Visual Studies


Students in the Visual Studies program at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design pursue one of the two Specialist streams offered, Studio or Critical Practices, or the Major in Visual Studies. Students who pursue a Major in Visual Studies must also pursue a Major in another subject area or two Minors in other subject areas in order to complete their degree requirements. The Minor in Visual Studies is not open to students in the Visual Studies program and is open only to students in the Architectural Studies program.

All students beginning their studies in the Visual Studies program are automatically enrolled in the Major in Visual Studies prior to course enrolment for their first year of study in the Daniels Faculty. After their first year of study, (completion of 4.0 credits) students who wish to pursue one of the Specialist streams (Studio or Critical Practices) are able to request the relevant stream in ACORN. Students who choose to continue with the Major in Visual Studies after their first year of study rather than requesting one of the Specialist streams must also pursue one of the following: the Major in Architectural Studies (listed in the Architectural Studies section of this calendar), a Major in another subject area, or two Minors in other subject areas within the Faculty of Architecture. Students in the Visual Studies program are not eligible to pursue a Specialist in Architectural Studies.  Additionally, students may apply to one of the certificate programs listed below to complement their visual Studies program. 

Students who began their studies in the Visual Studies program prior to September 2016 are eligible to request one of the new Specialist streams or the new Major listed below, as well as the new Major in Architectural Studies listed in the Architectural Studies section of this calendar. These students should note that, should they pursue one of the new Specialist streams or the new Major in Visual Studies or the new Major in Architectural Studies, they may need to take additional 100-level courses and may require longer to complete their program requirements.  More information is available on the website at www.daniels.utoronto.ca

A Minor in Visual Studies continues to be offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science and is open to Arts & Science students only. More information is available at http://calendar.artsci.utoronto.ca/

Visual Studies Programs

Specialist in Visual Studies: Critical Practices Stream (AHSPE2002)

Completion Requirements:

10.0 credits including 4.0 credits at the 300+ level, at least 1.0 credit of which must be at the 400-level.

Some courses listed as stream options may have prerequisites as requirements not listed in the options but which must be taken. Students are responsible for fulfilling prerequisites; students enrolled in courses for which they do not have the published prerequisites may have their registration in those courses cancelled at any time without warning.

It is strongly recommended that students in this stream consider taking INS201Y1 and at least 1.0 credit in a language other than English from the Faculty of Arts & Science. These courses do not count toward the requirements outlined below.

Year 1 (3.0 credits)

All of JAV101H1, JAV120H1, JAV130H1, JAV131H1/ JAV151H1, JAV132H1/ JAV152H1, and FAH101H1/FAH102H1

Year 2, 3, and 4 (7.0 credits)

JAV200H1

VIS430Y1

3.5 FCE credits in VIS courses studied at the Daniels Faculty, including 2.0 FCE from VIS320H1, VIS325H1, VIS328H1, VIS331H1, VIS332H1

1.0 credit in FAH courses

1.0 credit from: ARC251H1, ARC252H1, ARC253H1, ARC351H1, ARC352H1, ARC353H1, ARC354H1, ARC355H1, ARC356H1, ARC357H1, ARC451H1, ARC452H1, ARC453H1

Specialist in Visual Studies: Studio Stream (AHSPE2001)

Completion Requirements:

10.0 credits including 4.0 credits at the 300+ level, at least 1.0 credits of which must be at the 400-level.

Some courses listed as stream options may have prerequisites as requirements not listed in the options but which must be taken. Students are responsible for fulfilling prerequisites; students enrolled in courses for which they do not have the published prerequisites may have their registration in those courses cancelled at any time without warning.

It is strongly recommended that students in this stream consider taking INS201Y1 from the Faculty of Arts & Science. This course does not count toward the requirements outlined below.

