Ontario College of Art & Design

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MATERIAL ART & DESIGN

Material Art & Design values the connection between the hand, eye, and mind as experienced in the making and using of functional and non-functional craft objects. This hands-on and theoretical study of materials focuses on the phenomenological potential of objects to perform functions, express culture, and act as metaphors essential to add meaning to daily life.

The Material Art & Design program delivers a traditional and contemporary studio-based education in ceramic, fibre, jewellery, and metalsmithing processes. We explore contemporary craft making within a historical, socio-economic, and cultural context. Alongside a deep understanding of and passion for the making process, the program stresses the development of critical thinking and a dedication to sustainable and ethical practices of using materials.

Our program seeks to educate students to contribute to society as responsible designers and artists who create innovative functional and expressive objects. The experiential learning environment of the studio encourages the cultivation of expertise and confidence in the manipulation of materials. Students attain strong problem solving abilities, which along with a kinesthetic and tactile intelligence give them the capacity to anticipate changing societal needs, integrate new technologies, and collaborate with other disciplines.

Graduates of the Material Art & Design program have the opportunity to work in a variety of ways. Many find employment in industries such as commercial textiles, fashion and theatre. Others become gallery curators, teachers, designers, and studio artists. Students successfully completing the program may graduate with either a BDes or a BFA.

Jewellery/Metalsmithing

Jewellery and Metalsmithing are a link to the past and a reflection of our contemporary culture. This program encourages students to look at jewellery/metalsmithing in critical, new or non‑traditional ways, while respecting the materials and skills associated with traditional fine jewellery and object-making. Upon graduation, students in Jewellery/Metalsmithing may work in independent limited-production studios or take up graduate studies.

Fibre

The study of Fibre incorporates both textiles and surface/design print. The program encourages exploration and experimentation with fabric and fibre structures on- and off-loom, and incorporates computer‑aided design and surface embellishments such as stitching and beading. Students explore printing techniques on fabric with an emphasis on the study of two-dimensional pattern design, colour and dye chemistry. Students may work from an art or design perspective, incorporating historical and cultural contexts as a point of departure in the evolution of their own personal artistic “voice.” Graduates find employment as designers in industry, fashion and theatre, or may work as studio artists while others continue their studies at the graduate level.

Ceramics

Study in Ceramics focuses on visual and conceptual problem solving, while acquiring technical skills and knowledge of clay and the technology surrounding that material. Exploring the potential of the materials, students gain control over ceramic surfaces and develop their own innovative approach to the medium. Through the exploration of the physical and chemical properties of clay, glazes, mouldmaking and surface manipulation, students create functional or sculptural ceramic objects.

Please refer to the Design Programs: Introduction.

Material Art & Design Major Program Guide

Please refer to the Faculty of Design's Degree/Diploma Requirements for information regarding degree and diploma requirements for Design program students.

All Faculty of Design programs are developed as semester groupings of related courses. In order to be best prepared to meet course expectations, students are normally required to complete all core courses in one semester before carrying on to courses in the next semester.

Students will select their area of specialization in Material Art & Design when registering for their second-year winter studio courses. Please note that places in these courses are limited and will be available on a first-come first-served basis. There will be an opportunity in the late fall for second-year students to apply to change their selected area of specialization and decisions will be made based on merit and available spaces.

Students must achieve a minimum grade of 60% in at least one of their core studio courses each semester (tagged with “†”) to advance to the following semester’s core studio.

A minimum overall average of 65% must be achieved at the end of fourth-year in all designated courses (tagged with “∆”) of the student’s major/program.

Note: All courses tagged with “*” are included in the laptop program.

COURSE CODE COURSE NAME CREDIT

200 LEVEL: FALL SEMESTER

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS REGARDING ADVANCEMENT TO FUTURE COURSES.

VISC 2B22 History of Material Arts:
Ancient Egypt to Modern Europe (LST)
0.5
GDES 2B03 Think Tank 1: Awareness (SEM) 0.5
MAAD 2B01 Intro to Fibre †∆ 0.5
MAAD 2B14 Intro to Jewellery/Metalsmithing: Fabrication †∆ 0.5
MAAD 2B35 Drawing as Process * 0.5
Total 2.5

200 LEVEL: WINTER SEMESTER

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS REGARDING ADVANCEMENT TO FUTURE COURSES.

