Courses
Semester 1
- Art History XI: Photography I (1800 - 1965) ARTS0633
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This general survey of the history of photography provides an overview of the period from the early 19th century to the mid 1960's. The great masters, major movements, technical developments, theories, and art criticism of this period will be examined through slide lectures, group discussion, readings and personal research. The course will focus on the analysis and critical evaluation of significant works in terms of their artistic, aesthetic and social relevance and relationships, one to another. Students will be encouraged to draw on their learning to inform and stimulate their own work. A research presentation will comprise a major part of the course evaluation.
- Art History XII: Photography II (Historical Processes) ARTS0634
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This hands-on course provides students with the opportunity to use the knowledge gained in 'Art History XI'. Students will work with the historical processes that parallel developments in black and white photography. The creative vitality of the great masters and major movements will be the stimulus for the development of the necessary technical skills required to experiment with a range of historical processes. These include cyanotype, ambrotype, Van Dyke, photomontage, and other historic movements. Most are black and white processes although some colour techniques will also be examined, as will the ways in which various contemporary art movements such as the Dadaists have incorporated photo techniques in their oeuvre. In-class discussion will focus on the general art trends and issues of the period. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the difference between historical working conditions and the current health and safety controls and regulations that must be implemented today when handling, storing and disposing of chemicals. In addition to the studio exploration, students will be expected to develop a small portfolio of historical processes, using a suitable presentation format.
- Colour - Photo Arts ARTS0981
Units/ Hours: 47.5
In this in depth colour study, students will examine the structures of colour theory and perceptual mechanisms of the additive and subtractive colour wheels, as well as the `printer's' colour wheel. Colour properties and colour systems will be applied to the visual design within a series of exercises in the photography studio. Particular emphasis will be given to the property of value, both in black and white, as well as in full colour. Colour contrasts as they apply to the creation of focal point, mood and story will be examined in samples of photography of different styles and eras, as well as in students work. Research, presentations and in class discussions will be used to develop stronger perceptual and critical skills.
- Design - Photo Arts ARTS0982
Units/ Hours: 47.5
The content of the space within the image area can be determined by random accident or with completely designed choices. In this course, the student will be introduced to the principles and elements of design as they apply to the art of photography. Focal point captures the viewer's attention, while visual pathways reveal the story of a photograph to the viewer over a period of time. Examples of photographers and their work from different periods will be discussed with relation to their design choices and styles of expression. Students will experiment with various possibilities for design solutions by manipulating the elements of their content, as well as the organization within the frame. Particular attention will be given to aerial perspective and the perception of three-dimensional space along with the impact of colour as an element of design. Research, presentations, and in class discussions will be used to develop perceptions and critical thinking.
- Marketing/Portfolio Development MKTG0053
Units/ Hours: 47.5
Practicing artists can choose from many different paths to advance their personal and artistic goals in artistic practice, education, presentation skills, and romotion and marketing as entrepreneurs. Each student will establish their own specific focus for continuing their artist's practice. In class sessions will involve online research, writing, digital photography, presentation, and critical discussion. Precourse assignment work will provide the data for artist documents and digital images of their work for the development of a portfolio. Students will show their work in an established campus venue as a culmination to their certificate program experience. Certificate students who have already completed the first two semesters of the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma Program will complete this course mainly as independent review and revision of their portfolio and artists documents in collaboration with faculty.
- Photo Arts - Beyond the Borders ARTS0642
Units/ Hours: 47.5
In photography, the expression of ideas, thoughts and feelings are not always best expressed in a conventional framed format. This studio course will provide students with the opportunity to explore and create in a manner that pushes the normal borders and boundaries of a predictable photographic arrangement. Students will work with projections, altered scale, photographic manipulation, site-specific installations, inclusion of sound and / or voice and aspects of audience participation. Development of technical skills and personal expression will be facilitated by individual and group critiques, studio time and slide lectures.
- Photo Arts - Black & White I ARTS0635
Units/ Hours: 47.5
Black and White I introduces students to darkroom procedures and protocol and the use and care of darkroom equipment. Health and safety issues, as well as the environmental impact of photo chemicals will be examined in-depth, as well as ways to reduce or eliminate that impact. This course introduces students to image making through the photogram. The photogram, is an image-making process that does not require a camera. Working with a range of found objects, students will explore this unique "silhouette" photo paper process while being introduced to the very basics of exposure control and image development. Students will then work with film, first processing and then enlarging negatives they have taken. Personal expression and technical competence will be addressed through construction demonstrations, studio time, slide lectures, discussion and critiques.
