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Digital Media
Digital Media
Department of Computational Arts
| Location: | 235 Joan & Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts, 416-736-5822 |
|---|---|
| Chair: | M.D. Hosale |
| Graduate Program Director: | M. Longford |
| Associate Professors: | M.D. Hosale, M. Longford, D. Sinclair, D. Van Nort, G. Wakefield |
| Assistant Professors: | J. Ong, Y. Shaik, J. Tingley |
The cross-Faculty BA program in Digital Media, between the Department of Computational Arts in the School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in Lassonde, combines a unique and rich blend of technology, media and communication, drawing on the strengths of Computer Science, Fine Arts, Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences. Students in the Digital Media program complete a common core curriculum in the first 18 months of the program, before choosing one of three streams of study – Digital Media Arts, Digital Media Game Arts or Digital Media Development. The Digital Media Arts stream focuses on the application of digital media for creative, performance and artistic expression in the arts, Digital Media Game Arts focuses on allied artistic and scientific aspects of innovative game design, and Digital Media Development focuses on the design of core tools and technologies supporting digital media practices.
The program provides a foundation in: The computational basis for the creation of digital media imagery and sound, including animation and the simulation of 3D environments; the theoretical, artistic and experiential ideas that lie behind an informed understanding of the aesthetic aspects of digital media; the practice of creating digital media works that explore the ways in which culture is produced and can be produced through technology; and the broader socio-cultural effects and the theory and research concerning responses to and use of digital media.
The digital media program covers a diverse set of courses including: Programming for Digital Media, Building Interactive Systems, The Electronic Landscape, Arts and Ideas, Foundations of Digital Media, Designing Interactive Objects, Interactive Performance and Installation, Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics, Machine-Mediated Human Communication, Virtual Reality, Building E-commerce Systems. Digital Media students pursuing individual streams also come together for several courses in their upper years. Media Signal Processing in the second year, Collaborative Project Development/Collaborative Project Development in Games in third year and the Capstone course (Digital Media Project) in fourth year, which involve large and small group projects that allow students to advance their specific interests and gain valuable large-scale development skills.
You might also be interested in our program in Visual Arts.
University-Wide Residency Requirement
A minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.
Faculty-Wide Degree Requirements
Candidates for a BA or Specialized Honours degree in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design degree must pass at least the respective 90 or 120 credits, chosen in conformity with curriculum requirements and in consultation with an adviser. The chart on the following page is a synopsis of degree requirements.
Course Types
Degree requirements in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design refer to the following categories of courses:
General Education Courses
Six credits in each of the general areas of the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences must be completed within the first 90 credits. Courses must be selected from the following subjects:
| Humanities | Natural Science | Social Science |
|---|---|---|
| classical studies (CLST) | biology (BIOL) | anthropology (ANTH) |
| English (EN) | chemistry (CHEM) | economics (ECON) |
| French studies (FR) | earth and atmospheric science (ESSE) | geography (GEOG) |
| history (HIST) | environmental studies (EU/ENVS 1500 6.00) | political science (POLS) |
| humanities (HUMA) | natural science (NATS) | psychology (PSYC) |
| languages and linguistics | physics and astronomy (PHYS) | social science (SOSC) |
| modes of reasoning (MODR) | science and technology studies (SC/STS) | sociology (SOCI) |
| philosophy (PHIL) |
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design students may also satisfy the humanities general education requirement by taking six credits from the fine arts 1900 3.00 series of courses outside the major program. However, these courses if used to satisfy a humanities course general education requirement, cannot also be counted in another category.
Non-AMPD Electives
In addition to the general education courses, most fine arts students are required to complete additional courses outside the fine arts disciplines. The number of non-fine arts electives required varies according to the major and degree program. Courses taken towards a major or a minor program in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the Faculty ofLiberal Arts and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Science, or the Lassonde School of Engineering will satisfy this requirement.
AMPD Electives
All students in an AMPD degree program or an Honours Major/Minor program must complete at least 12 credits in fine arts outside their major discipline. Courses completed as part of a minor program in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design will satisfy this requirement. Fine arts electives are not required in any Honours Double Major program.
Upper-level Courses
In all AMPD Specialized Honours programs, at least 24 credits in the major discipline must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. In fine arts BA programs, a minimum of 18 credits (including the 12 major credits) must be at the 3000 or 4000 level. Specific programs and streams may have additional upper-level requirements.
Degree Requirements
Please refer to the Programs of Study section of the Undergraduate Calendar for specific degree requirements for all programs.
