Bachelor of Fine Art

Course code: 2119 + Course abbreviation: BFA + Total credit points required: 144 + 3 years full-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield - F/T only)

Course description

The course offers a program of education within the discipline and practice of the fine arts. The fine arts are involved with perception and imagination, aesthetics and social and cultural issues; they frequently concern cultural and philosophical inquiry (such as mainstream and marginality), but are often practised solely as an expression of intellectual, creative or spiritual freedom.

The fine art studio units include ceramics, glass, metals and jewellery, painting, photomedia, printmedia, sculpture and tapestry, and are supported by specialist units in drawing, professional practice and the theory of art and design. Elective offerings open up possibilities of studying media and ideas beyond the chosen specialisation.

A fourth year of honours studies is available for students of merit to pursue specialist study and research.

Course objectives

To educate graduates who have:

a knowledge and understanding of the discipline of the fine arts
a strong focus in a particular medium of the fine arts
the ability to undertake sustained studio practice
concepts and skills pertinent to their chosen medium
capacity to assess critically contemporary discourse on fine art
knowledge, understanding and imagination in aesthetics, history, theory and cultural issues
the ability to evolve their own aims, interests and vision, to be expressed through their studio work
the initiative to work independently.

Course structure

The course provides a strong focus of fine art activity oriented to the student’s chosen studio. The course consists of the following areas of study:

(a) Major studios (60 points)

This is the main study of the course. The major studios are offered at each year stage. The course offers the following major studios:

ceramics
glass
metals and jewellery
painting
photomedia
printmedia
sculpture
tapestry.

Students take 60 points in the major studio, however in order to permit the possibility of movement between studios at the end of first year (subject to selection) without requiring a repeat of first-year studies, the minimum credit point requirement for graduation in a studio major is 54.

(b) Theory of art and design (24 points)

Students study theory, context and cultural aspects of art and design. Twelve points are taken in core units in the first year of study, and a further 12 points are taken in elective theory units in the second and third years of study.

All students take a professional practice unit.

(d) Drawing (12 points)

Students take two compulsory 6 point units in the first year. These studies are concerned with the development of perception and visual concepts using drawing. It is anticipated that all students will take further studies in the drawing studio – up to 24 points may be taken this way.

(e) Corequisite and complementary studies (12 points)

Students take 12 points of approved studies which complement their major.

(f) Electives (30 points)

Elective studies are selected in consultation with the studio coordinators. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the university are also available. As well as the drawing and digital imaging electives, it is likely that many students may also wish to take photomedia and/or other studio studies, and visual communication. A typical program of electives might include the following:

Two units of drawing (12 points)
Digital imaging (6 points)
Two units of other studio studies (12 points).

(g) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

Course requirements

First year (48 points)

First semester

Introductory major studio 1B (6 points)
DWG1201 Drawing 1B (fine art/visual arts) (6 points)
OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
TAD1101 History of pre-industrial art and design (6 points)
Corequisite studio (6 points)

Second semester

Major studio 2A (6 points)
DWG1202 Drawing 2B (fine art/visual arts) (6 points)
TAD1102 Visual culture and media of the industrial age (6 points)
Complementary practice studio (6 points)

Second year (48 points)

First semester

Major studio 3A (6 points)
Major studio 3B (6 points)
Theory of art and design (choice) (6 points)
Elective (6 points)

Second semester

Major studio 4A (6 points)
Major studio 4B (6 points)
Elective (12 points)

Third year (48 points)

First semester

Major studio 5 (12 points)
Theory of art and design (choice) (6 points)
Elective (6 points)

Second semester

Major studio 6 (12 points)
PPR3202 Professional practice B (6 points)
Elective (6 points)

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9903 1517, email enquiries@artdes.monash.edu.au or visit www.artdes.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinator

Dr Christopher Headley

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