Year 1 (3.0 credits)

All of JAV101H1, JAV120H1, JAV130H1, JAV131H1/ JAV151H1, JAV132H1/ JAV152H1, and FAH101H1/FAH102H1

Year 2, 3, and 4 (7.0 credits)

JAV200H1

6.0 in VIS courses studied at the Daniels faculty, including VIS431Y1

0.5 credits in FAH courses

Visual Studies Specialist (AHSPE0660)

The Visual Studies Specialist (AHSPE6060) will be last open for any new enrolment in August 2016. Students currently enrolled will be able to complete their requirements as they are listed below.

Completion Requirements:

10.0 FCE including 2.0 FCE at the 300+ level, at least 1.0 FCE of which must be at the 400-level

Year 1 (1.5 FCE)

All of JAV120H1/ VIS120H1, JAV130H1/ VIS130H1, and FAH101H1/FAH102H1

Year 2, 3, and 4 (8.5 FCE)

JAV200H1/ VIS200H1

6.5 in VIS courses, including ( VIS401H1 and VIS402H1)/ VIS431Y1

1.5 FCE in FAH courses

Major in Visual Studies (AHMAJ2000)

Open for enrolment as of April 2017 for students beginning their studies in the Visual Studies program prior to September 2016. All students beginning their studies in the Visual Studies program in September 2016 are automatically enrolled in this stream prior to course enrolment for their first year of study in the Daniels Faculty.

Completion Requirements:

8.0 credits including 2.0 credits at the 300+ level, at least 0.5 credits of which must be at the 400-level

It is strongly recommended that students in this Major consider taking INS201Y1 from the Faculty of Arts & Science. This course does not count toward the requirements outlined below.

Year 1 (3.0 credits)

All of JAV101H1, JAV120H1, JAV130H1, JAV131H1/ JAV151H1, JAV132/ JAV152H1, and FAH101H1/FAH102H1

Year 2, 3, and 4 (5.0 credits)

JAV200H1
4.5 credits in VIS courses studied at the Daniels Faculty.

Visual Studies Major (AHMAJ0660)

The Visual Studies Major (AHMAJ6060) will be last open for any new enrolment in August 2016. Students currently enrolled will be able to complete their requirements as they are listed below.

Completion Requirements:

6.0 FCE including 1.0 FCE at the 300+ level

Year 1 (1.0 FCE)

All of JAV120H1/ VIS120H1 and JAV130H1/ VIS130H1

Year 2, 3, and 4 (5.0 FCE)

JAV200H1/ VIS200H1

4.5 FCE in VIS courses

Minor in Visual Studies (AHMIN0660)

This Minor is open only to students in the Architectural Studies program. The Minor in Visual Studies is not open to students in the Visual Studies program.

Completion Requirements:

4.0 credits including 1.0 credit at the 300+ level.

Year 1 (1.0 credit)

JAV120H1 and JAV130H1

Year 2, 3, and 4 (3.0 credits)

JAV200H1

2.5 credits in VIS courses studied at the Daniels Faculty.

Certificate in Global Studies of the Built Environment (U of T Global Scholar) (AHCERGLOB)

Successful completion of a Certificate is included on transcripts. Note that no course counted for degree credit can be counted for more than one minor or certificate.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Global Studies of the Built Environment is open to Daniels students interested in developing their knowledge of global issues and how designers can influence and improve conditions around the world. All undergraduate Daniels students are eligible to participate in this certificate. Students who complete the requirements of the Certificate in Global Studies of the Built Environment are considered University of Toronto Global Scholars.

Enrolment Requirements:

Certificate is available to any Daniels Faculty student.

Completion Requirements:

Students in the Certificate in Global Studies of the Built Environment (U of T Global Scholar) must successfully complete 2.0 credits from the list outlined below:

Required (0.5 credit):
JAV152H1 History of Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism, and Art II

Choose 2-3 of the following (1.5 credits):
ARC351H1 Global Modernisms
ARC354H1 History of Housing
ARC355H1 History of Urbanism
ARC357H1 Environmental History of Landscape Architecture
ARC331Y0 Studies in International Architecture
VIS307H1 Art and Context
VIS310H1 Imaging the Political
VIS327Y0 Urban Studio: Hong Kong

*select ARC400 series topics courses determined by year and instructor to be identified on the Daniels’ website yearly.

