UBC Okanagan

Course Descriptions

Visual Arts, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

VISA: Visual Arts

VISA 090 (0) Safety Training

Develops students' competence in using the tools in the woodshop and metalshop through demonstrations and the completion of a small project. This non-credit course is required in order to work in these facilities. Pass/Fail.

VISA 102 (3) Drawing and Two-Dimensional Art Practices I

This foundation course will introduce the principles, practices, and concepts central to drawing and two-dimensional art. Credit will be granted for only one of VISA 102, VISA 133, or VISA 135. [2-2-0]

VISA 103 (3) Drawing and Two-Dimensional Art Practices II

Continuation of VISA 102. Credit will be granted for only one of VISA 103, VISA 143, or VISA 145. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 102.

VISA 104 (3) Three-Dimensional Art Practices I

This foundation course will introduce the materials, principles of form and space, and ideas in contemporary 3D art practices. Credit will be granted for only one of VISA 104 or VISA 136. [2-2-0]

VISA 105 (3) Three-Dimensional Art Practices II

Continuation of VISA 104. Credit will be granted for only one of VISA 105 or VISA 146. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 104.

VISA 106 (3) Introduction to Digital Media I

Introduces digital media in contemporary art practice through photography, computer imaging, video, and other emerging digital technologies. [1-3-0]

VISA 108 (3) Introduction to Digital Media II

Expands on digital media in contemporary art practices through computer imaging, animation, and other emerging digital technologies. [1-3-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 106.

VISA 110 (3) Studies in Photography

Introduction to digital photography and its cultural context. Fundamental techniques of digital photography and principles of visual communication as applied to contemporary photography. [2-1-0]

VISA 137 (3) Introduction to Art I

Survey of art theory and practice for students with little or no previous art experience. A wide range of ideas, approaches, and media will be studied. [2-1-0]

VISA 206 (3) Sound Art

Introduction to the art of listening, acoustic communication, sound making, sound technology and interaction. The course covers the basic principles and properties of sound and its applications in digital media creation. [1-3-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 108.

VISA 215 (3) Painting I

Introduction to the materials and techniques of painting. Exploration of colour, surface, structure, and space. Students will be encouraged to search for personal imagery. Critical evaluation skills will be developed through individual and group critiques. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) all of VISA 102, VISA 103 or (b) VISA 145.

VISA 225 (3) Painting II

Continuation of VISA 215. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 215.

VISA 233 (3) Printmaking: Screenprinting I

Examination of the various processes of screenprinting. Project-based course with considerable emphasis on technical development and skills acquisition. Focus will be on the synthesis of a student's personal imagery and the process of screenprinting. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) all of VISA 102, VISA 103 or (b) VISA 143.

VISA 235 (3) Sculpture I

For the student who wishes to specialize in sculpture. Students will examine three-dimensional space through a variety of projects and materials. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) all of VISA 104, VISA 105 or (b) VISA 146.

VISA 244 (3) Photography I

Introduction to the basics of photography and darkroom techniques through the use of the camera as an expressive, conceptual, and artistic tool. A 35mm SLR film camera and tripod are required.
Prerequisite: One of VISA 103, VISA 106, VISA 108.

VISA 245 (3) Sculpture II

For the student who wishes to specialize in sculpture. Students will work with the concepts of space and materials to create personal solutions to problems set by the instructor. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 235.

VISA 253 (3) Printmaking: Screenprinting II

Provides opportunities for students to continue their exploration of the medium of screenprinting. More advanced processes will be introduced, with continued focus on the development of each student's personal imagery. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 233.

VISA 254 (3) Introduction to Printmaking: Etching and Lithography

Introduction to drawing-based printmaking processes - line etching and stone lithography. Focus is on gaining familiarity with these processes and on personal imagery. Basic drawing skills are an asset. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) VISA 103 or (b) VISA 147 or permission of the instructor.

VISA 255 (3) Introduction to Printmaking: Linocut and Letter Press Printing

Introduction to the printmaking processes - relief printing and text-based letterpress printing. Focus is on gaining familiarity with these processes and on the development of personal imagery. Basic drawing skills are an asset. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: One of VISA 103, VISA 147 or permission of the instructor.

VISA 256 (3) Photography II

A further refinement of photographic and darkroom processing skills emphasizing creative, conceptual, and experimental approaches. A 35mm SLR film camera and tripod are required. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 244.

VISA 261 (3) Video I

Introduction to organizational, technical, creative, and critical skills required in video production. Provides experience in all stages of the production process, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Considers a variety of approaches to video, such as artist videos, music videos, and television productions. Credit will be granted for only one of VISA 261 or FILM 261. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: One of VISA 106, VISA 108.
Equivalency: FILM 261.

VISA 266 (3) 2D Animation

Introduces core principles and techniques required for the creation of two-dimensional digital animation projects. [1-3-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 108.

VISA 268 (3) Strategies in Digital Art: Visual Communication

Concepts, principles, and techniques to design effective interfaces exploring areas of branding, information architecture and interaction design. [1-3-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 108.

