Minors

This cross-disciplinary minor focuses on issues of art in public space: from public sculpture, murals and monuments to temporary outdoor interventions such as screen-based art, projection mapping, sonic art and performance-driven manifestations.

This minor provides a platform for the development of a shared critical language for students whose creative interests involve the production of work that requires engagement in public spaces through the study of works made for distribution in the form of books, posters and editions, data visualization, ephemeral and event-based actions, site-specific interventions, walks and situations.

To review the Art and Public Spaces minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

A minor in Art & Social Change offers students the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing social, political and ethical issues of our time. With the tenets of equality, diversity and social and environmental justice at the heart of this minor, and an investigation of the role that art and artists have and can play as catalysts of change, students pursuing this minor stand to expand the liberating powers of dialogue, dissent and collaboration as cultural practitioners engaged in local, national and global contexts.

This minor guides students across disciplinary boundaries and through broad university curriculum with key courses that examine important social movements, real-world issues and activism. Course will emphasize approaches for self-examination, critical thinking, anti-oppression politics, community building, experiential learning, field experience and pedagogy. These will respect each student’s unique experience, facilitate their emerging vision and enable professional networking opportunities. This minor provides our graduates with a critical companion to their major area of study, encouraging their capacities as leaders for positive social change and innovation through informed, inspired and transformative cultural engagement.

To review the Art & Social Change minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

A minor in Art History is ideal for students planning to pursue Art or Design studio career practices. It is an important addition for students who wish to pursue graduate studies either in art history and theory, arts administration, or teaching. The Art History minor includes a wide range of historical and contemporary art history courses. Students may choose to focus on specific areas such contemporary art history (20th century), European art history, global art history (non-Western) or on issues in criticism and theory.

To review the Art History minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Communication Design provides an introduction to visual communication and is only offered to students enrolled in the Illustration and Advertising Programs. The emphasis on visual form and typography gives students strong skills in the crafting of clear visual and verbal communication.

Note: Students in this Major or Minor Program Area are included in the Laptop Program, and are required to pay the associated fees for software and support.

To review the Communication Design minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Creative Writing provides a unique and valuable opportunity for students to supplement their studio-based Art and Design programs. This additional creative focus facilitates their studio practice and develops their ability to write and present their own work. The Creative Writing minor draws on faculty who are professionals in the field of Creative Writing and are actively engaged in publishing their own creative work.

To review the Creative Writing minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

A minor in Digital & Media Studies offers an exciting opportunity for students to improve their critical writing and analytical skills by taking additional courses beyond their studio based Art and Design programs. The Digital & Media Studies minor focuses on contemporary history and theory, and enables students to integrate new technologies and digital practices into their work as a natural progression of their learning. This minor provides students with the critical background and breadth necessary to broaden their understanding of digital media technology, as they prepare for studio or academic graduate studies programs.

Please note that not all courses are offered every year. 

To review the Digital & Media Studies minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

Digital media are reshaping contemporary art, design and critical thinking. Digital technologies are key factors in creative practices and industrial innovations. This interdisciplinary minor offers students in-depth instruction in leading contemporary critical theories and art and design practices in digital media. Students will develop critical production skills to produce creative interventions in digitally mediated spaces, digital artworks, and prototypes for processes, interactions, objects, devices and environments.

An interdisciplinary minor in Digital Media is structured around a set of key digital concepts: Networks (Internet and distributed experiences); Installation and Social Space (concepts of tangible and virtual social space, materials, fabrication); Mobility (mobile media and interactions); and Code (programming, electronics).

To review the Digital Media minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

A minor in Drawing & Painting allows students to develop a range of skills in the context of ongoing dialogues with the traditions and histories of drawing and painting, and with contemporary art. Students will gain skills in observational drawing and painting, digital applications to drawing and painting, and acquire a knowledge of materials and processes needed for creative problem solving.

NOTE: A prerequisite to entering into the required course DRPT 2016 is GART 1004 plus one painting course in First Year.
 