Certificate in Sustainability of the Built Environment (AHCERSUSP)

The choices architects make when they're designing buildings can have long-lasting consequences, not just for the people who live and work in those buildings, but also for the global natural environment. In taking this sustainability-focused sequence of courses, students will gain understanding of sustainability's social, ecological, and economic dimensions. They will also learn about the ways sustainability practices in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and art intersect with larger global issues like climate change, ecological preservation, and social justice.

Enrolment Requirements:

Available to any Daniels Faculty student.

Completion Requirements:

Students in the Certificate in Sustainability of the Built Environment must successfully complete 2.0 credits from the list outlined below:

Required (0.5 credit):
JAV303H1 - Cities, Society, Environment

Choose 3 of the following (1.5 credits):
ARC252H1 – Close Readings in Landscape Architecture
ARC253H1 - Close Readings in Urban Design
ARC281H1 – Structures, Building Systems, and Environments I
ARC351H1 – Global Modernisms
ARC354H1 – History of Housing
ARC355H1 – History of Urbanism
ARC356H1 – Design History of Landscape Architecture
ARC357H1 – Environmental History of Landscape Architecture
ARC386H1 - Landscape Ecology
ARC387H1 – Landscape Topography and Hydrology
VIS306H1 - Site, Installation and 3D Construction
VIS319H1 – Defining Landscapes

*Select ARC300 level studio courses and ARC400 series topics courses determined by year and instructor to be identified on the Daniels’ website yearly.

 

Visual Studies Course Descriptions

Please note that 200-, 300-, and 400-level Visual Studies Courses are offered on a rotating basis and may not be offered in every academic year.



Visual Studies Courses

JAV101H1 - Design Studio I

A studio-based introduction to the methods and processes of design. The course serves as a hands-on exploration of design issues through a series of exercises that introduce students to the conceptual underpinnings of the design process, developing their capacity to conceive, manipulate, and analyze form through a variety of representational media.

Exclusion: ARC101H1/ARC213H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to Daniels Faculty students

JAV120H1 - Visual Concepts

An introduction to a wide range of topics situated in modernism, postmodernism, and the contemporary that inform current art practice and critical discourse. The course investigates post-1970 art practice through diverse societal, cultural, and political influences of contemporary critical thought.

Exclusion: VIS120H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

JAV130H1 - Visual Strategies

An introduction to diverse mediums and topics for exploration with an emphasis on experimentation and conceptual development. In addition to acquiring manual skills used in production of contemporary visual art, students are encouraged to explore their own individual artistic and research processes.

Prerequisite: JAV120H1/VIS120H1
Exclusion: VIS130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

JAV151H1 - History of Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism, and Art I

An introduction to the pre-industrial world through examples of architecture, landscape, sites, and art drawn from across the globe. The goal of this course is not only to explain the artifacts and sites under discussion but also to explain the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the world through them.

Exclusion: ARC131H1/JAV131H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

JAV152H1 - History of Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism, and Art II

An introduction to the post-industrial world through examples of architecture, landscape, sites, and art drawn from across the globe. The goal of this course is not only to explain the artifacts and sites under discussion but also to explain the social, economic, and cultural conditions of the world through them.

Prerequisite: ARC131H1/JAV131H1/JAV151H1
Exclusion: ARC132H1/JAV132H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

JAV200H1 - Introduction to Critical Theory

A course that teaches critical and analytical ways of engaging visual culture within an interdisciplinary and international setting. Students are introduced to foundational intellectual tools and a research methodology appropriate to artists, designers, and architects.

