Special Topics

Special Topics 

Please note: this page will be updated as information is confirmed. In case of a discrepancy between this page and myEC, the information on myEC will be deemed correct.

• Additional information on these courses is available at https://myec.ecuad.ca/
• Most credit courses have prerequisites that are clearly outlined on the website.
• This page last updated: March 14, 2024

Summer 2024

ANIM 350 SU02D — Special Topics in Animation  
Cross-listed FMSA 327 SU02D 
Tuesdays 4:30-7:20PM, Terms 1 + 2, no classes June 24-28  
Instructor: Ruben Moller 
Topic: Set Design
Set design is a cross-disciplinary practice. This course is designed for students who are interested in learning about working on or designing sets for film and digital media production. It will focus on the basic techniques and skills needed in set design and developing the look of a film or digital media production. The course is primarily geared towards students in FMSA, NMSA, and ANIM but of interest and relevance to Design and Visual Arts students. 

ANIM 350 SU32B — Special Topics in Animation 
Cross-listed INTD 350 SU32B     
Wednesdays + Fridays 1:00-3:50PM, Term 1 
Instructor: Gabriel Koenig 
Topic: Game Crafting 
In this hands-on introductory course, students learn the fundamentals of video game design and development by studying examples of game systems and mechanics, as well as learning the fundamentals involved in crafting an original game of their own from initial concept to a playable prototype. This includes approaches for 2D and 3D graphic game spaces, implementation of animation, sound, interaction and simulation, introductory coding, game mechanics, and basic UX design for supporting a fun and effective player experience. Participants will not need any prior experience with making games or animation, but those with a basic understanding will take their knowledge to the next level. 

DESN 350 SU01 — Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Design 
Tuesdays 09:00AM –3:50PM Summer Term 1 
Instructor: Teaching Fellow (Supervisor: Katherine Gillieson) 
Topic: The Stationery Project Creative Lab   
This course focuses on practice related to The Stationery Project, a campus initiative launched in 2017 concerned with reclaiming and reusing discarded paper and other waste materials. Tools, techniques, and technologies present in the COMD lab and other areas will be employed to explore creative stationery and bookbinding. Students will gain valuable experience in printing and making books, journals, and much more. The course will include group outreach events and public workshops. 

DESN 350 SU02M — Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Design 
Tuesdays + Thursdays 1:00-3:50PM, Summer Term 2 
Instructor: Ian Rhodes 
Topic: Foundry + Metal Cast 
This studio course provides a broad introduction to a range of methods and processes that are employed in the production of contemporary sculpture using traditional and contemporary transformative processes involving casting and mold-making techniques (which may include the use of 3D printing) for casting materials such as bronze and aluminum through the use of our new state-of-the art foundry. Students will acquire practical and critical knowledge to consider cast-metal sculpture and its content and context within contemporary art and design practices. Assigned projects are structured around concepts and techniques relevant to contemporary sculpture practices. The course will include technical demonstrations, research, discussions, and critiques. 

DRWG 304 SU01G – Drawing: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross-listed ILUS 305 SU01G and VAST 310 SU01G
Co-requisite: 305 SU01 – Studies in the Humanities (3 credits)
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00pm-3:50pm
Instructor: Nick Conbere and Cameron Cartiere
Topic: Changing Environments: the field guide as visual practice and active research
In this linked academic and studio course, students will explore the intertwining of human activity and natural environments, responding to personal experiences and research through field journals. Trips to local sites in Vancouver (all accessible by public transportation), will offer opportunities for on-site drawing and photography, with the spontaneous observations and unpredictable energy of being on location. Students will also select their own unique site for detailed study and field guide development.

We will explore strategies for on-site drawing and research as well as other approaches to capturing observations and experiences. Course activities will range from research in archives, expert interviews, exploring documentary, reportage, storytelling and new ways to consider the role of the artist as visual commentator. The range of artistic output could vary from photodocumentary to imagined illustrative visions. Students will develop artwork and writing as personal responses to the class investigations. 

