First-Year Art
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First-Year Studies, Faculty of Art
OCAD provides a student-centered learning environment in first-year where a common base of art theory and knowledge, skills and processes are acquired with an emphasis on concept development and investigation, rather than specialization. First-year is a time for exploration and exposure to OCAD's large community of practicing artists and designers. In addition, students benefit from the diversity of talent and wide experience of our faculty. Contacts and friendships established in first-year last throughout a student’s years of study at the College and often carry into their involvement with the professional world after graduation.
The first year of study in the Faculty of Art, combined with each student's developing creativity, commitment and passion for their practice, is important preparation for the advanced work and intense focus that students encounter in their second-, third- and fourth-year of study.
The studio curriculum for students entering the Faculty of Art consists of four common required courses: Drawing, Colour & Composition, Form & Structure and Time-Based Media. Art stream students complete their studio curriculum requirements by taking two elective courses. Elective courses are concept-driven and provide an opportunity to explore current issues. Each elective course has multiple sections. Individual sections approach the course through the lens of a specific discipline. For example, Nature & Culture might have several sections; one exploring the course content through printmaking, and another through sculpture/installation.
Download a list of First-year art electives here.
Liberal Studies courses are an integral part of the curriculum. Introduction to Visual Culture and Culture, History & Ideas provide an historical, critical and theoretical introduction to art and design issues. Critical Writing for Creative Thinkers develops and integrates writing and critical thinking skills into the curriculum.
In the second semester of study, first-year students must apply to undertake a program major for their three upper years of study in the Faculty of Art. The degree program areas consist of Criticism & Curatorial Practice, Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture Installation. Diploma students may apply to a non-major program or a major in Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Photography, Printmaking or Sculpture/Installation.
Students complete 5.0 credits in their first-year of study:
| Six studio courses | 3.5 credits |
| Three liberal studies courses | 1.5 credits |
| Total | 5.0 credits |
Students must achieve an overall average of 60% and successfully complete all five credits of the first-year curriculum as follows:
I. Students may begin second year studies with 3.0 of the 3.5 studio credits and 1.0 of the 1.5 liberal studies credits required and an average of 60%. The first-year requirements must be successfully completed by May 31 of the following year or students will not be permitted to continue in the upper years of their programs.
First-Year Course Guide
| COURSE CODE | COURSE NAME | CREDIT |
|
FALL SEMESTER | ||
| GART 1C00 | Drawing | 1.0 |
| ENGL 1B01 | Critical Writing for Creative Thinkers* | 0 (see winter) ** |
|
Select two of the following required courses: | ||
| GART 1B04 | Colour & Composition | |
| GART 1B05 |
Form and Structure (Art) |
|
| GART 1B06 | Time-Based Media | 1.0 |
|
Select one of the following two: | ||
| VISC 1B06 | Introduction to Visual Culture | ** |
| VISC 1B03 | Culture, History & Ideas | 0.5 ** |
|
WINTER SEMESTER | ||
| ENGL 1B01 | Critical Writing for Creative Thinkers* | 0.5 ** |
|
Select the remaining required course not taken in the Fall: | ||
| GART 1B04 |
Colour & Composition |
|
| GART 1B05 | Form and Structure (Art) | |
| GART 1B06 | Time-Based Media | 0.5 |
|
Select the remaining course not taken in the Fall: | ||
| VISC 1B06 | Introduction to Visual Culture | ** |
| VISC 1B03 | Culture, History & Ideas | 0.5 ** |
| Select any two electives: *** | ||
| GART 1B07 | Art: Creative Process and Research*** | |
| GART 1B08 | Experimental Production*** | |
| GART 1B09 |
Narrative, Series and Sequences*** |
|
| GART 1B14 |
Nature and Culture*** |
|
| GART 1B15 | Site and Intervention*** | 1.0 |
| Total Credits | 5.0 | |
*The ENGL 1B01 course meets for 1.5 hours once a week, over the Fall and Winter semesters. Students must complete both semesters in order to be granted the 0.5 credit in this course.
**Some degree students will complete LBST 1D01 instead of ENGL 1B01, VISC 1B03 and VISC 1B06. LBST 1D01 meets 4.5 hours once a week (to be confirmed by Faculty of Liberal Studies), over the Fall and Winter semesters. Students must complete both semesters in order to be granted the 1.5 credit in this course.
Note: Because of changes in the curriculum, part-time diploma students are advised to consult with the Centre for Advising, First-Year & Campus Life, Room 1410, Level 4, 113 McCaul Street, prior to registering.
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5/14/2007 10:45:41 AM