Prerequisite: DRPT 1003 Painting I AND DRPT 1004 Painting II (OR DRPT 1001 Introduction to Painting) and 2.0 credits of first-year studio and 1.0 credit of first-year liberal studies, (must include one of the Essay and the Argument courses ENGL 1003 or ENGL 1004, formerly LBST 1B11, LBST 1B12 or LBST 1B13)
OR
GART 1001, one of GART 1015, GART 1B44 (no new code), GART 1029, DRPT 2001, DRPT 2002, DRPT 2010 and 2.0 credits of first-year studio and 1.0 credit of first-year liberal studies, (must include one of the Essay and the Argument courses ENGL 1003 or ENGL 1004, formerly LBST 1B11, LBST 1B12 or LBST 1B13)
 
Alternately:
Prerequisite: DRPT 1003 Painting I AND DRPT 1004 Painting II (OR DRPT 1001 Introduction to Painting) OR GART 1004 and one of GART 1015, GART 1B44 (no new code), GART 1029, DRPT 2001, DRPT 2002, DRPT 2010 AND 2.0 credits of first-year studio and 1.0 credit of first-year liberal studies (including one of ENGL 1003, ENGL 1004, LBST 1B11, LBST 1B12 or LBST 1B13)

To review the Drawing & Painting minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

A minor in English Language/Literature is useful as a second teachable subject for students choosing to pursue a career in teaching at either the elementary or the secondary level, or for students wishing to undertake graduate studies. More generally, an English minor provides students with valuable tools to hone their reading and writing skills as they seek to position themselves in their Art and Design studio practices and enrich their studies at OCAD University.

Note: If planning on using this minor for English as a second teachable, consult with the teaching program you will be attending for specific course requirements, which may vary from those listed.

Please note not all courses are offered every year. 

To review the English minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page. 

The Minor in Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation is a distinctive, interdisciplinary, course of study for those seeking to develop business expertise that is applicable to the creative industries. The aim of the Minor is to develop the capabilities of those working in the creative industries so that they can engage with the world of business in an informed manner. The program is open to all students from across the University.

Unlike a traditional business program or series of courses, this Minor gives art and design students the opportunity to grasp the broader context of economics, management, socio-cultural, and environmental issues, social and technological trends changing the global economic landscape and to apply these perspectives to their creative practice. Students will develop a range of transferable skills and the confidence to apply their skills to real business challenges in creative environments. Students are able to tailor their learning so that it enriches their scholarship in their Major Program of study.

To review the Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Experimental Animation provides an opportunity for students to explore animation across disciplines. This minor will provide opportunities for exploring media art, graphic design, drawing and critical practices as they relate to the moving image, interactivity and the virtual. The focus is on innovation, experimentation, imagination, creativity and critical thinking. The Expanded Animation minor is a collaboration of the Faculties of Art, Design and Liberal Arts & Sciences.

To review the Experimental Animation minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

The Games and Play minor creates an interdisciplinary specialization in independent, DIY and alternative game making. Students build expertise focused on experimental and expanded game form as well as for interactive media creation more generally. Taking this minor will develop a student’s capacity to critically engage with contemporary game making and to build innovative games,as well as build expertise central to the art, design and development of independent video games across a broad range of contexts, whether as entertainment or beyond.

To review the Games and Play minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

The interdisciplinary minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies provides students with an informed understanding of gender and sexuality constructions and an appreciation for diversity under neoliberal, patriarchal conditions and contexts. It helps students to develop creative strategies of critique and intersectional analysis of heteronormative, oppressive and exploitative social and economic forces impacting individuals and groups in complex ways. Courses included in the minor have significant course content devoted to feminist and/or queer theories and histories, or topics otherwise related to gender and sexuality studies.

To review the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Illustration provides a general introduction to Illustration, and is intended for students with intermediate to advanced drawing competencies from the following major programs: Advertising; Graphic Design; Drawing & Painting; Drawing & Painting: Digital Painting and Expanded Animation, and Printmaking. Students from alternate programs require the permission of the Illustration Chair and should contact the Program Assistant, Sandra Barnes at sbarnes [at] ocadu.ca to arrange an appointment.