Exclusion: VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

JAV303H1 - Land, Relations, Truth and Reconciliation

The course considers interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainability within the built and natural environment. Through the examination of a broad set of textual and visual artifacts, students will critically examine responses to topics such as climate change, systemic inequity, and spatial justice at an individual, civic, regional, and planetary scale.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

FAH102H1 - Art and Ideas

A survey of the history of art, architecture and allied arts. This introduction to the history of art will examine a wide range of objects, selected and discussed in connection with a special theme to be selected by the instructor. Students will be expected to study the history and significance of art through the close reading of selected texts that relate to both art and theory. Special attention will be given to developing essential art historical skills necessary for upper level courses. The topic for each semester will vary based on the instructor. No previous knowledge of history of art or architecture is required. Frequent writing assignments and exercises will be based on readings, lectures, and museum or gallery visits to collections in Toronto.

Exclusion: FAH101H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

VIS201H1 - Painting: Methods and Materials

This is a hands-on course that deals with technical and theoretical issues of contemporary painting. The act of painting and the relevance of painting are stressed through both historical and current issues.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS202H1 - Artists' Moving Image 1

This course introduces students to the production of digital moving image artworks. Students are encouraged to work in all production and postproduction forms including live video recording, GIFs and animation. In addition to hands-on instruction to cameras and editing software, this course includes individual and group critiques, seminars, and critical viewing of contemporary moving image artworks.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/ VIS130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS203H1 - Time-Based Installation

This studio course introduces students to creative coding practices and their use in the production of time-based installation art.

Various site- and time-based art forms, including:

  • audio installation,
  • video installation,
  • interactive installation,
  • virtual environments, and
  • digitally-based performance

are considered through the introduction of emergent artistic technologies.

Readings, gallery visits, screenings, and presentations provide context for these art practices. Responding to assignments and writing prompts, students produce projects that explore the complex interplay between digital media, time, and space.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS349Y5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS204H1 - Installation Art

This course introduces students to the basic principles of working with materials to produce three-dimensional and installation-based artworks. This hands-on project-based course includes individual and group critiques, seminars with relevant readings and critical viewing of contemporary installation artworks.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/ VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS248H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS205H1 - Drawing: Experimental Practices I

Studio-based projects explore contemporary drawing practice. Materials and approaches take into account historical practices while responding to changing cultural issues.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS143H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS206H1 - Print Media I - Relief

Principles and practices of relief printmaking. Projects in single and multiple block edition production.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS232H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS207H1 - Print Media II - Intaglio

An introduction through studio projects to the principle forms of intaglio printmaking, including etching and collagraph.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS234H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS208H1 - Performance Art

Practical and aesthetic concerns in the evolution of performance art are considered against the backdrop of critical and historical perspectives. Students explore a range of performance possibilities, alone and collaboratively to develop the critical skills that will inform both their performance work and their view of contemporary art. Seminars provide an overview of contemporary performance art strategies.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS209H1 - Contemporary Printing

Introduction to contemporary printmaking that covers publishing to 3D printing. This course looks at the concept of copying and producing one of a kind artifacts. Drawing on both centuries old techniques and the most modern technologies, students will explore what it means to make an image in the contemporary moment.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

VIS211H1 - Works on Paper

A studio based course which explores the potential of paper from drawing to object making, in the context of contemporary art practice.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS143H5, FAS243H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS212H1 - Colour

An introductory course on colour that looks at its mechanics and interdisciplinary scope: from the history of science and culture to the technicalities of various colour spaces in both analog and digital environments. A combination of lectures, readings, and studio projects shape a broad understanding of both how colour has been used and how to use colour.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS217H1 - Photo-based (Chemical)

Photo-based projects in which the fundamentals of optical-chemical mechanical photographic processes and technologies are integrated with concepts in contemporary photo-based practice. Student must have 35mm camera that allows full manual control.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS147H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS218H1 - Photo-based (Digital)

Photo-based projects in which the fundamentals of optical-digital photographic processes and technologies are integrated with concepts in contemporary photo-based practice.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS147H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS220H1 - Painting and the Subject