VISA 269 (3) Strategies in Digital Art: Virtual Worlds

Critical understanding and research-creation of virtual environments employing non-linear storytelling, media aesthetics, modelling, animation, interaction design and coding using 3D modelling software. [1-3-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 108.

VISA 271 (3) Video II

Continuation of VISA 261. Further work on organizational, technical, creative, and critical skills required in video production. Provides experience in all stages of the production process, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Considers a variety of approaches to video, such as artist videos, music videos, and television productions. Credit will be granted for only one of VISA 271 or FILM 271. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: One of VISA 261, FILM 261.
Equivalency: FILM 271.

VISA 282 (3) Drawing III

Core course in drawing. Various drawing approaches, material applications, and image manipulation practices are explored. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) all of VISA 102, VISA 103 or (b) VISA 143.

VISA 283 (3) Drawing IV

Continuation of VISA 282. Extended exploration of various drawing approaches, material applications, and image manipulation practices. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 282.

VISA 290 (3/6) d Special Topics in Visual Art

For students in Visual Art and other Creative Studies programs who wish to work on a special topic not normally covered in other Visual Arts courses. Topics vary. Not offered every year. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Second-year standing in the B.F.A. program or permission of the department.

VISA 300 (3-12) d Advanced Practice in Drawing

To extend students' abilities in mark-making, image production, and expression of meaning through drawing. Emphasis on developing personal visual languages. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 283.

VISA 312 (3-12) d Advanced Practice in Painting

Advanced studio course to increase the student's exploration and understanding of painting. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 225.

VISA 322 (3-12) d Advanced Practice in Sculpture

Advanced studio course to explore contemporary practices in sculpture. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 245.

VISA 336 (3-12) d Advanced Practice in Printmaking

Opportunity for students to continue their exploration of select media in printmaking (intaglio, relief, lithography, and screenprinting) within the context of contemporary art practice. Interdisciplinary crossover, evolving processes, and new materials will be encouraged. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: One of VISA 253, VISA 254, VISA 255.

VISA 362 (3/12) d Advanced Practice in Photography

Advanced studio course in digital- and film-based photography. Emphasis on photography as an artistic tool. No more than 12 credits in total will be granted for VISA 362, CULT 310, or any combination thereof.
Prerequisite: VISA 256.
Equivalency: CULT 310.

VISA 382 (3/12) d Advanced Practice in Media Arts

Advanced interdisciplinary course addressing the importance of technology-based approaches in contemporary art with emphasis placed upon the formation of an idea and the media most appropriate to its expression. No more than 12 credits in total will be granted for VISA 382, CULT 311, or any combination thereof.
Prerequisite: One of VISA 206, VISA 266, VISA 268, VISA 269, VISA 271.
Equivalency: CULT 311.

VISA 400 (3-6) c Practicum

Students work and learn in certain off-campus, art-related positions to receive credit toward the B.F.A. degree. The department head, the program coordinator, and the course instructor will determine if the activity meets the criteria to qualify for credit. [0-0-6]
Prerequisite: Completion of two 300-level VISA courses in the area of the proposed practicum activity.

VISA 460 (3/6) d Special Topics in Visual Art

For senior students in Visual Art and other Creative Studies programs who wish to work on a special topic not normally covered in other Visual Arts courses. Topics vary. Not offered every year. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: Third-year standing in the B.F.A. program or permission of the department.

VISA 482 (6) Advanced Art Practices I

Advanced studio course for fourth-year visual arts students. Students will propose and carry out an independent program of studio work in consultation with course directors and faculty advisors. Students will be intensively involved in artistic research and creation. Interdisciplinary activity will be encouraged. Self-directed readings, writing projects, individual and group critiques, and participation in a final exhibition will be required. Various professional practice topics will be covered. [2-4-0]
Prerequisite: 12 credits of 300-level studio courses, and a combined minimum grade average of 68% in ARTH 301 and another 3 credit 300- or 400-level ARTH course.

VISA 483 (6) Advanced Art Practices II

Continuation of VISA 482. As part of the course requirements, students must participate in a graduating exhibition. [2-4-0]
Prerequisite: VISA 482.

VISA 485 (3/6) d Directed Studies

Students will investigate a visual arts practice and complete a significant studio-based project.
Prerequisite: Third-year standing in the B.F.A. program and permission of department and supervising faculty.

VISA 520 (3) Special Topics in Visual Arts

Restricted to students in the M.F.A. program with specialization in Visual Arts, or with permission of the Department of Creative Studies.

VISA 530 (3) Directed Studies in Visual Arts

Restricted to students in the M.F.A. program with specialization in Visual Arts, or with permission of the Department of Creative Studies.

VISA 582 (3) Graduate Studio in Visual Arts I

A studio course for graduate students in Visual Arts. The production of independent artwork and the critical analysis of that work. Students may work in any artistic discipline. Restricted to students in the M.F.A. program with specialization in Visual Arts, or with permission of the Department of Creative Studies.

VISA 583 (3) Graduate Studio in Visual Arts II

The production of independent artwork and the critical analysis of that work. Students may work in any artistic discipline.
Prerequisite: VISA 582. Or permission of the Department of Creative Studies.