Program of Study

The first year of study is structured to include core Foundation and Art History
requirements that help the beginning student gain an essential
understanding of visual structure, basic perceptual and
manual drawing skills, and a general awareness of art history.

Introductory Studio Requirements
Diploma students are required to take the four (4) introductory level studio courses. These courses run in two parts (part I offered in the Fall Term, part II offered in the spring Term, unless otherwise indicated). Students must take 3 of these introductory courses in the foundation year and reserve the fourth class for their second year of study.

Once appropriate prerequisites are acquired, second year students select a provisional studio concentration and enroll in the intermediate level. Studio courses reinforce the mind's relationship to the hand and the eye, while the Intermedia course suggests alternative connections from one artistic practice to another. Through the study of Studio Seminar I, Contemporary Art History and Canadian Art History, students achieve a better understanding of recent artistic precedent and relevant historical influences that have had significant impact on the cultural context in which they will pursue their work.

Intermediate Studio Requirements
Each Diploma student is required to take two (2) intermediate level studio courses during their second and third year of study with the goal of identifying their major area of study. These courses are offered at various times during the year and each can be completed in one term. By the end of the second year students should be able to identify their major area of study.

Advanced Studio Requirements
During their third year, students are required to continue studio studies in their major discipline and are encouraged to develop a coherent body of personal work. Through the Directed Studio course students explore their studio interest under the guidance of a selected instructor. In addition, the Studio Seminar exposes students to current critical issues in the visual arts as well as educational and career options. Other course work will be chosen to complement the major studio interest. The graduating student is required to participate in a graduation exhibition intended to focus on individual student's studio achievement.

Evaluation
The OSA uses the following letter grades for evaluation purposes:

A+ 96-100%
A 91-95%
A- 86-90%
B+ 81-85%
B 76-80%
B- 71-75%
C+ 67-70%

C 63-66%
C- 60-62%
D+ 57-59%
D 53-56%
D- 50-52%
F 0-49%

Incompletion: If a student requests an 'Incomplete' evaluation they must complete the required course work and have a revised evaluation submitted to the Diploma Program Advisor by May 31 of the same academic year. Unresolved 'Incomplete' evaluations will be revised to a 'Failure' after this date.