Field journals provide a methodology for documentation, research and personal expression. Throughout the class, students will develop a thematic field guide as a means to collect imagery, expand research and develop ideas. The course will culminate with a longer investigative project that could take forms such as artist books, illustrated journals, posters, narrative photographs or a series of paintings with texts.
Prerequisites: 6 credits of 200 level drawing + 60 credits or permission of instructor

CRAM 204 SU01E – Ceramics: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross listed CRAM 304 SU01E
Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00-11:50am (Term 1)
Instructor: Heather Dahl
Topic: Pattern + Print
This class explores printmaking and pattern design on ceramics using a variety of historical and contemporary techniques and approaches. You will be learning how to make pattern templates, screen-print designs, linocuts, tissue transfer, mono-printing and more for ceramics. Using ceramic inks specially developed for each technique, you will be incorporating patterns, drawings, photography and designs onto your ceramics while continuing to develop skills around wheel-throwing and hand-building in clay.  Develop your personal visual language in ceramics in this combined ceramics and printmaking class. Assigned projects, presentations, demonstrations, and critiques are an integral part of this course. 
Prerequisites: Any 200-level CRAM or permission of instructor

CRAM 304 SU01E – Ceramics: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross listed CRAM 204 SU01E
Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00-11:50am (Term 1)
Instructor: Heather Dahl
Topic: Pattern + Print
This class explores printmaking and pattern design on ceramics using a variety of historical and contemporary techniques and approaches. You will be learning how to make pattern templates, screen-print designs, linocuts, tissue transfer, mono-printing and more for ceramics. Using ceramic inks specially developed for each technique, you will be incorporating patterns, drawings, photography and designs onto your ceramics while continuing to develop skills around wheel-throwing and hand-building in clay.  Develop your personal visual language in ceramics in this combined ceramics and printmaking class. Assigned projects, presentations, demonstrations, and critiques are an integral part of this course. 
Prerequisites: Any 200-level CRAM or permission of instructor

ILUS 208 SU01C: Illustration Process: Topics (3 credits)
Cross-listed ANIM 350 SU01C
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:50 am (Term 1)
Instructor: Michael Markowsky
Topic: Life Drawing, Gesture and Short Poses
This life drawing course offers a study of the human figure in action, through gesture drawings and short poses. Distribution of weight, skeletal structure, muscular exertion, kinetic connectivity, and forces of stability and mobility will be emphasized through the life model's action poses. Students will gain practice with volumetric/three-dimensional drawing of the figure in motion and capturing the dynamic energy of a pose.
Prerequisites: Completion of 21 credits

ILUS 208 SU02: Illustration Process: Topics Illustration Process: Topics (3 credits)
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00-3:50 (Term 2)
Instructor: TBA
Topic: TBA
Description TBA 

ILUS 208 SU91: Illustration Process: Topics Illustration Process: Topics (3 credits)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:50am (Term 1) ONLINE
Instructor: Robin Mitchell Cranfield
Topic: Design for Illustration
Design for Illustration is developed especially for illustration students, providing them with a comprehensive introduction to basic design concepts and strategies. 

This course teaches design through the application of both analogue and digital methods of design, with an emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite (students are not expected to be familiar with Adobe software prior to taking this class). Over the term, we will learn foundational communication design skills by applying them to print and screen projects. Skills we will develop include colour management and reproduction, effective project presentation, and layout. 