Representation and abstraction are investigated through the development of themes drawn from personal, social and cultural sources.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1
Exclusion: FAS145H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS240H1 - Sound Art 1

Introduction to sound art through studio projects such as field recording, sound walks, and multi-channel sound installation. Focus on listening and history of the genre explored through presentations, field trips and readings.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

VIS300Y0 - Summer Studio Abroad

An intense travel program lead by an instructor, for advanced students to spend time in a foreign locale, conducting fieldwork, experiencing local arts programming and connecting with professionals.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses and permission of instructor
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in any Specialist or Major in Visual Studies

VIS300H0 - Summer Studio Abroad

An intense travel program lead by an instructor, for advanced students to spend time in a foreign locale, conducting fieldwork, experiencing local arts programming and connecting with professionals.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses and permission of instructor
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in any Specialist or Major in Visual Studies

VIS301H1 - Painting: Content and Context

This studio based, project oriented course critically examines contemporary visual culture through painting.

Prerequisite: VIS201H1/VIS220H1, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Exclusion: FAS245H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS302H1 - Artists' Moving Image II

Students continue to develop their skills in pre-production, production and post-production of digital media used in moving image artworks. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual development of projects, with class discussions and individual meetings focusing on all stages of works-in-progress. Strategies for distribution, exhibition and funding are examined.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, VIS202H1/VIS203H1
Exclusion: FAS349Y5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS303H1 - Advanced Time-Based Installation

This project-based course advances students’ development in conceptualizing and producing time-based art installations, including studio experimentation and creation with audio, video, interactive performance, and other forms of time-based media used by contemporary artists, such as creative computation. Seminars, readings and writing prompts augment the self-directed projects produced by the students.

Prerequisite: VIS202H1 + VIS203H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS305H1 - Advanced Drawing: Experimental Practice II

This course continues to build on VIS205H1 Drawing: Experimental Practices. Experimenting with a wide-ranging set of concepts, materials, techniques, and processes, students further explore the potential of drawing beyond its traditional and preconceived limits.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, VIS205H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS306H1 - Site, Installation and 3D Construction

An investigation into the history and practice of site/installation and three dimensional fabrication through slide lectures, projects and seminar discussions. Earth works, large scale public projects, and site specific installations will be explored.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, VIS204H1
Exclusion: FAS348Y5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS307H1 - Art and Context

Applying art to the borders of other disciplines or issues within the university community, students develop projects with the objective of opening spaces for discourse: art as a transgressive device.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS309H1 - Advanced Printmaking

Seminars and studio projects give the more advanced students the opportunity to address issues of transformation in print technology.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, VIS206H1/VIS207H1
Exclusion: FAS334Y5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS310H1 - Imaging the Political

Studio projects complemented by seminars and readings examine plastic, social, and gender politics in contemporary visual art.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS312H1 - Collage

An investigation of historical and contemporary art incorporating collage as a central methodology. The evolution of collage as a means of expression is explored through studio-based projects and lectures.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS313H1 - The Body

This studio-based, open-media course challenges conventional ideas about the body by examining developments in technology, culture, and politics. Through projects, lectures and readings, this course considers the fluidity of concepts such as gender, beauty, and ability as interpreted through representations of the body.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS316H1 - The Constructed Image

Through research, concept development, as well as direct engagement with materials and processes, students will explore the constructed image and constructedness as an intersection of theory and practice.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS318H1 - Integrated Photo-based Explorations

Studio projects exploring contemporary photographic issues and practice; seminars and readings are integral.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, VIS217H1 + VIS218H1
Exclusion: FAS347Y5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS319H1 - Defining Landscapes

The concept of landscape is the entry point for investigating the relationship between people and their environments: landscape as both the source of inspiration and the vehicle of expression. Exploration through open media studio projects, written work, readings and seminars.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS320H1 - Critical Curatorial Lab

