First year requirements are the same for both credit programs. The first year foundation courses can be applied to building a professional portfolio for application to diploma and degree granting institutions. As foundation courses these overlap the Portfolio year with the first year of the Fine Arts Diploma. The OSA structures these foundation courses as the building blocks for its intermediate and advanced studies in the second and third years.
Certificate year studies mandatory courses:
100 Visual Foundations I
This foundation course introduces the student to the basic aspects of two-dimensional and three-dimensional visual structure. Spatial concepts, materials, and diverse approaches to visual order are investigated through assigned problems, lectures and critiques. Assignments are supplemented by gallery visits, films, etc.
101 Visual Foundations II
This course continues the study of two-dimensional and three-dimensional structure begun in Visual Foundations I. Prerequisite: Visual Foundations I.
110 Foundation Drawing I
This course emphasizes the fundamental skills necessary for representational drawing derived from observation. Various media are used to explore perspective, representation of light and volume, contour, proportion, figure-ground relationship.
111 Foundation Drawing II
This course continues the study of fundamental representational drawing skills with increased emphasis on the internal structure of a work of art. Prerequisite: Foundation Drawing I.
130 Intro Studio Painting I
This course introduces the student to various technical and aesthetic issues of representational painting. Diverse approaches to pictorial organization derived from observation are investigated through specific studio assignments in oil and water-based media on various painting supports. Subject matter includes still life, interiors, landscape, and the human figure. Slide lectures, discussions, gallery and museum visits supplement studio problems.
131 Intro Studio Painting II
This course continues the study of technical and aesthetic issues of representational painting begun in Painting I. Prerequisite: Painting I.
A total of four studio disciplines are needed to complete the first year. Students choose two from the following course offerings:
140 Intro Studio Sculpture I
In this course, students are introduced to the proper use of basic tools and techniques required for three-dimensional work. Projects involve the use of table, band and jigsaws and other available processes. Course assignments develop greater awareness of potential dynamic sculptural relationships through consideration of form, volume, weight, and mass. Attention is given to the relationship between process and form, as well as to representational issues in sculpture.
141 Intro Studio Sculpture II
This course continues the development of sculptural ideas and techniques begun in Sculpture I and introduces the student to basic additive and subtractive processes in sculpture. Attention will be given to the relationship between process and image within a contemporary context. Formal assignments are complemented with lectures, demonstrations, films, and visits to galleries. Prerequisite: Sculpture I.
150 Intro Studio Printmaking | Relief
This course introduces the student to basic relief printing techniques and materials appropriate to linocuts, woodcuts and monoprints. Consideration will be given to the development of personal and structurally expressive works in this graphic media. The history of relief printing and its relevance in current contemporary practice is introduced. Studio assignments will be complemented by demonstrations, gallery visits and critiques.
151 Intro Studio Printmaking | Etching
This course introduces the student to basic intaglio printing techniques and materials appropriate to dry point, monotypes and etching. Consideration will be given to the development of personal and structurally expressive works in these media. The history of intaglio printing and its relevance in current contemporary practice is introduced. Studio assignments will be accompanied by demonstrations, gallery visits and critiques.
160 Intro Studio Photography I
The course is structures to introduce the fundamentals of digital and film photography by helping students understand their camera as well as introduce the range of personal choices that one make in photography Beyond basic camera controls, students will complete a range of assignment that will improve their recognition of the elements, light and composition. A highlight to the term is how one photographs artwork for gallery and/or grant submissions
161 Intro Studio Photography II
This course is a continuation of the development of technical and aesthetic ideas associated with photography that were explored in Photography I. Prerequisite: Photography I.
170 Intro Studio Ceramics I
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of creating 3-dimensional objects in clay. Emphasis will be placed on the basic properties of clay and hand-building techniques. Students will also explore techniques of wheel-throwing, basic glazing and kiln firing. Course work will include references to contemporary and historical examples.
171 Intro Studio Ceramics II
In this course, students will explore in greater depth the fundamental techniques and concepts developed in Ceramics I. Attention will be given to the relationships between materials, process, form and function within a contemporary context. Formal assignments will be complemented with lectures, demonstrations, and visits to galleries. Prerequisite: Ceramics I.