Students will leave this class with a better understanding of how their practice intersects with the field of design, including publishing and packaging, as well as how to produce, print, and present illustrated design projects. The course will also help students develop strategies to plan and manage their own projects in future classes and freelance projects. Over the course of the term, we will complete three projects designed to enhance each student’s portfolio, while showcasing their illustration skills and strengths.
Prerequisites: Completion of 21 credits

ILUS 305 SU01G – Drawing: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross-listed DRWG 304 SU01G and VAST 310 SU01G
Co-requisite: 305 SU01 – Studies in the Humanities (3 credits)
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00pm-3:50pm
Instructor: Nick Conbere and Cameron Cartiere
Topic: Changing Environments: the field guide as visual practice and active research
In this linked academic and studio course, students will explore the intertwining of human activity and natural environments, responding to personal experiences and research through field journals. Trips to local sites in Vancouver (all accessible by public transportation), will offer opportunities for on-site drawing and photography, with the spontaneous observations and unpredictable energy of being on location. Students will also select their own unique site for detailed study and field guide development.

We will explore strategies for on-site drawing and research as well as other approaches to capturing observations and experiences. Course activities will range from research in archives, expert interviews, exploring documentary, reportage, storytelling and new ways to consider the role of the artist as visual commentator. The range of artistic output could vary from photodocumentary to imagined illustrative visions. Students will develop artwork and writing as personal responses to the class investigations. 

Field journals provide a methodology for documentation, research and personal expression. Throughout the class, students will develop a thematic field guide as a means to collect imagery, expand research and develop ideas. The course will culminate with a longer investigative project that could take forms such as artist books, illustrated journals, posters, narrative photographs or a series of paintings with texts.
Prerequisites: Completion of 54 credits.

ILUS 305 SU91: Illustration Genres: Topic Illustration Genres: Topics (3 credits)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:50am (Term 1) ONLINE
Instructor: Jesse Garbe
Topic: Illustration in the Anthropocene
The term Anthropocene designates the time when human activities started to significantly impact our ecological and geological systems. In popular use it has become associated with the processes of climate change, habitat destruction and the loss of biodiversity on the planet earth. It is truly a global movement and evidence for it can be found in the sediment and ice core samples dating back to the mid-20^th century. But how does one react to this grand event within the discipline of illustration. In this course we will be exploring how illustrators can participate in these conversations. We will also be investigating the role that images have in our culture and their ability to challenge, educate and display ecological issues.
Prerequisites: Completion of 54 credits.

INDD 350 SU01F — Special Topics in Industrial Design 
Cross-listed CRAM 221 SU01F 
Tuesdays + Thursdays 9:00-11:50 PST, Summer Term 1 
Instructor: Jennifer Woodin 
Topic: Ceramic Design + Moldmaking 
Mold-making and slip-casting facilitate the exploration of reproduction and seriality. This class introduces a variety of materials (plaster, clay, rubber, etc.), tools and processes in order to develop an understanding of the potential of molds in artistic expression. One-part and multi-parts molds are realized and used to create original works. At the conceptual, formal and esthetic levels, issues of series, spatial reversibility, appropriation, mirror image, convex/concave alternates are presented and explored. Clay formulation and slip-casting complement the course. Studio work, demonstrations, research and presentations, discussions and critiques form an integral part of this class. 

INDD 350 SU04E — Special Topics in Industrial Design 
Cross-listed CRAM 204 SU04E + COMD 304 SU01E 
Wednesdays + Fridays 9:00-11:50AM, Summer Term 2 
Instructor: Heather Dahl 
Topic: Pattern + Print 
This class explores printmaking and pattern design on ceramics using a variety of historical and contemporary techniques and approaches. You will be learning how to make pattern templates, screen-print designs, linocuts, tissue transfer, mono-printing and more for ceramics. Using ceramic inks specially developed for each technique, you will be incorporating patterns, drawings, photography and designs onto your ceramics while continuing to develop skills around wheel-throwing and hand-building in clay.  Develop your personal visual language in ceramics in this combined ceramics and printmaking class. Assigned projects, presentations, demonstrations, and critiques are an integral part of this course. 

