The Course List displayed here is for the most recent version of the program only.
Current students should always consult their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on myDawson.
Term 1
Course Number
Course Name
C - L - H
Hrs
Concentration
510-113-DW
Drawing 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 1 course introduces students to the basic language of drawing from observation. Students will draw objects and figures in different configurations to explore a range of pictorial possibilities. They will learn the fundamental elements of perspective. Perceptual skills of seeing and sighting will be developed through observation. In addition, students will learn the appropriate terminology pertaining to visual organization and its application. They will explore a range of drawing techniques with a variety of tools on different surfaces. Slide presentations will expose students to historical and current drawing practices and help familiarize them to a variety of methodologies. Ongoing drawing assignments and visual research will help develop the student’s individual creative response. The technical and conceptual knowledge acquired in this course prepares students for further investigation in Drawing 2 (Term 2).
510-114-DW
Color and Painting 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 1 course introduces students to basic techniques in painting and subtractive colour theory. Understanding and demonstrating the compositional dynamics of shape, texture, line and the illusion of space in connection with colour structures will form an essential part of the student’s learning. During the course students will learn to interpret colour theory in a number of paintings designed to demonstrate how colour functions within the overall dynamic of pictorial composition. Through figurative and abstract works many of the essential components of composition will be introduced. Knowledge acquired in this course will be applied in Painting 2 (Term 2).
510-115-DW
Sculpture 1
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 1 course introduces the students to the basic sculpture materials, hand tools, techniques and processes used in three-dimensional work. Clay modeling from observation, basic casting techniques, and elementary fabrication techniques in wood and metal form an integral part of course projects. The course introduces the student to visual vocabulary used in the creation of sculpture. Students will learn appropriate research methodologies and terminology related to the creation of three-dimensional forms. Heath and safety issues and protocol are integrated into the learning process and applied to studio practice in the studios and workshops. Knowledge acquired in this course will be applied in Sculpture 2 (Term 2) and all subsequent sculpture courses.
510-116-DW
New Media
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 1 course introduces the students to computers and networks as an art making platform. Students will be introduced to the tradition, methods and ethical parameters of New Media art. Students will conceive computer-based projects; and explore digital picture and photo editing, and additive colour theory. The course includes an introduction to simple animation and Internet tools and procedures. Through an improved familiarity with computer hardware and software and adequate skills in the handling of digital tools, students will be prepared for Photography (Term 2) as well as New Media & Video (Term 3).
520-102-DW
Art History 1
3 - 0 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 1 course focuses on the exploration of style, content and context, in a chronological and thematic survey of visual art from Prehistoric to the 16th century Renaissance. The student will develop an ability to critically analyse art historical imagery through the utilization of research methodologies, investigating the interface between art, content, style and context. This course establishes a basis for exploring the major trends, theories and methodologies of visual art production to be examined in Art History 2 (Term 2).
This Term 2 course continues to focus on drawing from observation, building and expanding upon the technical and interpretive skills acquired in Drawing 1. Subject matter will be varied, from live models, to objects and structures, to interior and exterior spaces. A greater understanding of depth cues through the use of linear perspective, as well as varying line qualities, textures, value relationships and other optical devices, will enable students to create the convincing illusion of volume and depth in their drawings. Students will mediate drawing from observation with an imaginative sensibility. They will experiment with materials and techniques, make sketches and produce large drawings. Students will begin to consider the symbolic and expressive potential of drawing in preparation for a deeper inquiry into the use of metaphor that will be developed further in Drawing 3 (Term 3).
510-214-DW
Painting 2
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 2 course builds on the knowledge of colour and colour mixing acquired in Colour and Painting 1. The focus throughout the course will be on learning the appropriate techniques, skills and approaches for painting from observation. Students will explore compositional structures and learn to depict form and space through colour, mark, and shape. Students will learn to prepare canvas supports and grounds, to set-up their palettes, and to use a variety of paint applications (opaque, transparent) and techniques. During the term paintings will be executed on medium and large size canvases, finishing with an extended study of two models executed on a large (48” x 60”) canvas. Knowledge acquired in this course will be applied in Painting 3 (Term 3).
510-215-DW
Sculpture 2
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 2 sculpture course continues the three dimensional explorations begun in Sculpture 1. It further develops technical knowledge in wood and metal fabrication using power tools and stationary equipment. Through research and preparatory work students will investigate 3D composition in the creation of their projects. The course continues to elaborate the heath and safety issues and protocol begun in Sculpture 1. This is integrated to the learning process and applied while working in the studios and workshops. The technical and conceptual knowledge gained in this course prepares students for further investigation of 3D practices in Sculpture 3 (Term 3).
520-202-DW
Art History 2
3 - 0 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 2 course continues the chronological and thematic survey of visual art explored in Art History 1 and focuses on art production and art historical methodology through the 17th to the 21st century. Students will be introduced to a variety of art historical methodologies and analytical approaches used to interpret art production. Emphasis will be placed on developing methods to document, contextualize, characterize and distinguish among different art works, artists and analytical approaches in art history and art production. The knowledge acquired in this course prepares the student for examination of current visual art production in Art Now (Term 4).
570-951-DW
Photography
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 2 photography course follows New Media in Term 1. It introduces students to the study and practice of photography as an art form, covering photographic concepts and processes, photographic history, as well as studio/seminars on contemporary issues. Projects will investigate the creative use of long exposures, light as a modifier, and the procedures and aesthetics of ink jet printing. Students will be guided in the creation of a thematic portfolio. This grounding in photographic practices prepares the student for New Media and Video (Term 3).
General Education
603-102-MQ
Literary Genres
2 - 2 - 3
60
Please see the English Department's offering of Literary Genres (603-102-MQ) courses.
