Fine Arts | Bishop's University

The mission of the department of Fine Arts is to produce independent, critical thinkers who are able to discover and synthesize diverse types of knowledge, and understand the interconnections between the fine arts and other academic disciplines.

Why study Fine Arts at Bishop’s?

Studio work at Bishop’s normally begins with the entry level courses, introductions to practice in two- and three-dimensional media, combined with the application of critical concepts to visual experience and art-making. Students may take courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography. Each of these areas is taught by an instructor who is a dedicated teacher and active practitioner in his or her field. Expanded purpose built studio facilities in the Fine Arts Building provide adequate space for medium size classes offering individual attention to students ‘ work and a group atmosphere that is congenial and supportive. Regarding entrance to all studio courses, priority is given to Fine Arts students.

Students completing the programs in Fine Arts develop a well-rounded perspective on the world; develop critical thinking skills and creative problem solving abilities; and communication skills transferable to many environments within and beyond fine arts related fields. The degree earned is a liberal arts degree, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), a less specialized yet more versatile diploma, unlike a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.). Students obtain a foundation for possible careers in teaching, the practice of art, museum curatorship, arts administration or art librarianship, among others.

The entry level program is the Fine Arts major with a studio concentration providing an undergraduate formation in a studio weighted program within the context of a liberal arts education. The Major in Fine Arts–Studio Concentration requires a minimum of 48 departmental or cognate credits (16 courses) from three course groupings: Studio (27 FIS), Art History (15 FIH), and Comparative Arts (6 FIN). An honours degree in studio art is an option for students with superior academic records wishing to complete additional Fine Arts credits. An honours degree is recommended for those students wishing to apply to programs of graduate study.

Courses & Programs

(48 credits)

The Major in Fine Arts–Studio Concentration requires a minimum of 48 departmental or cognate credits (16 courses) from three course groupings (courses listed below under the course descriptions): Studio (27 FIS), Art History (15 FIH), and Comparative Arts (6 FIN). Any student who wishes exemption from a requirement should submit a request and relevant documentation to the Department Chair before registration is completed.

(60 credits)

Similar to the major, the Studio Honours program includes three course groupings. However, it requires a minimum of 60 departmental or cognate credits (20 courses). This program includes Studio (42 FIS), Art History (15 FIH), and Comparative Arts (3 FIN). Any student who wishes exemption from a requirement should submit a request and relevant documentation to the Department Chair before registration is completed.

This program is designed to prepare students for further studies at the graduate level in studio related practice. Normally after having completed 30 credits as a major in the Fine Arts studio concentration, students will have the option to apply for the Studio Honours program.

(24 credits)

The Minor in Fine Arts requires a minimum of 24 departmental or cognate credits, with 12 credits in Art History.

(30 credits)

The Certificate in Studio Arts is a structured program of study in Fine Arts with an emphasis on studio courses offered by the Department of Fine Arts. For part-time community students who do not wish to pursue a degree program, the Certificate in Studio Arts presents a rounded introduction to studio practice. Courses leading to the Certificate in Studio Arts are offered in the regular Fall-Winter semesters, the evening summer session and the Fine Arts Summer School. Credits obtained in the certificate program may be applied eventually towards a major or minor in the degree program in Fine Arts. Students may not be enrolled simultaneously in a degree program and the Certificate in Studio Arts.

See the Academic Calendar for details.

Facilities

A major resource for the Department of Fine Arts, as well as for the larger community, is the Foreman Art Gallery. The Gallery mounts exhibitions of art historical interest and shows representative of new directions in contemporary art. This spacious facility is located adjacent to the Centennial Theatre.

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Need more information?

For the complete list of courses and more details, see the Fine Arts section of the Academic Calendar.

Questions?

For more information, please contact the Chair of the Fine Arts Department.