NMSA 305 SU01P: Special Topics in NMSA (3 credits)
Cross-listed PHOT 313 SU01P
Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00-11:50am (Term 1)
Instructor: Jimena Diaz Jirash
Topic: Experimental Images
In a directed workshop setting, students will undertake a series of assigned projects designed to address the ways in which digital cultures have expanded the context of contemporary photographic practices in technical, theoretical and historical terms. This expanded context places photography and digital imaging in proximity to the varied practices of contemporary art in general. Students will be introduced to a range of non-traditional photographic processes and platforms, which may include experimental scanning techniques, lomography, polaroid transfers, and printing on unconventional surfaces. Considerations of both input and output strategies will inform students of the varied strategies of image production characteristic of contemporary art. Student production will be based on an advanced level of technical and artistic research.
Prerequisites: Completion of 54 credits

PERF 310 SU03U: Performance Art: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross-listed VAST 310 SU03U
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:50am (Term 2)
Instructor: Lauren Marsden
Topic: Persona
This studio course will examine the role of “persona” in performance art practices. In an interdisciplinary framework, we will discuss readings, artists, lived experiences, and practices that address how a character comes into being in the world.  Coursework includes technical, creative, and critical exercises that provide students the opportunity to develop performance personas in a range of approaches, which may include sound, text, voice, movement, film/video, photography, animation, AI, social media etc.
Prerequisites: FDNT 154 or PERF 200

PHOT 306 SU01N: Special Topics in Photography (3 credits)
Cross-listed COMD 305 SU01N
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00-3:50pm (Term 2)
Instructor: J Middleton
Topic: Photo Book/Publication
Description TBA
Prerequisites: Any 200 level PHOT, or one of FNDT 160, FNDT 146 or FNDT 147  AND 18 credits of 200 level studio courses or permission of the instructor.

PHOT 313 SU01P: Special Topics in Photography (3 credits)
Cross-listed NMSA 305 SU01P
Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00-11:50am (Term 1)
Instructor: Jimena Diaz Jirash
Topic: Experimental Images
In a directed workshop setting, students will undertake a series of assigned projects designed to address the ways in which digital cultures have expanded the context of contemporary photographic practices in technical, theoretical and historical terms. This expanded context places photography and digital imaging in proximity to the varied practices of contemporary art in general. Students will be introduced to a range of non-traditional photographic processes and platforms, which may include experimental

scanning techniques, lomography, polaroid transfers, and printing on unconventional surfaces. Considerations of both input and output strategies will inform students of the varied strategies of image production characteristic of contemporary art. Student production will be based on an advanced level of technical and artistic research.
Prerequisites: Completion of 51 credits, including any 200 level PHOT

PNTG 316 SU91: Painting: Special Topics Painting: Special Topics (3 credits)
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00-3:50pm (Term 1) ONLINE
Instructor: Damian Moppett
Topic: Plein Air Painting
Plein air’ painting is a traditional practice of painting outdoors. Throughout history, landscape painters have used plein air sketches as models for larger works, or as final works in their own right. In this course, we will connect with the rich history of plein air painting as a means to connect students with their environment, to unhinge the practice of painting from the studio, and to reconsider their practice in a mobile and adaptive format. This class will delve into the history of plein air painting, looking at how various artists have used it as part of their oeuvre, and we will consider the history of these practices through a critical lens. We will consider how traditional plein air approaches can offer strategies applicable to contemporary painting practices. 
This class will focus on sketching and painting in oil, outdoors, without using photography as source material. Basic and advanced techniques of working with oil paint will be covered, from mixing colours to composing an image. Painting in this format will provide challenging way for students to improve their painting and observational skills. Painting outdoors will sharpen your skills and quicken your painting technique. This class will increase your confidence and your ability to think and paint on your feet. 
Prerequisites: 6 credits of 200 level painting + 60 credits or permission of instructor