VISC 2B07 History of Modern Art (LST) 0.5
VISC 2B38 Design Thinking (LST) 0.5



Choose two core studio courses in Fibre or Jewellery
(1.0 credit total)

Fibre

MAAD 2B34 Fibre: Constructed Design 1 (0.5 credit) *†∆

MAAD 2B27

Fibre: Surface Design 1 *†∆




Jewellery

MAAD 2B08 Jewellery/Metalsmithing: Casting (0.5 credit) *†∆
MAAD 2B29 Jewellery/Metalsmithing: Fabrication 2 *†∆



Choose the course that supports your area of specialization:
MAAD 2B26 Fibre: Explorations (0.5 credit) †∆
or

MAAD 2B28
Jewellery/Metalsmithing: Composition (0.5 credit) *†∆
0.5
Total
2.5

300 LEVEL: FALL SEMESTER

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS REGARDING ADVANCEMENT TO FUTURE COURSES. (NOTE: Starting in 2011/12, Material Art & Design students must complete all required courses from third year before accessing MAAD 4C01 Thesis II: Project Development.)

Choose one:
SCTM 2B01 Introduction to Biology (LST)
or one SCTM Liberal Studies course from selection listed at the end of the program guide 0.5



Third-Year Core Exploration Studio Course Offerings – Fall
Choose two (2 x 0.5 = 1.0 credits)

Fibre

MAAD 3B01 Fibre: Dyeing (0.5 credit) †∆
MAAD 3B34 Fibre: Constructed Design 2 (0.5 credit) †∆
MAAD 3B43 Fibre: Surface Design 2 (0.5 credit) †∆



Jewellery

MAAD 3B13 Jewellery: Practical Theory: Setting (0.5 credit) †∆
MAAD 3B17 Jewellery: Intermediate: Structure (0.5 credit) †∆

a Jewellery expansion studio of your choice 1.0



Choose the course that supports your area of specialization:
MAAD 3B38
Jewellery: Implementing the History
of the 19th and 20th Century (SEM) †∆

or

MAAD 3B39 Fibre: Implementing the History
of the 19th and 20th Century (SEM) †∆
0.5



Choose one expansion studio:
GDES 3B10 Art of Presentation
GDES 3B18 Biomimicry 1: Points of Departure
GDES 3B36 Domestic Ceramics: Exploring the Useful Object
GDES 3B40 Exploration, Insight and Foresight in Design (SEM)
GDES 3B46 Explorations in Architectural Glass
GDES 3B51 Fibre: 3D Structures in Wearable Form
GDES 3B15
Furniture Design 1
(taken with Furniture Design 1 Lab/Wood)

GDES 3B06 Guerrilla Entrepreneurship
MAAD 2B15 Intro to Ceramics (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B57 Living Environments: Design Theory (formerly Living Environment Design Studio 1)
GDES 3B12 Socially Responsible Design Practices (not offered on 2010/11)
GDES 3B56 Universal Design
DIGF 3B01 Virtual Communities and Environments (SEM)
GDES 3B16 Wearable Technology 1
or
another studio in MAD
or
relevant course in Faculty of Art or Design
(subject to approval - contact Design Office)
0.5



300 LEVEL: WINTER SEMESTER

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS REGARDING ADVANCEMENT TO FUTURE COURSES. (NOTE: Starting in 2011/12, Material Art & Design students must complete all required courses from third year before accessing MAAD 4C01 Thesis II: Project Development.)

VISC 3B41 Cross Cultural Issues in Craft 0.5
MAAD 3B05 Thesis I: Research & Preparation (SEM) *† 0.5



Third-Year Core Exploration Studio Course Offerings – Winter
Choose one:

Fibre

MAAD 3B20 Fibre: Concept Development (0.5 credit) †∆






Jewellery




MAAD 3B15 Jewellery: Concept Development (0.5 credit) †∆
MAAD 3B41 Silversmithing (0.5 credit) †∆ 0.5



Choose two expansion studios:
GDES 3B10 Art of Presentation
GDES 3B28 Biomimicry 2: Application
MAAD 2B24 Ceramics: Mouldmaking
GDES 3B52 Fibre: 3D Structures in Sculptural Form  (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B37 Fibre: Explorations in Paper and Felt (formerly Investigations of Non-Woven Structures)  (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B15 Furniture Design 1
(taken with Furniture Design 1 Lab/Wood)

GDES 3B25 Furniture Design 2
(taken with Furniture Design 2 Lab/Wood)

GDES 3B06 Guerrilla Entrepreneurship
GDES 3B49 Image and Clay: Exploring the Ceramic Surface  (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B43 Jewellery Design: Architectural Hardware (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B50 Jewellery Design 2: Alternative Materials (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B58 Living Environments: Design Practices(formerly Living Environment Design Studio 2)
GDES 3B35 Mapping the Body (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B20 Small Object Design: Virtual to Reality
GDES 3B54 Think Tank 2: Consideration (SEM)
GDES 3B59 Urban Design Ecology (formerly Urban Landscape Ecology) (SEM) (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B44 Wearable Technology 2
or
another studio in MAD
or
relevant course in Faculty of Art or Design
(subject to approval - contact Design Office)
1.0



400 LEVEL: FALL SEMESTER

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS REGARDING ADVANCEMENT TO FUTURE COURSES. 

