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Introduction

Courses in the Department of Fine Art are offered in two basic areas: lecture courses or seminars in the History of Fine Art (FAH) and practical studios or seminars in Visual Studies (VIS). Minor, Major and Specialist programs are offered in both the History of Art and Visual Studies.

The FAH courses survey all periods from the Bronze Age to the present in the Mediterranean area, Europe, and North America. Five pairs of FAH half-courses at the 200 level offer comprehensive overviews of the principal periods in Western art history: Ancient (FAH 203H and 204H), Mediaeval (FAH 262H and 263H), Renaissance and Baroque (FAH 274H and 279H), and Modern (FAH 213H and 214H, and FAH 287H and 288H). As the paired courses are normally offered in sequence — the first one in the fall term and the second in the spring — such survey courses may be taken in order (if a student’s program permits), but they may also be taken separately. One or another of any pair will partially satisfy a program requirement for coverage in that period: see “Fine Art Programs” (next section). In many cases, either one of the paired half-course surveys may also act as the “gateway” to upper-level courses (300- and 400-level) of the same period. Students should check the prerequisites for each upper-level course carefully. Students are also encouraged to study the arts of the ancient Near East, East Asia, and Islam in courses given by other departments.

Visual Studies is the studio component of the Department of Fine Art. Visual Studies Foundation courses are designed for Humanities and Social Science students who intend to seriously pursue Visual Studies upper level courses. There is a two-stage enrolment process. Humanities and Social Science students may register for Visual Studies Foundation courses until August 13, 2000. Commencing August 19, 2000, other first-year students and upper-year students may apply for available spaces.

Foundation courses: VIS 120H, Visual Concepts, a lecture-based course that investigates a wide range of topics situated in Modernism and Post-Modernism. This course rigourously examines diverse art concepts in order to prepare students for interdisciplinary perspectives on art practice and critical theory in upper level courses. VIS 130H, Visual Strategies, an H course taught throughout the Fall and Winter sessions, is an intensive, exhaustive drawing course that stresses the formulation and communication of visual ideas and must be taken in conjunction with VIS 120H, Visual Concepts. VIS 130H, Visual Strategies, is the prerequisite for students wishing to complete a Specialist, Major or Minor program stream that includes any of the following upper-level studio-intensive courses: VIS 201H, Painting: Methods and Materials; VIS 203H, Print Media; VIS 204H, Sculpture; and VIS 205H, Drawing, and their counterparts at the 300-level.

Students who wish to enrol in the VIS 120H only stream, may proceed with upper level courses upon successful completion of VIS 120H, the prerequisite for Visual Studies courses other than VIS 201H, 203H, 204H and 205H.

Visual Studies emphasizes a strong commitment to the social, cultural and theoretical issues embodied in contemporary art practice. Some Visual Studies courses are credits in other programs, for example, Women in Visual Art, and Performance in the Women’s Studies program, Video Production and Post-production in Cinema Studies program, the Sexual Diversity program. Both streams of students may complete Specialist, Major and Minor degrees in Visual Studies (see Fine Art programs below), with Specialist students being given priority in course selection. Specialist students in the History of Art require one full-course equivalent in Visual Studies and are advised to by-pass VIS 130H, Visual Strategies, and select upper-level courses.

The scope and variety of available courses will provide students with preparation for careers in teaching, museum and gallery work, conservation and complementary fields, though further professional training will normally be necessary.

Courses in the history of art (FAH) and in the practice of art (VIS) are useful to students in other departments or faculties; history, literature, music, and philosophy are likewise concerned with systems of thought and imagery. Fundamental concepts in such disciplines are embodied or reflected in related works of art of the same general period and area. Students in architecture, geography, or city planning will find courses in the history of architecture of benefit. Those with a special interest in the practice of architecture will find studio courses of value.

At the same time, the Department directs the attention of its students to the wide range of offerings in other departments and urges them to acquire the broad cultural background essential to an understanding of the fine arts. Of special importance are familiarity with history, the ability to read certain European languages (see below), a knowledge of the various traditions of literature and mythology, and an acquaintance with philosophy. Courses in cultural, historical or urban geography may also be relevant in programs which include the history of architecture.

In conjunction with Woodsworth College, the Department offers courses during July and August at the University of Siena, Italy. For information about these degree-credit courses, please consult the Department of Fine Art Undergraduate Handbook and contact the Student Services Office at Woodsworth College, 119 St. George Street (978-2411).