PRAX 300 SU91: Dialogues W: Interdisciplinary Dialogues W: Interdisciplinarity (6 credits)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-3:50pm (Term 1) ONLINE
Instructor: Damian Moppett
This third year course offers the opportunity for students to develop their practice within the discourse of contemporary and historical art discourse. Students will acquire a critical vocabulary for understanding their own trajectories in dialogue with the context and history of art, through group critiques, discussions of pertinent writings, and individual and group presentations of research on a variety of subjects related to their area of practice. A Dialogues course is an investigation of artistic practice premised on a student's own interest to situate their work in a broader discourse and professional realm. They will learn skills related to completing projects, making presentations, speaking in public, leading discussions, writing, and integrating research and knowledge within their creative practice. Weekly meetings will allow for critiques of self-directed studio projects, discussion of assigned readings, and presentations of research projects.
Prerequisites: Completion of 51 credits

SCLP 312 SU02L: Sculpture: Special Topics (6 credits)
Cross-listed VAST 310 SU02L
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00-3:50pm (Term 1)
Instructor: Caitlin Ffrench
Topic: Bio-Materials: Working With the Land

This studio course investigates ways of collaborating with the land within a studio-based practice. In this course we will be conducting hands-on field work gathering natural materials, processing mineral and plant pigments, installing finished work both inside a gallery setting and out on the land, working in field journals to record findings and ideas, written reflections, and readings that relate to the lessons. We will discuss and explore the ethics as well as the health and safety of working with gathered materials. 

Throughout the class, students will be creating three small projects that lead into a final artwork.

VAST 310 SU01G – Drawing: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross-listed ILUS 305 SU01G and DRWG 304 SU01G
Co-requisite: 305 SU01 – Studies in the Humanities (3 credits)
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00pm-3:50pm
Instructor: Nick Conbere and Cameron Cartiere
Topic: Changing Environments: the field guide as visual practice and active research
In this linked academic and studio course, students will explore the intertwining of human activity and natural environments, responding to personal experiences and research through field journals. Trips to local sites in Vancouver (all accessible by public transportation), will offer opportunities for on-site drawing and photography, with the spontaneous observations and unpredictable energy of being on location. Students will also select their own unique site for detailed study and field guide development.

We will explore strategies for on-site drawing and research as well as other approaches to capturing observations and experiences. Course activities will range from research in archives, expert interviews, exploring documentary, reportage, storytelling and new ways to consider the role of the artist as visual commentator. The range of artistic output could vary from photodocumentary to imagined illustrative visions. Students will develop artwork and writing as personal responses to the class investigations. 

Field journals provide a methodology for documentation, research and personal expression. Throughout the class, students will develop a thematic field guide as a means to collect imagery, expand research and develop ideas. The course will culminate with a longer investigative project that could take forms such as artist books, illustrated journals, posters, narrative photographs or a series of paintings with texts.
Prerequisites: 24 credits of 200 level studio courses 

VAST 310 SU02L: Visual Arts: Special Topics (6 credits)
Cross-listed: SCLP 312 SU02L: Sculpture: Special Topics
Wednesdays and Fridays 1:00-3:50pm (Term 1)
Instructor: Caitlin Ffrench
Topic: Bio-Materials: Working With the Land

This studio course investigates ways of collaborating with the land within a studio-based practice. In this course we will be conducting hands-on field work gathering natural materials, processing mineral and plant pigments, installing finished work both inside a gallery setting and out on the land, working in field journals to record findings and ideas, written reflections, and readings that relate to the lessons. We will discuss and explore the ethics as well as the health and safety of working with gathered materials. 

Throughout the class, students will be creating three small projects that lead into a final artwork.

VAST 310 SU03U: Visual Art: Special Topics (3 credits)
Cross-listed PERF 310 SU03U
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-11:50am (Term 2)
Instructor: Lauren Marsden
Topic: Persona
This studio course will examine the role of “persona” in performance art practices. In an interdisciplinary framework, we will discuss readings, artists, lived experiences, and practices that address how a character comes into being in the world.  Coursework includes technical, creative, and critical exercises that provide students the opportunity to develop performance personas in a range of approaches, which may include sound, text, voice, movement, film/video, photography, animation, AI, social media etc.
Prerequisites: 24 credits of 200 level studio courses