- Photo Arts - Black & White II ARTS0636
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This course explores the essential tools of black and white photography and the theory and practice of creating a basic black and white print. Students will be introduced to the types, and selection of film and paper and the use of darkroom equipment, chemicals, and darkroom procedures. Special attention will be paid to health and safety issues and managing the environmental impact of photo chemicals. Student projects will continue to use of the 35 mm camera where proper exposure techniques, (aperture, shutter and depth of field relationships), and the basics of photographic composition will be explored. Course work includes an introductory examination of the work of the great masters of photography. Course delivery includes demonstrations, film/slide lectures, studio time, field trips and daily critiques.
- Photo Arts - Black & White III ARTS0637
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This course is an extension and elaboration of Black and White 1 & II. Students will begin by continuing their introduction to image making by constructing a number of pinhole cameras and investigate a variety of light sensitive materials and types of film that can be used for negatives. This course enables students to expand upon, and refine, the repertoire of methods and techniques that the photographer can employ. The emphasis is on the development of personal style, the communication value of the print, and understanding of critical theory and practice at an introductory level. Reference to the work of the masters in photo arts will help to inform and stimulate thinking. Development of technique, personal style and expression will be facilitated through demonstrations, slide lectures, practice, individual and group critiques and maintaining a personal studio journal.
- Photo Arts - Contemporary Issues ARTS0639
Units/ Hours: 47.5
Using knowledge of the history of photography, students will examine contemporary issues in this art form in a more informed and focused way. Developments in photography since the early 1970s, and the leading edge photographers who were challenging the established norms will be examined against the social and political context of the day, as well as the artistic climate in which photo images were created. The course will help students to develop an appreciation of the issues that drive the art form and which will ultimately influence their own practice as an artist. Slide lectures, critical analysis, group discussion, gallery visits, artist talks, selected readings and personal research will facilitate this process.
- Photo Arts - Image and Object ARTS0641
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This course examines the inter-relationships between photography and other media. Artists, past and present, have explored the strong affinity between photography and painting, printmaking, bookmaking, and video, as well as other mediums. Image and Object creates an environment in which students can explore the effects of altering, or transforming, a single still image into a new expressive art object. Whether it is through computer manipulation, sequencing, incorporating text or using a different surface / medium, there are an infinite number of ways to broaden the scope and application of a single photograph. Students will be encouraged to pursue a variety of explorations based on their interests and previous experience. Slide lectures and demonstrations will complement the studio objectives.
- Photo Arts - Lighting ARTS0638
Units/ Hours: 47.5
Light is the heart of photography. Understanding light and its properties and qualities, is paramount to the success of any photographic process. In this studio course, students will begin an exploration of the properties of light, the types of light available to the photographer (natural, available, incandescent, studio strobe, etc.) and the diversity of its application. Course activities include safe handling of equipment and management of electrical hazards, demonstrations of a wide range of lighting scenarios and environments, group work, slide lectures, studio projects, site photography, daily critiques and the keeping of a studio journal.
- Photo Arts - Portfolio Development II ARTS0644
Units/ Hours: 47.5
In this extension of Portfolio I, students can expect to spend more time refining their technical skills, including exhibiting and documenting their work and writing with a purpose. In addition, time will be spent on exploring post-graduation career paths and work opportunities, as well as understanding some of the challenges encountered by the creative photographer. These include the nature of freelance markets, sales, copyright law, grant applications, exhibit planning, marketing and promotion, continuing education and professional development. Course outcomes will be accomplished through studio time, discussion with representatives from the arts community, group discussions, simulations, real world projects and individual critiques.
- Photo Arts - The Trailing Edge ARTS0640
Units/ Hours: 47.5
In the last fifty years, there have been a significant number of technological changes in camera design, standards of developing and presentation formats. Demonstrating the adage that, "what's old is new again", this studio course introduces students to the creative possibilities of tools and materials that others may consider dated or unusable. However, when put in the hands of artists, these techniques have taken on a new meaning of creative expression in contemporary photographic vernacular. Students will build on the historic and alternative processes explored in the History of Photography II, with the creative use of toy cameras, enlargement emulsions, instant photography, found negatives and more. This will be accomplished through studio time, slide lectures, classroom demonstrations, group discussions, daily critiques and keeping of a studio journal.