*Note: six credits from the AMPD 1900 3.00 series of courses, outside the major, are required of all School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design degrees. These courses may be used toward satisfying the humanities general education requirement, the in/out requirements or an AMPD elective. For students admitted to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design with a minimum of 54 transfer credits, the six credits from the 1900 3.00 series of courses outside the major are optional.
Honours Double Major Program
The Honours Double Major program allows students to combine a major in cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre or visual art and art history with a second major in other Faculties where the combination is possible for the degree program (i.e. the other Faculty allows combinations or there is a double major option available). AMPD students in the Honours Double Major program must satisfy the basic degree requirements of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and graduate with either an Honours BA or Honours BFA degree from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. Some Honours Double Major combinations may require more than 120 credits.
Honours Double Major BA Degree Program within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
The Honours Double Major BA degree within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design allows students to combine a major in cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre or visual art and art history with a second major offered through cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre or visual art and art history. The Specialized Honours BA program may be pursued jointly with other Specialized Honours BA or BFA programs in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. While the Honours Double Major BA degree within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design may be pursued jointly with another Specialized Honours BA or BFA program in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, the Honours Double Major combination of two Honours BFA programs is not an option. Some Honours Double Major combinations may require more than 120 credits.
Honours Major/Minor Program
The Honours Major/Minor program is designed for students who wish to combine a primary concentration in dance, film, music, theatre or visual arts with a secondary concentration in AMPD or in other Faculties where the combination is possible for that degree program (i.e. AMPD or the other Faculty allows combinations or there is a minor option available). AMPD students in the Honours Major/Minor program must satisfy the basic degree requirements of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and graduate with either a Specialized Honours BA or a Specialized Honours BFA degree from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. Some Honours Major/Minor combinations may require more than 120 credits.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The following minimum grade point averages are required to graduate with a BA in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design:
- An overall grade point average of 4.00 (C).
- A major grade point average of 4.00 (C).
To graduate, students must also have successfully completed (passed) at least 90 credits which meet the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and program requirements.
Honours Major/Minor Bachelor of Arts (Honours Major/Minor BA)
For the Honours Minor in Arts, Media, Performance and Design, students pursuing a major outside the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design must complete:
At least 30 credits in AMPD courses, including:
- 18 credits in studio or studies courses in two or more departments at the 1000 and/or 2000 levels, and
- 12 credits in studio or studies courses in one or more departments at the 3000 or 4000 levels
Students pursuing a major inside AMPD can pursue the minor, completing:
- At least 30 credits in AMPD courses, including:
- 18 credits in studio or studies courses in two or more departments at the 1000 and/or 2000 levels, outside the major and excluding AMPD 1900 courses and
- 12 credits in studio or studies courses in one or more departments outside the major at the 3000 or 4000 levels
The Honours Minor BA program in AMPD may be combined with any approved Honours BA program that offers a major/minor option in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, Glendon College, or the Lassonde School of Engineering. For further details on requirements, refer to the listings for specific Honours programs that may be pursued jointly with other Faculties.
Note: in a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit.
Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours BA)
The following minimum grade point averages are required to graduate with a Specialized Honours degree in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design:
- An overall grade point average of 5.00 (C+)
- A major grade point average of 5.00 (C+).
To graduate, students must also have successfully completed (passed) at least 120 credits which meet the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and program requirements.