To review the Illustration minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

An interdisciplinary minor in Indigenous Visual Culture focuses on contemporary practice, theory and expression in First Nations, Métis and Inuit art and design in Canadian and international contexts. This minor integrates Indigenous perspectives into course syllabi and places Indigenous faculty in studios and classrooms.

To review the Indigenous Visual Culture minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Industrial Ceramics is an interdisciplinary offering between Material Art & Design and Industrial Design. Using ceramics and industrial design practices and methods, students explore the possibilities of ceramic production, including concept exploration, form development, prototyping in 3D drawing and rapid prototype printing for clay. Much of the students' time will be spent in the ceramic studio developing models and experiencing the processes of clay from inception to fired works. Emphasis will be on a small batch production that includes developing design criteria, formulating designs for multiple productions, and considering manufacturing and marketing strategies.

To review the Industrial Ceramics minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Integrated Media provides students with an overview of the impact of digital and time-based media practices. Students learn to evaluate and work with technologies for research and studio projects. Interdisciplinary exploration is encouraged. Integrated Media addresses film, video, robotics/electronics, performance, installation, animation, audio, web and hybrid media. In a context of critical thinking and relevant examples, students develop individual and collaborative projects.

To review the Integrated Media minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Material Art & Design is intended to provide access to concepts, skills, materials and processes to students outside the Material Art & Design program. First-year requirements need to have been completed prior to starting this course of study. The initial two courses provide a grounding in the specific mediums: jewellery, fibre or ceramics. They are also the most common prerequisites for additional courses in those mediums. This minor is also intended to be non-prescriptive, in that students may take complementary courses in other mediums as long as they have the appropriate pre and/or co requisites. Students are strongly advised to check the course descriptions for courses which require pre- and/or co- requisites. These courses are designated with a (▲) in the program listing.

Note: Students in this Major or Minor Program Area are included in the Laptop Program, and are required to pay the associated fees for software and support.

To review the Material Art & Design minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

Contemporary screen media production (film, video, digital) is increasingly crossing and recombining traditional media formats in new ways. This minor offers an interdisciplinary approach to a range of audiovisual media that supports innovation and leading edge creativity through its integral multimedia structure. It is designed as a site for interdisciplinary and transmedia discourse and production innovations that encompass film, video and digital media concerns with screen concept, sequence, narrative and storytelling.

An interdisciplinary minor in On-Screen Media is organized around the principle of analogue and digital on-screen relations in technological, process and theoretical terms and is structured around a set of key interdisciplinary concepts: Media History and Theory; Digital Production; Analogue to Digital Photography, Drawing and Painting; Film and Video Production; and Sound Production.

To review the On-Screen Media minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

The photographic image is central to contemporary visual culture and current art practices in all mediums. A minor in photography provides students with the opportunity to integrate a broad range of photographic concepts and processes into their studies. Students gain basic skills selecting courses pertinent to their own trajectories. With this minor students are able to blend their use of photography with the visual forms they are exploring in their major area of study.

To review the Photography minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Printmaking & Publications provides the opportunity for students to engage, through a hands-on approach, in both analog and digital forms of image making. Courses are designed to augment a student's visual vocabulary, add technical and conceptual skills, and explore new and alternative ways for designing and presenting visual artifacts. Printmaking & Publications, which is sequential by nature, can also improve a student's approach to problem solving and time management in support of the curriculum offered in other major programs.

To review the Printmaking & Publications minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Sculpture/Installation provides students with a strong foundation in the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to produce sculpture and installation work. Sculpture/Installation courses are structured upon rigorous critique opportunities that are thought provoking and challenging. This minor is designed for students seeking to add the multiple dimensions and material practices embodied by sculpture/installation in order to expand and diversify their chosen area of study.

