Table of Contents
The teaching of art at Mount Allison University can be traced back to the opening of the Women's Academy in 1854. It has been an important part of the curriculum since that time. In 1941 Mount Allison was the first university in Canada to give a B.F.A. degree in the visual arts. Much of the Department's history was, and is, directly related to the Owens Art Gallery. Until 1965, when the Department moved to its own quarters in the Gairdner Fine Arts Building, the Department was housed in the gallery. Since that time the gallery has been extensively remodelled into one of the largest in the Maritimes, serving both the university and community. We enjoy one of the best student/staff ratios of any art department in the country. The Department not only occupies its own building but has excellent facilities in other parts of the campus. We are proud of our tradition but prouder still of our ability to keep up with the changing needs of our students.
A description of the program leading to the B.F.A. degree is given in Section 11.7 of the Calendar. Studio courses are offered in the following areas: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Open Media.
A Minor or Major in Fine Arts which includes a combination of Art History and Studio Art courses may also be completed on a B.A. degree. Students should submit a portfolio of artwork for assessment by February 15, to be considered for a Major or Minor in Fine Arts. Students completing a B.A. may earn a Minor or Major in Art History. These programs are outlined under Art History at the beginning of the section.
6 | from FINH 2101, 2111 |
6 | from 1000 level Fine Arts studio courses |
6 | from 2000 level Fine Arts studio courses |
6 | from 3000 level Fine Arts studio courses |
Note: Students must have appropriate pre-requisites for 2/3000 level courses or permission of the Department
6 | from FINH 2101, 2111 |
6 | from Art History at the 2/3/4000 level |
15 | from FINA 1101, 1111, 1921, 1931, 2101 |
24 | from 1000/2000/3000 level Fine Arts studio courses (9 credits must be at the 3000 level) |
6 | from 4000 level Fine Arts Advanced studio courses |
3 | from Fine Arts Seminar 3701, 4701 |
Note: Students must have appropriate pre-requisites for 2/3/4000 level studio courses or permission of the Department
Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.
Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.
The pre-requisite for 2000 level studio courses is the successful completion of the appropriate 1000 level course; i.e. 1101, 1111, 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931. Any first year studio course that is failed will have to be passed by the end of the next academic year in which the student is enrolled.
The following studio courses will be charged Fine Arts Instructional Supplies Fees: FINA 1921, 1931, 2201, 2211, 2401, 2411, 2501, 2511, 3201, 3211, 3401, 3411, 3501, 3511, 4801, 4811, 4821, and 4831. This list is subject to change.
Studio Courses Open to Non-Fine Arts Students
Six credits chosen from FINA 1101, 1111, 1901, 1911, and FINA 1921, 1931 are open to students from other degree programs, dependent on available space, and by written permission of the Department only.
Preference will be given to students with a major in Art History or Drama.
Students who have no background or previous training in visual art should be advised that these courses are required for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program and that standards are set accordingly.
Upper level studio courses will be open to students from other programs on a space available basis, provided that the student has met the prerequisite requirement, or been granted the permission of the Department.