Projects and seminars develop an understanding of curatorial and critical practice in contemporary visual and media arts.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Exclusion: FAH451H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS321H1 - Artists' Multiples

Production of artists multiples in various media is augmented with gallery and archive visits, screenings, and artist talks. Historical and contemporary technologies for reproduction are examined.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS323H1 - Painting: Contemporary Practice

Painting: Contemporary Practice introduces philosophical and theoretical issues raised by the conceptual relationship of painting to other artistic strategies and the contemporary environment. Studio work will be complemented by the study of advanced artists working in this medium.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, VIS220H1/VIS201H1
Exclusion: FAS245H5
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS324H1 - The Aesthetics of Everyday Life

This interdisciplinary seminar course examines the aesthetic qualities of objects and experiences not usually considered by philosophers, including such things as sports, food, and weather.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS325H1 - Contemporary Art Issues

Everything was contemporary once; this course explores the idea of contemporaneity. Students will be asked to identify themselves in the present-day landscape and to convey that awareness in seminar discussions and studio projects.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS326H1 - Studio Practice

A project-based studio course in which each student works to advance and to articulate their visual arts practice, and to develop individual process, themes and influences, the articulation. Group critiques, seminars, reading and writing assignments. Open media, students must have access to own means of production.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS327Y0 - Urban Studio: Hong Kong

Urban Studio uses the dynamic urban fabric of Hong Kong as a laboratory for art-making. Students will explore the city to develop visual research that examines social, spatial, and urban issues. The course consists of site research, field trips, guest speakers, and art production, and culminates in an informal public exhibition.

Prerequisite: JAV130H1/VIS130H1 (UTSC students: 1.0 FCE at either B or C level in studio)
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS328H1 - Publishing Platforms

From manifestos for avant-garde art and architecture movements to contemporary digital exchanges, publishing has played an important role in both the development of aesthetic discourse and as a primary platform for creation. This course combines both the seminar format for looking at the history of publishing as well as a studio environment for participants who will create publishing platforms such as posters, journals, serial magazines, artists books, pamphlets, micro-presses, blogs, websites, and social media.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS330H1 - Artists' Writings

A survey course of writings that artists have produced across history exploring all forms: manifestos, plays, novels, short stories, art reviews, theoretical, art historical, artist statements, and interventions. Artists writings are explored as a genre as well as gestures through which artists have entered a professional discourse. Students will explore various genres of writing in the course.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS331H1 - Art Criticism

Criticism is a practice of writing distinct from academic argumentation or artists' writings, with a long history in periodicals, newspapers, and exhibition catalogues. The course surveys the genre to analyze key texts that have shaped the narrative of art leading to, and including, the current discourse. Students both read and write criticism in the course, experimenting with voice, rhetoric, and polemics.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

ARC331Y0 - Studies in International Architecture, Landscape, and Urbanism

For students in the International Summer Program. Documentation and analysis of architecture, landscape, and/or urbanism in the city where the programme is based. Topics may include building types, urban morphology and development, public spaces, urban precincts, and ways of life supported by them. Cities may vary each year.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in ARC courses or permission of the instructor
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

VIS332H1 - Advanced Critical Theory

A continuation of philosophic and theoretical writings first introduced in JAV200. Concepts in epistemology, psychoanalysis, socio-political thought, economic theory, visual culture, semiotics, material culture, feminism, queer studies, postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and indigenous studies are explored through primary texts.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS340H1 - Sound Art II

Exploration and experimentation in advanced sound artworks. Building from projects first conducted in the intro prerequisite course, this course further considers architectural acoustics, politics of soundscapes, sonification and music in relation to contemporary art. Course content is composed of studio projects, presentations and seminars.