To review the Sculpture/Installation minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Social Sciences enables students to master a second teachable subject they can combine with their Art or Design major if they intend to pursue a teaching career at the secondary or primary levels. Students may also find that adding Social Sciences as a second area of expertise will further prepare them for graduate studies. The Social Sciences are increasingly important to design practice. Social Science subjects have emerged as a key addition to practice-based studio degrees as they open new career opportunities in design ethnography, marketing and other design-based consultancy applications that rely on Social Science methodologies and practices.

Please note not all courses are offered every year. 

To review the Social Sciences minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

The Sustainability Minor draws on the existing courses and expertise at OCAD University to develop a nexus of courses that develop a student’s capacity to engage with the broad environmental and social aspects of sustainability.

Students will grapple with issues of sustainability and develop creative responses to the pressing need for socially and ecologically responsible practices in local and global contexts. This interdisciplinary minor allows students to create a pathway focused on environmental and social sustainability.

Students who complete the Sustainability Minor will understand the scientific and ethical principles underpinning the contemporary issues of sustainability. Students will acquire knowledge of the methodologies of science and the humanities and how they intersect on sustainability issues. They will apply the knowledge they gain from the core and elective courses in the minor to their own creative practices. The minor allows flexibility for students to bring the theoretical understanding and skills into their own studio. Students will also engage with multiple specializations and learn critical communication skills within interdisciplinary groups. These skills will position students to greatly influence the discourse of sustainability within the creative economy and society as a whole.

Students from any faculty and program are able to declare this minor.

Note: Not all courses are offered in every year. Students are still required to meet the prerequisites for entry into all courses.

To review the Sustainability minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

A minor in Wearable Technology draws together an understanding of sensory and wireless technologies, and fabrication skills in electronics and material arts. It also develops an understanding of the sociology of the body and how it enables possibilities for artists and designers to create new experiences with technology. This program takes a holistic, experimental and concept-led approach to the subject matter. It integrates science, art, design, craft, technology, fashion and philosophy enabling the student to conceive, design, develop and fabricate basic working prototypes and art works.

NOTE: As of 2013/2014 the number of credits for this minor was changed from 5.0 to 3.0 credits total.

To review the Wearable Technology minor program guide, go to the Program Guides page.

a)    Students must be in good academic standing to declare a minor.
b)    Students may declare a minor after completion of a minimum of 4.0
       credits. Students may not declare a minor after submission of their
       intent to graduate.
c)    Students may not take a minor in the same discipline as their major.
d)    Some minors may only be taken by students in designated major
       programs.
e)    Students may declare a specific minor only once.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all of the requirements for their declared minor, as published in the year of declaration.

For minors declared in the 2014/2015 academic year or later, no more than 1.0 credit of the minor may be at the 1000-level and at least 1.0 credit of the minor must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Minors declared prior to the 2014/2015 academic year may not include 1000-level courses, and at least 1.0 full credit of the minor must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Failure to complete a declared minor does not carry any academic penalty; however, only completed minors will be recorded on academic transcripts. Completed minors are not recorded on diploma parchments.

Specific courses and course subjects required for a student major or program may not be applied to minor requirements, nor may any course be used for more than one minor. Electives, expansion studios and undesignated liberal studies distribution courses may fulfill both major and minor requirements, subject to the credit limits stipulated in individual major or program guides. In general, Faculty of Art students may apply up to 2.0 of their art elective credits to a minor and Faculty of Design students may apply up to 1.5 of their design elective credits to a minor. Up to 3.0 of elective liberal studies credits may be applied to a minor.

Where the same course is required for both a student major and the student minor, the Chair responsible for the minor will determine an appropriate substitute. All other requirements must be completed as outlined in the minor program guide for the academic year in which the student declared the minor.

Only courses completed within the seven years prior to the declaration of a minor may be applied to the minor requirements.

A maximum of one 0.5 transfer credit may be applied to a minor; all other credits required for the minor must be completed at OCAD U. Students who declared a minor in the 2014/2015 academic year or later, may include a course completed post-admission either on Letter of Permission or through Mobility/Exchange studies.

