Last updated: March 20, 2003 @ 06:58PM

Visual Arts
This program is co-ordinated by the
Department of Visual Arts

Chair
Derek Knight

Associate Professors
Derek Knight, Murray Kropf, Merijean Morrissey

Assistant Professor
Jean Bridge

Visiting Artist
Ed Aoki

Slide Librarian and Collections
Co-ordinator
Lesley Bell

Part-time Instructors
Judith Marquis, Bill Thoms, Carole Timm

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Monika Lederich

905-688-5550, extension 3214
Thistle west 135
http://www.brocku.ca/finearts/

The Department of Visual Arts (as of July 1, 2002), part of the School of Fine and Performing Arts, is concerned with the nature, function and history of visual arts, from the classics to popular culture, from ancient drawings and rituals to the avant-garde. Through critical analysis of classic works and personal creative development, the student will gain an awareness of the ways in which artistic media function. Our aim is to contribute to the vitality of the arts by developing sensitive, creative and articulate artists, teachers, audiences and graduates who are disciplined and adaptable, with both research skills and experience in studio practice.

The Visual Arts program consists of studio and art history courses which provide a practical and critical understanding of the visual arts. Emphasis is placed on personal development. To this end students are introduced to a range of historical, theoretical and critical approaches to art-making and to the investigation of cultural documents. Students are encouraged to extend their experience through exposure to events sponsored by the Department of Visual Arts and the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Studio activities which include intuitive, analytical and conceptual approaches are designed with the aspirations of the student artist in mind. Options are encouraged in the studio with introductory or advanced courses in drawing, painting and interdisciplinary workshops; additional courses in sculpture, photography or computer imaging broaden the experience and introduce the photographic, video or electronic medium to students. Students are assisted by artist-teachers who have professional experience and standing in the disciplines they teach.

Art history courses examine the development of artistic styles as well as the critical and aesthetic issues that these styles bring into play. Major artists and movements are related to their cultural contexts and artistic traditions with the goal of developing critical as well as aesthetic acumen.

Enrolment in all studio courses is limited to 15 students. VISA 4F06 may also be restricted due to space limitations.

Facilities
Visual Arts facilities include a slide collection and resource centre, art studios, computer labs, video editing room and darkroom. The Department arranges for a variety of visiting artists and with Brock's School of Fine and Performing Arts Committee, organizes a program of art exhibitions in the Centre For The Arts Gallery.

Language Requirement for Humanities Majors
Students in the Department of Visual Arts are required to complete one credit in a language other than English. Where half credit courses are used to satisfy the requirements, both half credits must be in the same language. It is recommended that students fulfil this requirement by year 2. (Students are urged to fulfil this requirement in year 1.)

Program Notes
  1. VISA 1F98 must be taken in year 1. VISA majors should take either VISA 1P93 and 1P94 or VISA 1P96 and 1P97 in year 1.
  2. From the following list, no more than three VISA credits may be counted toward an honours degree, single or combined major, and no more than two for a pass degree: VISA 3P22, 3P23, 3P24, 3P25, 4M00-4M09, 4P13, 4P14.
  3. Students who do not have the necessary prerequisites for studio courses (VISA 1P93, 1P94, 1P96, 1P97, 2F05, 2F26, 2F95, 2F96, 2P02, 2P03, 2P93, 2P94, 3F96, 3P02, 3P03, 3P93, 3P94, 4F06) may be admitted by portfolio. Details are available from the Administrative Assistant. Enrolment in these courses will be limited to 15 students; participation as an auditor is not permitted.
  4. Year 3 courses are normally restricted to students with a minimum of three credits numbered 2(alpha)00 or above or permission of the instructor.
  5. Non-majors may enrol in a maximum of one VISA studio course without a portfolio.
  6. Portfolio evaluation and interview are required for admission to the Visual Arts Program. Consult the department.
  7. Students wishing to take VISA 3F99, 4F06 or 4F99 must have a minimum 75 percent major average and permission of the Chair.
  8. In all 20 credit degree programs, at least 12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above, six of which must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and of these, three must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above. In all 15 credit degree programs, at least seven credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above, three of which must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above.

Honours Program

Year 1
·   VISA 1F98
·   VISA 1P93 and 1P94 or VISA 1P96 and 1P97
·   one Science context credit
·   one language credit (see language requirement)
·   one elective credit
Year 2
·   VISA 1P93 and 1P94 or VISA 1P96 and 1P97 (not taken in year 1)
·   VISA 2P93 and 2P94 or VISA 2F96
·   one credit from VISA 2F05, 2F26, 2F95, 2M90-2M99, 2P02, 2P03
·   one credit from VISA 2P40, 2P41, 2P50, 2P51, 2P90, 2P91, 3M00-3M04, 3P05, 3P06, 3P22, 3P23, 3P24, 3P25
·   one Social Science context credit
Year 3
·   VISA 3P90 and 3P91
·   VISA 3P93 and 3P94 or VISA 3F96
·   one credit from VISA 3M90-3M95, 3P02, 3P03
·   one VISA studio credit
·   one elective credit
Year 4
·   VISA 4F06
·   one VISA studio credit
·   three elective credits

Pass Program
·   VISA 1F98
·   VISA 1P93 and 1P94 or VISA 1P96 and 1P97
·   one Science context credit
·   one language credit (see language requirement)
·   one elective credit
Year 2
·   VISA 1P93 and 1P94 or VISA 1P96 and 1P97 (not taken in year 1)
·   one credit from VISA 2F05, 2F26, 2F95, 2P02, 2P03
·   one credit from VISA 2F96, 2M90-2M99, 2P93, 2P94
·   one Social Science context credit
·   one elective credit
Year 3
·   VISA 3P02 and 3P03 or one elective credit
·   one credit from VISA 2P40, 2P41, 2P50, 2P51, 2P90, 2P91, 3M00-3M04, 3P05, 3P06, 3P22, 3P23, 3P24, 3P25, 3P90, 3P91
·   one VISA studio credit
·   two elective credits

Combined Major Programs

Honours
·   VISA 1F98, 1P93, 1P94, 1P96 and 1P97
·   four VISA credits

Pass
·   VISA 1F98
·   four VISA credits