in the documentary genre.
Note: This course is offered as VA 365, FILM 365, and JRNL 365. Students may take only one of these for credit.
VA 366
3 credits
Documentary Video Production
Prerequisite(s): VA 365/FILM 365/JRNL 365 or interview and portfolio review. One of the following is strongly recommended: VA 160, VA 161, VA 271, or VA 180.
This course offers students with previous video production experience an opportunity to develop and direct a short documentary video project from the proposal/treatment stage through pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be exposed to a range of approaches and skills for crafting compelling documentaries that say something about culture, society, history, or contemporary life.
Note: The course is offered as FILM 366 and VA 366. Students may take only one of these for credit.
VA 371
3 credits
New Media III – Interactive Art
Prerequisite(s): VA 113, VA 115, VA 116, VA 272, and one of either VA 160 or VA 180. Students in programs outside of the BFA or the Visual Art diploma who do not have the 100-level prerequisites may seek permission of the department.
The objective of this course is to explore interactive media through engagement in individual and collaborative interdisciplinary work. Grounded in interactive media design, students will develop interactive participatory media and media performance projects from conception to final presentation, including documentation of concept through final production. Options for individual or collaborative projects are supported.
VA 372
3 credits
New Media IV: Project in New Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 371 or permission of instructor
This studio course is designed to allow for individual research and material development in the creation of an exhibition-quality work of new media art. Students are exposed to contemporary studio practices while they develop a material and conceptual language around their work. Course content is explored through theoretical and creative research resulting in a final project.
VA 383
3 credits
Intermediate Photography
Prerequisite(s): VA 283 and one of the following: VA 284 or VA 180.
This course will focus on the integration of conceptual development and contextual understanding integral to the creative process of photographic art production. Intermediate techniques will be introduced, including studio lighting, colour printing, and experimentation with liquid emulsions. Student presentations will investigate the debates and developments surrounding the role of photography within contemporary culture.
VA 384
3 credits
Large-Format Photography
Prerequisite(s): VA 383.
This course focuses on the introduction of the large-format view camera. Technical development and conceptual applications will be explored through class assignments. Creative production may utilize a hybrid of digital and analog photographic forms.
VA 390
3 credits
Community Arts Practice
Prerequisite(s): 6 VA credits
This course provides students with the opportunity to work as artist-citizens in the community by immersing them in a creative collaborative production with cultural, educational, and/or community organizations. Under faculty direction, a team of students will work in partnership with an organization to further develop their artistic skills, facilitate their creative processes, increase their social analysis skills, and where possible, develop capacity and strength in local groups. This course provides students with applied work experience with regard to developing liaisons, negotiating concepts and design, and working within specified budget and time constraints.
VA 401
4 credits
Senior Seminar I
Prerequisite(s): Two upper-level Art History courses, to include either AH 314 or AH 315, plus 30 university-level credits.
This course presents an overview of key theoretical issues important to the practice and reception of contemporary art. Modern and contemporary cultural theories, art theory, and art criticism are examined. Topics may include Marxist-Realist and Formalist debate, early Structuralist and Post-Structuralist criticism, Aesthetic Reception theory, Pyschoanalytic art criticism, and selected Postmodern and Feminist cultural critiques. This course forms the required foundation for VA 403.
Note: This course may be offered as either AH 401 or VA 401. Students may take only one of these for credit.
VA 402
3 credits
Senior Studio I
Prerequisite(s): Two of the following: VA 322, VA 332, VA 352, VA 372, or VA 384.
Pre- or corequisite(s): VA 401 or AH 401
This is a course of advanced, self-motivated studio practice that will include research and production of a body of work resulting in the technical, conceptual, and formal synthesis of two final projects. A focused semester plan will be submitted as the template for the term and will include a project thesis, statement of creative interests, timeline, and budget with costs involved in completing and presenting each project.
VA 403
3 credits
Senior Seminar II
Prerequisite(s): AH 401 or VA 401
This seminar course is designed to further develop a comprehensive understanding and awareness of theoretical issues as they pertain to art making practice. Students will work independently in consultation with the instructor on in-class presentations related to projects established in Senior Studio II. They will acquire research skills necessary to the development and understanding of contemporary art practice, cultural theory, and art criticism. Weekly readings and in-class presentations will provide the basis for discussion.
Note: This course is offered as VA 403 and AH 403. Students may take only one of these for credit.
VA 404
3 credits
Senior Studio II
Prerequisite(s): VA 402
Corequisite(s): VA 403
This course is a continuation of the critical practices based on conceptual development and research methodologies developed in VA 402. Students will continue to refine their studio projects, and will apply their learned skills and resources towards the coordination of the BFA graduating exhibition.
VA 421
3 credits
Directed Study: Painting and Drawing
Prerequisite(s): VA 322 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 422
3 credits
Directed Study: Painting and Drawing
Prerequisite(s): VA 322 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 431
3 credits
Directed Study- Sculpture
Prerequisite(s): VA 332 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 432
3 credits
Directed Study: Sculpture
Prerequisite(s): VA 332 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 451
3 credits
Directed Study: Print Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 352 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 452
3 credits
Directed Study: Print Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 352 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 471
3 credits
Directed Study: New Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 372 and permission of the instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Permission of the instructor and the department head are required to register in the course.
VA 472
3 credits
Directed Study: New Media
Prerequisite(s): VA 372 and permission of the instructor and department head based on portfolio; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Permission of the instructor and the department head are required to register in the course.
VA 483
3 credits
Directed Study: Photography
Prerequisite(s): VA 384 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
VA 484
3 credits
Directed Study: Photography
Prerequisite(s): VA 384 and permission of instructor and department head based on portfolio review; subject to Dean’s approval.
This advanced credit course enables students to work independently on self-designed projects and associated written assignments developed in consultation with a faculty member. Instructor’s permission is required to register in the course.
