OCAD University provides a student-centred learning environment. In First Year, students acquire a base of design knowledge, skills and processes with an emphasis on concept development and investigation combined with an introduction to the student's chosen program.
The Faculty of Design has an extensive curriculum and has developed a series of key philosophical and thematic curricular strategies that provide links between programs, and facilitate student pathways.
The “Design and Humanity” philosophy is prevalent amongst all Design programs and reinforced through a spine of design process courses entitled Think Tank 1: Awareness, Think Tank 2: Consideration and Think Tank 3: Action. These courses are open to Design students from all disciplines, and encourage research, discussion, collaboration, strategy development and material solutions.
A second strategic curricular element, called expansion studios allow students to pursue breadth and depth of knowledge in all programs through a variety of selective course offerings beginning in the third year. Students may elect to do introductory courses that expand their knowledge into other program areas, or they may choose to take courses in one area for more focused study.
As these expansion studios are interdisciplinary in nature, students from a number of (appropriate) disciplines will have access to them, again providing a multi-disciplinary experience that broadens and deepens their understanding of their own and other disciplines. These expansion studios allow our students to take multiple pathways through the curriculum to complete their programs.
A third strategic curricular offering is that of program Minors. Throughout the university, in the Faculties of Art, Design, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and School of Interdisciplinary Studies, optional Minor programs have been developed. Students may declare a Minor in Furniture, Photography, Material Art & Design or Social Sciences to mention a few, and complete the required additional courses for that specific Minor.
A fourth organization element in the design curriculum is the identification of core studio practice in the form of core studios. These studios form the essential spine of every program.
Another key element in the design curriculum is the liberal studies complement of courses offered through the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences. At the end of each program area a list of recommended liberal studies course offerings that support specific program knowledge is identified. It is recommended that students choose appropriate options.
The Faculty of Design provides an educational environment to encourage innovation, and an opportunity to explore OCAD University's large community of practicing artists and designers. Contacts made and friendships established will last through the years of study and into the professional world.
Last Modified:6/14/2013 3:36:10 PM