Many courses in the Department, whether history or studio, are offered in alternate years only, or on a three-year cycle. For admission to some FAH 300- and 400-level courses a reading knowledge of certain foreign languages is either recommended or required. The studio program requires no prerequisite at the secondary school level, but enrolment is limited in all studio courses. For more detailed information on courses and degree programs, consult the Department of Fine Art Undergraduate Handbook. Counselling is available, by appointment, from the Undergraduate Coordinators.

The student Art Society sponsors a variety of lectures and other activities for members of the departmental community.

Undergraduate Coordinators:

(FAH) TBA.; (VIS) Mr. C. Campbell (946-3972)

Enquiries:

Sidney Smith Hall, Room 6036 (978-7892)

FINE ART PROGRAMS

Enrolment in the Fine Art programs requires the completion of four courses; no minimum GPA required.

FINE ART (HISTORY OF ART) (B.A.)

Specialist program:
(12 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)
At least nine FAH courses, one FAS/VIS 120H and one other VIS upper-level half-course, and two courses in one or more languages (including at least one French, German or Italian), fulfilling the following distribution requirements:

First Year:
FAH 100Y

Higher Years:

1. At least one course from each of the periods to be taken at the 200- or 300-level. For the 200-level half-course surveys leading to higher-level courses within each period (Ancient, Mediaeval, Renaissance/Baroque, and Modern) see above. Other courses are classified by period in the Fine Art Undergraduate Handbook.
2. At least one course in the history of architecture
3. No more than 3.5 courses may be taken at the 200-level
4. 4.5 courses at the 300+level, of which at least one course must be at the 400-level
NOTES:
1. It is strongly recommended that students acquire a reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian by the end of the Second Year.
2. No more than thirteen FAH and FAS/VIS courses may be taken in combination.
3. Approved courses in other programs may be substituted for up to two FAH courses. See Department Handbook.

Major program:
(6 full courses or their equivalent)
At least six FAH courses fulfilling the following distribution requirements:

First Year:
FAH 100Y

Higher Years:

1. At least one course from each of the periods to be taken at the 200- or 300-level. For the 200-level half-course surveys leading to higher-level courses within each period (Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, and Modern) see the introductory essay. Other courses are classified by period in the Fine Art Undergraduate Handbook.
2. At least one half-course in the history of architecture
3. Three courses at the 300+ level, of which at least one half-course must be at the 400-level
NOTES:
1. No more than 14 FAH and FAS/VIS courses may be taken in combination; of these, no more than eight may be FAH courses.
2. Approved courses in other programs may be substituted for up to one FAH course. See Department Handbook.

Minor program:
(4 full courses or their equivalent)
At least four FAH courses fulfilling the following distribution requirements:
1. FAH 100Y, ideally in the first year
2. One from each of three (out of four) periods (Ancient, Mediaeval, Renaissance/Baroque, and Modern). For the 200-level half-course surveys leading to higher-level courses within each period see the introductory essay. Other courses are classified by period in the Fine Art Undergraduate Handbook.
3. At least one course at the 300-level.

VISUAL STUDIES PROGRAMS (B.A.)

Specialist program:
(10 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)
Requirements as follows: at least eight VIS and two FAH full courses or their equivalent including FAH 100Y

First Year:
VIS 120H, FAH 100Y, and VIS 130H (for programs including any of VIS 201H, 203H, 204H, 205H)

Higher Years:

1. 12 half-courses (13 half-courses without VIS 130H)
2. Thesis Text/Critique; Thesis project (two half-courses)
NOTES:
1. A full 400-series course is mandatory
2. Prerequisites for all courses beyond first year will be VIS 120H and permission of the instructor
3. No more than 13 FAS/VIS and FAH courses may be taken in combination

Major program:
(6 full courses or their equivalent)
A total of six Visual Studies full courses or their equivalent

First Year:
VIS 120H and VIS 130H (for programs including any of VIS 201H, 203H, 204H, 205H)

Higher Years:
Ten half-courses (11 half-courses without VIS 130H)
NOTES:
1. During 2nd and 3rd year, Major students must take a total of four interdisciplinary half-courses
2. No more than 14 FAH and FAS/VIS courses may be taken in combination

Minor program:
(4 full courses or their equivalent)
A total of four Visual Studies full courses or their equivalent
1. VIS 120H and VIS 130H (for programs including any of VIS 201H, 203H, 204H, 205H)
2. Six half-courses (seven half-courses without VIS 130H)