PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
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The fine arts enrich the quality of our lives and our shared experience. Engaging with the arts feeds the soul; it helps us understand the world around us, challenges and affirms our ideas and values, encourages creativity and new perspectives, and brings us together as communities. If the opportunity to explore and build your understanding of the fascinating world of the fine arts appeals to you, consider the Fine Arts Diploma Program, offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Studies.
This flexible, interdisciplinary credit program allows you to participate on a part- or full-time basis in a variety of regular day and evening lecture courses offered through the Faculty of Fine Arts and the dynamic departments of Visual Arts, Writing, History in Art, Theatre and Music.
With assistance from the program adviser, you design your own unique program of study to suit your interests and goals. You may choose from a wide range of courses, or pursue a specialized focus of study such as (but not limited to) the ideas and issues of the fine arts, the visual, musical and dramatic arts of Canada, the art and architecture of a particular period, culture or geographic region, traditional or contemporary arts, or popular culture and new media.
This program is designed for individuals who wish to pursue their interest in the fine arts through university-level study. Its focus and structure are well suited to active people who are balancing personal, professional and community responsibilities.
You should have a minimum of third year standing. This program can be completed concurrently with an undergraduate degree and credits from the Diploma may serve as elective credits in your degree, with the permission of your Academic Advisor. If you do not have prior university experience, but have other experience that supports your success in the University, you should contact the Program staff for further information on applying for admission.
As part of this 15.0 unit Diploma program, you are required to complete the course FA 101 Creative Being. You select the remainder of your 15.0 units of course work from available courses within the departments of the Faculty of Fine Arts, focusing on a particular theme or area of interest to you. A listing of courses in the Faculty that do not require pre-requisites provides you with a starting point for planning your program. As this program is primarily intended for individuals pursuing a personal rather than a professional interest in the arts, studio and performance courses are not normally available. You can also apply to other courses if you meet prerequisite requirements or obtain permission from the Department, and you can take up to 3.0 units of courses within the Faculties of Humanities, Science and Social Sciences that contribute to your program theme. The Program Advisor will assist you as you design your program of study. For example, you may wish to pursue a course in medieval European history to further your studies of the role of the arts in medieval society.
Previous Credit
Up to 6.0 units of previously completed credit in the Fine Arts which has not been used towards a degree may be considered for transfer credit into the program at the recommendation of the Program Director and with the approval of the Associate Dean of Fine Arts. Please note that credit used toward a completed degree is not transferable.
Academic Standing
Diploma candidates are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 4 (B-). The program must normally be completed within a maximum period of six years.