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Fine Art History and Visual StudiesOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | 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 curriculum covers the Bronze Age to the present in several global regions: the Mediterranean area, Europe and North America, and Asia. FAH101H1 is an overview of the major periods and monuments in the history of art and architecture, and FAH102H1 serves as a practical and critical introduction to the practice of art history and is an integral component of the curriculum; students are encouraged to take this class early in their progress toward an FAH degree. Half courses at the 200 level are more comprehensive surveys that thematically introduce the material from specific chronological periods, regional areas, or the history of archtiecture. Many of these courses, which are offered on a regular basis, serve as gateway preprequisites for courses at the 300 and 400 level; students are advised to check the prerequisites for each upper-level course carefully. 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 who have been accepted into a Visual Studies Program of Study may register for Visual Studies courses from mid-July until early August. First-year students and other upper-year students may apply for available spaces in late August. Foundation courses: VIS120H1,
Visual Concepts, a lecture-based course that investigates a wide range
of topics situated in Modernism and Post-Modernism. This course rigorously
examines diverse art concepts in order to prepare students for interdisciplinary
perspectives on art practice and critical theory in upper level courses. VIS130H1, Visual Strategies, an H course taught throughout the Fall and Spring sessions,
is an intensive interdisciplinary course that stresses the formulation
and communication of visual ideas, primarily through a variety of media
and must be taken in conjunction with VIS120H1, Visual Concepts. 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, 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 that include the history of architecture. It is imperative that students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in art history acquire the foreign languages necessary for such work. Although the choice of languages will be dependent on an individuals program of study, it is generally recommended that students learn German and at least one other European language. The FAH Department website provides a list of courses in other departments that can be counted toward a fine art history degree. In conjunction with Woodsworth College, the Department offers courses during the summer term at the University of Siena, Italy, and at other locations abroad. For information about these degree-credit courses, please consult the Department of Fine Art Website or contact the Summer Abroad Program at Woodsworth College, 119 St. George Street (416-978-8713). The Fine Art Student Union (FASU) sponsors a variety of lectures
and other activities for members of the departmental community. Enquiries: Fine Art ProgramsFine Art (History of Art) (Arts program)Students may enrol in the Major or Minor program in Fine Art History after completing at least four courses; there is no minimum GPA required. Students may enrol in the Specialist Program in Fine Art History after completing at least four courses, including four half FAH courses with a mark of at least 70% in each and must also have obtained a a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Specialist program: (11 full courses or their equivalent) At least nine FAH courses, and two courses in one or more languages (including at least one German, French, or Italian), fulfilling the following distribution requirements: First Year: Higher Years: Notes: Major program: (6 full courses or their equivalent) At least six FAH courses fulfilling the following distribution requirements: First Year: Higher Years: Notes: Minor program: (4 full courses or their equivalent) At least four FAH courses fulfilling the following distribution requirements: 1. FAH102H1 FAH Course Groups Group A: Ancient, Medieval Group B: RenaissanceBaroque, ModernContemporaryCanadian Group C: Asian Group D: History of Architecture Note: Visual Studies Programs (Arts program)Enrolment in the VIS program is limited. To apply to the program, students must have completed at least four full course equivalents including VIS120H1 and VIS130H1; must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80; and must have at least a B in each of VIS120H1 and VIS130H1. Achievement of these minimum marks does not guarantee enrolment in the program. Specialist program: Requirements as follows: at least eight VIS and two FAH full courses or their equivalent including FAH102H1 and three other FAH half courses First Year: Higher Years: Notes: Major program: First Year: Higher Years: Notes: Minor program:( No more than four Visual Studies full courses or their equivalent, including at least one full 300-level course or its equivalent.) Note: |