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Bachelor of Arts, Majors and Minors

Visual Art

Note: VIU also offers a Visual Arts Diploma.

General Description

This program is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in Fine Arts with an integrated, mixed media approach. The program may be combined with another area of study. The emphasis on multimedia with the integration of contemporary cultural studies makes this program distinct from the more individual media studied in a Bachelor of Fine Arts program. The Visual Art Minor is appropriate for students contemplating a number of professional choices and is relevant to Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Education students. A multi-dimensional focus applies equally well to contemporary art-making and to the variety of approaches necessary in a school classroom. Education students may take a Minor in Visual Art in the Bachelor of Arts portion of the concurrent Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education degree.

Third and fourth-year courses will include more integration and cross-disciplinary content than Bachelor of Fine Arts studio programs. Learning strategies involved will be less formally structured than in the first and second-year courses. The conceptual, critical and technical components of these courses will be paramount.

Note: All students enrolled in Art or Design studio courses offered within VIU’s Art and Design department must complete mandatory safety training session(s) before they will be allowed to use the department’s facilities. Each student must purchase and use safety equipment as specified by the department and sold through the VIU Bookstore.

Admission Process

  • Students entering first year courses must come to the Art Department Portfolio/Interview Session with a portfolio that meets the requirements. Students will be advised of the status of their application as soon as possible following their interview with the Selection Committee. For interview dates, please contact the Admissions office, 250-740-6400.
  • Admission to upper-level courses is based upon a portfolio review by the Art and Design review committee. All students seeking admission to 200-level and above studio courses must submit their portfolios by March 15.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2 *

Credits

ARTS 101 - (Drawing I)

3

ARTS 112 - (Drawing II)

3

ARTS 120 - (Drawing II)

3

ARTS 254 - (Painting I)

3

ARTS 301 - (Advanced Drawing I)

3

ARTS 302 - (Advanced Drawing II)

3

* ARTS 102, 111 and 121 are highly recommended.

Years 3 and 4

Credits

ARTS 310 - (Cultural Studies in the Visual Arts)

3

ARTS 354 - (Painting III)

3

ARTS 384 - (Two- and Three- Dimensional Studies)

3

ARTS 486 - (Graduating Project)

3

Note: For Independent Studies courses offering advanced study check the online calendar list of Independent Studies courses.

Please see course descriptions for prerequisites. Students must take Art courses in the correct sequence.

Updated July 11, 2011