It is not always easy to separate fact from fiction in archaeology, and the human past has served as fertile ground for fraudsters, charlatans, and pseudoscientists of many stripes. Through the close examination of case studies, we will critically examine some of the most persistent (and popular) myths and mysteries concerned with the archaeological past. This course will demonstrate that a strong adherence to scientific investigation and hard evidence can uncover facts about prehistory that are as interesting as the myths.

This course is focused on an archaeological exploration of the development of complex societies in Mesoamerica, with emphasis on subsistence and technology, architecture and art. Spanning several thousand years of history, we will look at the rise and fall of some of the most influential and popularly enduring societies and cultures that this vibrant part of the Americas produced, including the Olmec, Maya, Toltec, and Aztec, as well as their modern legacy.

A studio and lecture-based course with emphasis on the foundational principles and elements of 2D composition and design, including an introduction to colour theory. Students will be guided through the exploration of a variety of 2D mediums, materials, and processes, including safe handling protocols.

A studio and lecture-based course with emphasis on the foundational principles and elements of 3D design, with a focus on the exploration of form, mass, volume, and space. Students will be guided through a variety of 3D mediums, materials, and processes, including safe handling protocols.

An introductory level studio course designed to provide a foundation in drawing primarily using a broad range of monochromatic media. Emphasis will be placed on drawing fundamentals, primarily focusing on observational approaches.

The course adopts a global perspective, examining art from prehistory through to the 15th century. It is not an exhaustive survey but focuses on major developments in art through case studies from past cultures and communities in diverse global regions. These case studies enable the exploration of examples from both non-Western and Western traditions. The course aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of visual art and art history methodologies, providing students with a foundational knowledge of art history and its pivotal moments.

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of painting. Students will focus on basic paint handling, application, colour mixing, and support preparation for acrylic and water-mixable oil paint. Compositionally students will focus on still lives, landscape, abstraction, and portraiture. Students will further develop their knowledge of colour theory and learn pigment identification, tool, and studio protocols.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculpture. Students will focus on the formal, material, and compositional strategies of three-dimensional form building and extend their knowledge of form, mass, volume, scale, and space. Material explorations will range from everyday materials, to cardboard, and soft sculpture to clay. Safe handling protocols will be practiced.

This course will expand knowledge and experience of drawing materials, techniques, and methods. Emphasis will be placed on observation and applying drawing skills in increasingly complex ways. Students will be introduced to a range of strategies including conceptual and expressive approaches.

The course examines art from the 15th century to the 20th century, focusing on various art forms with examples from both the non-Western and Western canons. It includes case studies from diverse regions, which explore a range of different forms of expression. This course will familiarize students with basic terms and concepts used in discussing art and cultural artifacts. While it is structured chronologically, it does not cover every period or geographical region. The purpose of the course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for further education by providing them with a foundational understanding of art history and some of its most significant moments.

An introductory level studio course that will introduce you to a variety of techniques and materials pertinent to sculpture. This course will stress basic design, concept and material relationships.

Continuation of AR1610.

This course will provide support in portfolio development, photographing art, writing artist statements, preparing a CV, and learning about the network of art organizations, granting institutions, and other opportunities that can support students beyond graduation.

This course will engage students in intermediate level concepts and processes in painting, including increased knowledge in colour theory, materials, techniques, support preparation and compositional strategies. Subject matter may incorporate representational, abstract and/or non-objective painting. Projects, critiques, and discussion will build knowledge of painting vocabulary and prepare students for more advanced and self-determining approaches.

This course will engage students in more complex concepts and processes in sculpture, exploring the technical, formal, and interpretational strategies in processes and materials such as wood, metal, ceramic and/or plaster casting. This course will prepare students for more advanced and self-determining approaches.

This course focuses on the theory and practice of drawing at an intermediate level addressing drawing observationally, conceptually, and expressively. Students will enhance their understanding of materials, techniques, processes, and concepts associated with drawing. Projects, critiques, and discussions will build knowledge of drawing vocabulary and prepare students for more advanced and self-determining approaches.

The course will cover major developments in art from the turn of the 20th century to the mid-20th century. It will focus on various art forms and movements from both non-Western and Western contexts. These may include painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, museum displays, exhibition practices, and the relationships between art, techniques of expression, politics, culture, revolutions, and everyday life. It will also explore key terminology associated with 20th-century art, such as modernism, modernity, and the avant-garde.

This course integrates painting with more individual studio interests through open-ended projects. Students will be guided to explore contemporary and extended approaches to painting through experimentation with materials, processes, and concepts, recognizing that all choices communicate meaning and build content.

This course will enable increased autonomy in subject matter, concepts, materials, and approaches in sculpture within a framework of options presented by the instructor. Students may work with a variety of sculpture materials, and/or hybrid sculptural practices.

This course integrates the knowledge gained in previous drawing courses with the students’ personal interests and individual approach. Students will be encouraged to relate drawing methodologies and techniques to their personal interests, practices and understanding of the medium as an expressive, conceptual and communication tool.