There is no priority registration for courses required for a minor.

All students admitted prior to the 2014/2015 academic year are granted a limited number of credit attempts for completion of their undergraduate degree program. Students following pre-2014/2015 minor requirements have 5.0 additional credits attempts. Students admitted prior to the 2014/2015 academic year and following 2014/2015 or later minor requirements, will receive additional credit attempts equivalent to the number of credits required for their minor, plus 1.0 credit.

1. Does priority registration apply to minors?

Priority registration applies only to courses for major/programs. After priority enrolment ends, all students, including those pursuing a minor, will have access to eligible courses which have space available.

2. May I replace any elective course
with a credit for my minor?

If you are student in the Faculty of Art, you may apply no more than 2.0 of your art elective credits to your minor. If you are a student in the Faculty of Design, you may apply no more than 1.5 of your expansion studio credit options to your minor.

3. What considerations should I keep in mind
if I decide to declare a minor?

Keep your career objectives in mind, and the difference between minimum and recommended requirements. You may decide not to use all of your allowable electives for the minor and opt to take additional credits.

4. Can the same courses be used toward
both the major/program and the minor or
toward multiple minors?

You may not use the same course to fulfill the requirements of more than one program. If a specific course or subject is listed as a requirement in your program guide, you may not use it toward both your major/program and your minor. You must select a different course to fulfill the requirements of the minor. Please note that the general liberal studies distribution requirements in your major/program may be applied to your minor.

5. What is the role of liberal studies credits
in a major/program and minor?

Liberal studies requirements provide breadth across disciplines other than studio art and design. Whatever your major/program and minor, up to 3.0 general liberal studies distribution credits may be used to fulfill the requirements for the major/program and minor. However, if a specific liberal studies course or subject is required for your major/program, you may not use it toward your minor and must select another course.

6. Is special permission required from
an Associate Dean to take courses in another
Faculty toward a minor program?

You do not require permission to use some of your major/program electives or expansion studios toward a minor (up to the limits cited in #2 above). However, you are strongly encouraged to speak with a student advisor about the combination of electives and minor programs that can help you with your career objectives. Please note that you must meet the liberal studies distribution requirements for graduation, but may combine these with the liberal studies requirements for a minor program.

7. Will liberal studies requirements change
with a declaration of a minor?

None of the existing graduation requirements for your major/program will change when you declare a minor.

8. May I complete a minor following graduation?

Your major/program and minor are components of an undergraduate degree program, and you must complete all of the requirements for both your major/program and your minor prior to graduation.

Alumni may apply for admission to a Postgraduate Certificate program. Postgraduate Certificate program requirements are similar to those of minors, with the exception that a maximum of 1.0 credit of eligible undergraduate courses may be applied to the certificate.

9. Can I declare more than one minor?

You may declare more than one minor, but remember that you cannot use the same course for multiple minors. Also, keep in mind that you are working toward an undergraduate degree. Consider the amount of time and tuition required for a major/program, and multiple minors, relative to your career goals. We strongly recommend that you discuss your plans with a student advisor.

10. How will a minor impact
my plans to go to graduate school?

This depends on the graduate program to which you wish to apply. In general, the addition of a minor to your major/program of study signals breadth of interest. Any future employer or graduate admissions committee would view that as a serious indication of multidisciplinary capability. If you are interested in graduate study, we recommend that you consult with one of the Chairs or Associate Deans in your Faculty and with the graduate program that you are interested in for advice about minors.

11. May I apply transfer credits to my minor?

A maximum of 0.5 transfer credit may be applied to a minor; all other credits required for the minor must be completed at OCAD U. Students who declared a minor in the 2014/2015 academic year or later, may instead include a course completed post-admission either on Letter of Permission or through Mobility/Exchange studies.

12. What if I declare a minor and
I do not complete it?

There is no penalty for declaring a minor and not completing it. However, it will not appear on your transcript unless you have completed all of the minor requirements.