Prerequisite: VIS240H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

VIS399H1 - Research Opportunity Program

An opportunity for degree students in their third year in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to work on the research project of a professor in return for 0.5 course credit.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses. An application must be submitted to the Program Director.
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to Daniels Faculty students

VIS399Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

An opportunity for degree students in their third year in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to work on the research project of a professor in return for 1.0 course credit.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses. An application must be submitted to the Program Director.
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to Daniels Faculty students

VIS403H1 - Secondary Focus Project

A variety of projects developed in various media with a strong interdisciplinary focus.

Prerequisite: JAV200H1/VIS200H1, and permission of instructor
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in any Specialist or Major in Visual Studies

VIS404H1 - Independent Studies

Individual advanced projects undertaken under the supervision of Visual Studies Faculty. Student meets regularly with faculty supervisor who provides individual critiques of research and artworks produced. The course culminates in an exhibition of the artwork(s) produced over the course of the term.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1, 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses, and permission of the Program Director
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in any Specialist or Major in Visual Studies

VIS405H1 - Visual Studies Internship

A one semester Internship provides placement at a gallery, media-arts centre, artist-run centre, artist, or publication with a focus on contemporary art practice

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1, 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses, and permission of the Program Director
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in any Specialist or Major in Visual Studies

VIS406H1 - Public Art

This course is an introduction into the complex process of public art. Through lectures, projects, seminars and field trips the student will develop a clearer understanding of the collaborative nature of public production around key issues such as advocacy, environmental ethics, and the sensual nature of space.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/ VIS200H1, VIS306H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS410H1 - Artist In Residence Master Class

Students work under the supervision of a visiting artist who provides the students with a full introduction to the specifics of her/his practice as an artist. A variety of media are explored specific to the visitors own practice. Seminars are augmented with critiques in response to assignments.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1, 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses, and permission of the Program Director
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS420H1 - Advanced Readings in Contemporary Art and Culture

A seminar course that investigates current issues in contemporary art. Focus is on contemporary theoretical readings and classic texts. The focus of topic changes each offering pending instructors research specialty and current issues.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS421H1 - Institutions and Exhibitions

A course in which students engage a variety of exhibition types in their institutional context: government museums, artist-run centres (ARC), cultural non-profits, media distribution centres, tourist museums, commercial galleries, private museums, collectives, pop-ups, community centres, etc. Students conduct site visits and analyze the architecture, economic models, audience, and content of various institutions.

Prerequisite: 0.5 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, JAV200H1/VIS200H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Enrolment Limits: This course is open to Daniels Faculty students and to students outside of the Faculty

VIS430Y1 - Thesis Project (Critical Practices)

The culmination of the Critical Practices Specialist degree, this year-long course is composed of a Fall research session and Winter production session. Students determine which type of critical practice is to be undertaken over the course of the year with the instructor. Options include a written thesis on a historical or theoretical topic, the development of a publishing platform, or the production of an exhibition or screening program. Students are required to actively participate in all aspects of the course, including faculty-led class discussions, critiques, research, written thesis statement, and production.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses
Exclusion: VIS401H1, VIS402H1, VIS431Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in the Specialist in Visual Studies: Critical Practices Stream and Major in Visual Studies (with permission of the Program Director)

VIS431Y1 - Thesis Project (Studio)

The culmination of the Specialist in Visual Studies: Studio Stream, this year-long course is composed of a Fall research session and Winter production session. Studio work and critical analysis are the basis for the mandatory final exhibition, normally occurring at the end of Winter term of works developed and produced over the year. Students are required to actively participate in all aspects of the course, including faculty-led class discussions, critiques, exhibition preparation, written thesis statement, and installation.

Prerequisite: 1.0 credit at the 200-level in VIS courses, 1.0 credit at the 300-level in VIS courses
Exclusion: VIS401H1, VIS402H1, VIS430Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)
Enrolment Limits: This course is restricted to students in the Specialist in Visual Studies: Studio Stream and Major in Visual Studies (with permission of the Program Director), and to students enrolled in the Visual Studies Specialist (AHSPE0660) or the Visual Studies Major (AHMAJ0660)

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