345-101-MQ
Knowledge
3 - 1 - 3
60
Please see the Humanities Department's offering of Knowledge (345-101-MQ) courses.
109-10x-MQ
PhysEd 101 or 102
Please see the Physical Education department's offering of courses for:
This Term 3 drawing course uses the technical knowledge gained in previous drawing courses and introduces imaginative new ways to explore drawing as a current medium of expression. Students will engage in the process of developing personal expression through a sustained exploration of themes. They will be introduced to the use of metaphor, symbol and allegory in drawings that explore both size and scale. They will prepare surfaces and supports and experiment with different forms of presentation, such as working in series and installation. Current trends in drawing will be considered in works that explore abstraction and representation. This course prepares students for Drawing 4 (Term 4).
510-314-DW
Painting 3
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 3 painting course builds on the technical and conceptual knowledge acquired in the previous painting and colour courses. In this course students will make paintings based on observation, imagination, and abstraction. There will be an emphasis on thematic and personal research, and students will compile reference materials and develop preliminary studies to develop their paintings. There will be a focus on selecting and preparing appropriate supports and surfaces, the use of grounds, and the use of transparent and impasto paint applications. The psychological effects of colour will be considered along with the formal and iconographic elements of painting. Current practices in contemporary painting will be considered to assist the student's personal development with the medium. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course will help prepare students for Painting 4 and the Integrating Studio Practices course (Term 4).
510-315-DW
Sculpture 3
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 3 sculpture course builds on the technical knowledge gained in previous sculpture courses. It further develops casting processes begun in Sculpture 1 and introduces fabrication and construction processes in fiber arts. Heath and safety issues and protocol continue to be a concern with the use of new techniques and processes. Research and projects are developed using a conceptual and thematic approach emphasizing individual creativity and current approaches in sculpture. The conceptual and technical knowledge gained here can be applied to Sculpture 4 (Term 4).
510-316-DW
Printmaking 1
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 3 course introduces the students to basic printmaking processes and technical knowledge, integrating visual and compositional skills from previous Term 2 Drawing and Painting courses. Students will create matrices for intaglio, relief and stencil processes. Printing editions for each of these processes will form an integral part of course projects. Students will learn appropriate research methodologies to produce developmental work and sketches adapted to each process. The safe use of tools and equipment and methodological organization of space are integrated into the learning process and applied to studio practice in the printmaking studio. Knowledge acquired in this course will be applied in Printmaking 2 (Term 4).
510-317-DW
New Media and Video
1 - 2 - 1
45
Description:
This Term 3 studio course explores the use of digital video as a contemporary art medium. Using video recording technologies and editing software, the student will conceive and create video based artworks and examine different options to structure the work within a contemporary context. This course will prepare the student for Integrating Studio Practices (Term 4).
General Education
603-103-MQ
Literary Themes
2 - 2 - 3
60
Please see the English Department's offering of Literary Themes (603-103-MQ) courses.
345-102-MQ
World Views
3 - 0 - 3
45
Please see the Humanities Department's offering of World Views (345-102-MQ) courses.
This Term 4 course enables students to deepen technical and conceptual skills acquired in the previous three terms. Students will develop thematic projects emphasizing imagination and individual perspective. Emphasis will be placed on synthesizing visual information from multiple sources including, observation, imagination, abstraction as well as both historical and popular culture. Students will make drawings that engage in a dialogue with current art practices.
510-414-DW
Painting 4
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 4 painting course builds upon technical and conceptual knowledge gained in previous painting courses. A number of thematic painting projects further develop individual personal expression. The choice of application techniques, supports and modes of expression (representation, abstraction) will be determined by the student, strengthening conceptual and technical capabilities. Students will develop reference materials and execute preliminary studies for their paintings. Current trends in painting will be considered as students explore original use of elements and principles of visual language.
510-415-DW
Sculpture 4
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 4 sculpture course builds upon technical knowledge gained in previous sculpture courses. It further develops casting processes begun in Sculpture 1 and introduces fabrication and construction processes in fibre arts. Heath and safety issues and protocol continue to be a concern with the use of new techniques and processes. Research and projects are developed using a conceptual and thematic approach emphasising individual creativity and current approaches in sculpture.
510-416-DW
Printmaking 2
1 - 2 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 4 printmaking course builds upon the knowledge and practice acquired in Printmaking 1. Printmaking processes learned previously will be expanded to include the use of photography and the new technologies as applied to printmaking. Students will learn to generate source imagery using the appropriate tools and software. The focus throughout the course will be on learning the techniques, skills and approaches for transferring and printing source images onto and from a sensitized matrix. Students will learn to identify current print media based artwork and varied presentation modes to display their work.
510-417-DW
Integrating Studio Practices
1 - 2 - 3
45
Description:
This Term 4 course focuses on the Comprehensive Examination and integrates knowledge from all Visual Arts studio, art history, and core courses. This course is an opportunity for students to reflect on the knowledge gained in all of their courses. Class activities and projects will initiate and integrate this process of reflection. These activities will include preparing a digital portfolio, writing an artist statement, producing an exhibition catalogue, producing an exhibition, and a studio based self-directed project. In the context of a self-directed project students will select subject matter, do research, use techniques and processes appropriate to produce an artwork of exhibition quality. The annual Visual Arts Graduating Exhibition is produced collectively by the students, and provides an opportunity to publicly show some of the best art works produced in this course and concurrent Term 4 studio courses.
520-402-DW
Art Now
3 - 0 - 2
45
Description:
This Term 4 course examines major trends and theories of visual art production focusing on activities since 1970. The overview will locate Quebec / Canada culture in the broader context of global artistic tendencies linked to those explored within the time-line of Art History 2 (Term 2). Emphasis will be placed on the selection and application of appropriate tools of analysis most relevant to cultural context, styles, techniques, and artist's intentions.