FINA 1101 (3.00)
Fundamentals of Drawing I
This course will introduce the student to drawing as a common language of expression in the visual arts. A variety of drawing media will be used. (Format: Studio)
FINA 1111 (3.00)
Fundamentals of Drawing II
Prereq: FINA 1101; or permission of the Department
This course is a continuation of Fine Arts 1101. (Format: Studio)
FINA 1901 (3.00)
Elements of Art I
This course focuses on elements of two dimensional design in black and white and colour. It also surveys theories of composition in the visual arts and provides an introduction to art theory and media. (Format: Studio)
FINA 1911 (3.00)
Elements of Art II
Prereq: FINA 1901; or permission of the Department
This course surveys elements of three dimensional design and composition, alternate media and processes, and non-conventional and lateral thinking in the visual arts. (Format: Studio)
FINA 1921 (3.00)
Introduction to Media I
This course is designed to introduce the studio areas of printmaking and photography. (Format: Studio)
FINA 1931 (3.00)
Introduction to Media II
This course is designed to introduce the studio areas of painting and sculpture. (Format: Studio)
FINA 1991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Fine Arts
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for FINA 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
FINA 2101 (3.00)
Drawing I
Prereq: FINA 1101; FINA 1111; or permission of the Department
This course emphasizes drawing from the figure and also includes various other projects related to drawing. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2111 (3.00)
Drawing II
Prereq: FINA 2101; or permission of the Department
This course is a continuation of Drawing I. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2201 (3.00)
Printmaking I
Prereq: FINA 1921; or permission of the Department
This course introduces intaglio and relief printmaking techniques. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2211 (3.00)
Printmaking II
Prereq: FINA 1921; or permission of the Department
This course introduces lithography printmaking techniques. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2301 (3.00)
Painting I
Prereq: FINA 1931; or permission of the Department
This course uses various media to focus on the fundamentals of basic painting. It explores colour and techniques and emphasizes observational painting, from various subjects including the figure. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2311 (3.00)
Painting II
Prereq: FINA 2301; or permission of the Department
This is an exploration of painting materials and means, pictorial elements, and issues fundamental to expressive painting. Both traditional and contemporary painting will be considered. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2401 (3.00)
Sculpture I
Prereq: FINA 1931; or permission of the Department
This course addresses the basic sculptural practices through a variety of sculptural traditions, including wire, wood, mesh, scavenged or natural materials and clay. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2411 (3.00)
Sculpture II
Prereq: FINA 2401; or permission of the Department
This course is a continuation of FINA 2401 and emphasizes a more experimental approach to sculpture. This course investigates how the shape and form of a structure is imposed by the materials used. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2501 (3.00)
Photography I
Prereq: FINA 1921; or permission of the Department
Fine Arts 2501 is intended to give the fine arts photography student a firm background both aesthetically and technically in the uses of photography as a fine art medium. The following will be covered: conceptualization of the image/technical review, exposing film for optimum results (slide & B&W), processing and proofing, storage and editing, introduction to the fine print portfolio presentation, evaluation criticism, and an historical perspective. Each student is required to own a 35 mm camera with manual metering. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2511 (3.00)
Photography II
Prereq: FINA 2501; or permission of the Department
Fine Arts 2511 addresses itself both aesthetically and technically in small format photography as a component of your development as an artist. This course will deal with notions of the black and white "fine print", social, political and personal issues in the work and portfolio development as well as a number of other studio techniques. Assignments dealing with portraiture, self portraiture, landscape and photo fabrication will allow for personal investigation of a number of given subjects that may or may not contribute to the conceptualization of the final portfolio. (Format: Studio)
FINA 2991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Fine Arts
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for FINA 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
FINA 3101 (3.00)
Intermediate Drawing I
Prereq: FINA 2101; FINA 2111; or permission of the Department
This course demands an advanced approach to drawing to further students' understanding of the cultural, historical, and theoretical issues related to drawing through refinement of technical and conceptual skills. It provides for increased responsibility to work independently, apply research, and generate subject matter. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3111 (3.00)
Intermediate Drawing II
Prereq: FINA 3101; or permission of the Department
This course emphasizes individual direction and style in drawing, using a variety of traditional and non-traditional media. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3201 (3.00)
Intermediate Printmaking I
Prereq: FINA 2201; FINA 2211; or permission of the Department
Fine Arts 3201 and 3211 survey traditional and non-traditional printmaking for students with a background in printmaking. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3211 (3.00)
Intermediate Printmaking II
Prereq: FINA 3201; or permission of the Department
Fine Arts 3201 and 3211 survey traditional and non-traditional printmaking for students with a background in printmaking. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3301 (3.00)
Intermediate Painting I
Prereq: FINA 2301; FINA 2311; or permission of the Department
This course focuses on the study of figurative and non-figurative painting, using various painting methods and mixed media. Consideration will be given to contemporary artists and to the cultural context of painting. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3311 (3.00)