Choose one Liberal Studies course:
SOSC 3B02 Material Culture and Consumer Society (LST)
or one SOSC Liberal Studies course from selection listed at the end of the program guide 0.5



MAAD 4C01
Thesis II: Project Development
(plus Thesis Studio) †∆

1.0
MAAD 4B04 Professional Practice 0.5



Choose the course that supports your area of specialization:

MAAD 4B07


Fibre: Design 3 (0.5 credit) †∆

(If you have taken MAAD 3B33 in third year, please choose another expansion studio course with approval from your Chair)


or MAAD 4B08

Jewellery: Development for Production
(includes digital workshop) (0.5 credit) †∆

(If you have taken MAAD 3B14 in third year, please choose another expansion studio course with approval from your Chair)

0.5



400 LEVEL: WINTER SEMESTER

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS REGARDING GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.



See Liberal Studies offerings Choose one Liberal Studies course from selection listed at the end of the program guide 0.5
MAAD 4C02
Thesis III: Project Development †∆
(plus Thesis Studio)

1.0


Third-Year Core Exploration Studio Course Offerings – Winter
Choose one not taken in third year (if you have already taken these courses please choose another expansion studio course with approval from your Chair) :



Fibre

MAAD 3B20 Concept Development in Fibre (0.5 credit) †∆



Jewellery

MAAD 3B15 Jewellery: Concept Development (0.5 credit) †∆
MAAD 3B41 Silversmithing (0.5 credit) †∆ 0.5



Choose one expansion studio:
GDES 3B10 Art of Presentation
GDES 3B28 Biomimicry 2: Application
MAAD 2B24 Ceramics: Mouldmaking
GDES 3B52 Fibre: 3D Structures in Sculptural Form (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B37 Fibre: Explorations in Paper and Felt (formerly Investigations of Non-Woven Structures)  (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B15 Furniture Design 1
(taken with Furniture Design 1 Lab/Wood)

GDES 3B25 Furniture Design 2
(taken with Furniture Design 2 Lab/Wood)

GDES 4B11 Furniture Design 3
(taken with Furniture Design 3 Lab/Wood)

GDES 3B06 Guerrilla Entrepreneurship
GDES 3B49 Image and Clay: Exploring the Ceramic Surface  (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B43 Jewellery Design: Architectural Hardware (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B50 Jewellery Design 2: Alternative Materials (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B58 Living Environments: Design Practices(formerly Living Environment Design Studio 2)
GDES 3B35 Mapping the Body (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B20 Small Object Design: Virtual to Reality
GDES 3B54 Think Tank 2: Consideration (SEM)
GDES 4B08 Think Tank 3: Action (SEM)
GDES 3B59 Urban Design Ecology (formerly Urban Landscape Ecology) (SEM) (not offered in 2010/11)
GDES 3B44 Wearable Technology 2
or
another studio in MAD
or
relevant course in Faculty of Art or Design
(subject to approval - contact Design Office)
0.5


Recommended Liberal Studies courses (subject to being offered):
ENGL 2B01 Introduction to Creative Writing
ENGL 3B03 Children's Literature


HUMN 2B16 Twentieth Century Ideas
HUMN 3B08 Ethics, Advertising and Design
HUMN 3B09 Introduction to Gender Studies
HUMN 4B18 Postmodernism: Critical Perspectives


SCTM 2B01 Introduction to Biology
SCTM 2B02 Human Form and Function: Introduction to Anatomy
SCTM 3B04 Biological Principles of Sustainability
SCTM 2B10 Introduction to Psychology
SCTM 2B20 Introduction to Earth Sciences


SOSC 2B01 Introduction to Social Science: People and Social Worlds
SOSC 3B02 Material Culture and Consumer Society
SOSC 3B03 Sociology of the Body
SOSC 3B05 Social Psychology and Consumer Behaviour


VISC 2B01 History of Modern Design
VISC 2B07 History of Modern Art
VISC 2B22 History of Material Arts: Ancient Egypt to Modern Europe
VISC 2B38 Design Thinking
VISC 3B09 Art After Modern Art: Conceptual Practices
VISC 3B32 History of Furniture
VISC 3B37 The History and Theory of Art Criticism
VISC 3B41 Cross Cultural Issues in Craft
VISC 3B47 Art & Fashion
VISC 4B04 Re-Presenting Women: Feminist Film and Video
VISC 4B15 Urban Life: Art, Design and the City
VISC 4B16 Queer Theory: Sexuality and Representation
VISC 4B20 The Senses in Artistic Practice

Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:19 PM