Intermediate Painting II
Prereq: FINA 3301; or permission of the Department
Students will explore uses of various painting and mixed media, and work from figurative and non-figurative sources as they complete projects with diverse formal, thematic or conceptual objectives. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3401 (3.00)
Intermediate Sculpture I
Prereq: FINA 2401; FINA 2411; or permission of the Department
This course emphasizes contemporary attitudes, theory, and non-traditional approaches to sculpture. It addresses a mixed media approach, installation, and outdoor or environmental art. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3411 (3.00)
Intermediate Sculpture II
Prereq: FINA 3401; or permission of the Department
This course investigates student initiated work, public sculpture proposals, and model making which combines and/or extends approaches from previous courses and which lead into the fourth year tutorial program. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3501 (3.00)
Intermediate Photography I - the View Camera
Prereq: FINA 2501; FINA 2511; or permission of the Department
This course covers the use of medium and large format cameras in the context of landscape and studio work, through use of colour and black and white materials. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3511 (3.00)
Intermediate Photography II - Colour and Photofabrication
Prereq: FINA 3501; or permission of the Department
A continuation of 3501 with colour printmaking and photo fabrication assignments. Processes covered include RA4 and Ilfochrome colour printmaking, Platinum, Cyanotype, Van Dyke and other alternate printing methods. Further exploration will include advanced view camera and studio technique. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3601 (3.00)
Intermediate Open Media I
Prereq: 12 credits from FINA 2101, 2111, 2201, 2301, 2311, 2401, 2411, 2501, 2511; or permission of the Department
Fine Arts 3601 and 3611 will offer the opportunity to integrate various media with which the student is already familiar. They will also introduce technical skills and a conceptual framework to facilitate this investigation. Performance and installation may be components of the course. Either or both courses may be taken for credit. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3611 (3.00)
Intermediate Open Media II
Prereq: 12 credits from FINA 2101, 2111, 2201, 2301, 2311, 2401, 2411, 2501, 2511; or permission of the Department
Fine Arts 3601 and 3611 will offer the opportunity to integrate various media with which the student is already familiar. They will also introduce technical skills and a conceptual framework to facilitate this investigation. Performance and installation may be components of the course. Either or both courses may be taken for credit. (Format: Studio)
FINA 3701 (3.00)
Third Year Seminar in Fine Arts
A seminar course on contemporary art issues in Fine Arts, usually taught in the second term of each year. Students will lead seminar discussions on selected topics and produce research papers. The course is required of all third year B.F.A. students. [Note 1: Open to only B.F.A. students and open to other students on a space available basis with preference given to students in the BA degree program with a Major or Minor in Art History or Fine Arts; or permission of the Department.](Format: Seminar)
FINA 3991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Fine Arts
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for FINA 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)
FINA 4701 (3.00)
Advanced Seminar in Fine Arts
An advanced seminar on contemporary art issues in Fine Arts, taught in the first term of each year. Students will lead seminar discussions on selected topics and produce research papers. The course is required of all fourth year B.F.A. students. [Note 1: Open to only B.F.A. students and open to other students on a space available basis with preference given to students in the BA degree program with a Major or Minor in Art History or Fine Arts; or permission of the Department.](Format: Seminar)
FINA 4801 (3.00)
Advanced Studio I: Critique
Prereq: Registration in the fourth-year of the BFA Degree or BA Degree with Major in Fine Arts
This course requires regular class critiques for fourth year students to workshop and develop an independently produced body of studio work thereby meeting students' needs for critical feedback in a single medium or in various media.(Format: Studio)
FINA 4811 (3.00)
Advanced Studio II: Critique
Prereq: Registration in the fourth-year of the BFA Degree or BA Degree with Major in Fine Arts
This course requires regular class critiques for fourth year students to workshop and develop an independently produced body of studio work thereby meeting students' needs for critical feedback in a single medium or in various media (Format: Studio)
FINA 4821 (3.00)
Advanced Independent Studio I
Prereq: Registration in the fourth-year of the BFA Degree or BA Degree with Major in Fine Arts
This course requires that students create studio work independently while working with one faculty advisor thereby meeting a student's needs for critical feedback in a singe medium or in various media. [Note: This course is arranged by a student with a faculty member on an individual basis.] (Format: Studio)
FINA 4831 (3.00)
Advanced Independent Studio II
Prereq: Registration in the fourth-year of the BFA Degree or BA Degree with Major in Fine Arts
This course requires that students create studio work independently while working with one faculty advisor thereby meeting a student's needs for critical feedback in a single medium or in various media. [Note: This course is arranged by a student with a faculty member on an indidual basis.] (Format: Studio)
FINA 4950 (6.00)
Independent Study in Fine Arts
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for FINA 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)
FINA 4951 (3.00)
Independent Study in Fine Arts
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for FINA 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)
FINA 4991 (3.00)
Special Topic in Fine Arts
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for FINA 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)