Program-Specific Degree Requirements
The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design's Department of Computational Arts offers a joint program with the Lassonde School of Engineering's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Specialized Honours BA Programs
The Program Core:
All Specialized Honours BA degree candidates must complete the following:
- FA/DATT 1010 3.00; FA/DATT 1020 3.00; FA/DATT 1100 3.00; FA/DATT 1200 3.00; FA/DATT 2050 3.00; FA/DATT 2100 3.00;
- LE/EECS 1015 3.00; LE/EECS 1019 3.00; LE/EECS 1710 3.00; LE/EECS 1720 3.00; LE/EECS 2030 3.00; LE/EECS 4700 6.00;
- six credits chosen from 2000-level FA/DATT courses, not including FA/DATT 2050 3.00 and FA/DATT 2100 3.00;
- six credits at the 3000 level or above in AP/COMN, SC/STS, or FA/ARTH;
- six credits in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (not DATT);
- six credits from the 1900-series of AMPD courses not including DATT 1900 **
In addition to the courses listed above all Specialized Honours BA degree candidates must complete the courses in one of the following streams:
Specialized Honours BA (Digital Media Development)
- FA/DATT 3700 6.00;
- LE/EECS 2011 3.00; LE/EECS 2031 3.00;
- SC/MATH 1025 3.00; SC/MATH 1131 3.00 or SC/MATH 2565 3.00;
- three credits chosen from 3000-level FA/DATT courses, not including FA/DATT 3700 6.00 and FA/DATT 3701 6.00;
- six credits chosen from:
- nine credits chosen from:
Specialized Honours BA (Digital Media Arts)
- FA/DATT 2040; FA/DATT 3700 6.00;
- LE/EECS 3461 3.00;
- three credits chosen from:
- nine credits chosen from:
- LE/EECS 3214 3.00;
- LE/EECS 3421 3.00;
- LE/EECS 3431 3.00;
- or any 3000-level FA/DATT courses with the exception of FA/DATT 3701 6.00 and FA/DATT 3700 6.00;
- nine credits chosen from:
- LE/EECS 4431 3.00*, LE/EECS 4441 3.00, LE/EECS 4443 3.00, LE/EECS 4461 3.00, LE/EECS 4462 3.00, LE/EECS 4471 3.00*, LE/EECS 4491 3.00*, or any 4000-level FA/DATT courses.
Specialized Honours BA (Digital Media Game Arts)
- FA/DATT 2040 3.00; FA/DATT 2300 3.00; FA/DATT 2310 3.00; FA/DATT 3300 3.00; FA/DATT 3701 6.00; FA/DATT 4301 3.00;
- three credits chosen from:
- nine credits chosen from:
- LE/EECS 3214 3.00,
- LE/EECS 3421 3.00,
- LE/EECS 3431 3.00,
- LE/EECS 3461 3.00;
- or any 3000-level FA/DATT courses with the exception of FA/DATT 3300 3.00, FA/DATT 3701 6.00 and FA/DATT 3700 6.00;
- six credits chosen from:
- LE/EECS 4431 3.00*,
- LE/EECS 4441 3.00,
- LE/EECS 4443 3.00,
- LE/EECS 4461 3.00,
- LE/EECS 4462 3.00
- LE/EECS 4471 3.00*,
- LE/EECS 4491 3.00*;
- or any 4000-level FA/DATT courses with the exception of FA/DATT 4301 3.00.
NOTES:
- Six credits in COMN/STS can be used to satisfy both part of the general education requirements and the six credits in COMN/STS requirement. However, Art History courses (FA/ARTH) can NOT be used as part of the general education requirements.
- Upper-level credits: a minimum of 36 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, at least 18 credits of which must be at the 4000 level.
- Additional elective credits must be completed, as required, for an overall total of at least 120 credits. Some students may be required to take more than 120 credits.
- * These courses require prerequisites that are not part of the program requirements.
- ** These six credits can be used to satisfy the humanities area general education requirement in both AMPD and LE.
- An optional Internship of 4,8,12 or 16 months is open to DIGM majors via the Lassonde Internship Program.
- The requirement for 18 elective credits is met due to the multidisciplinary nature of the program.
Graduating in an Honours Program
To graduate in an Honours program requires successful completion of all degree requirements and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 5.00 (C+) over all courses completed. Students must obtain a minimum of 36 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level. Of these, 12 credits at the 4000 level must be in the major.
Courses in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
A supplemental calendar detailing EECS courses and department policies is available from the department's web page under Program Information: http://eecs.lassonde.yorku.ca/current-students/undergrads-courses/
For the purpose of satisfying departmental degree requirements, major credits taken outside York University may not exceed six credits in core areas (here defined to be 1000- and 2000-level major courses, 3000-level major courses satisfying the breadth requirement and, for Specialized Honours students, any required 3000- and 4000-level major courses) and 12 credits in total.
Computational Arts Honours Minor (30 credits)
The Honours Minor BA program described may be combined with any approved Honours degree program that offers a major/minor option in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Science, the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design or the Lassonde School of Engineering. For further details on requirements, refer to the listings for specific Honours programs that may be pursued jointly with other Faculties.
Note: in a major/minor program, a course may count only once toward major credit or minor credit. Students who passed any of LE/EECS 1012 3.00, LE/EECS 1710 3.00, or LE/EECS 1720 3.00 or equivalent to meet requirements of other programs will not have these credits counted toward the minor, and are required to take a number of additional EECS credits that are not counted toward the major to total at least 9 net new EECS credits toward the minor requirements.
- FA/DATT 1010 3.00;
- FA/DATT 1020 3.00;
- FA/DATT 1100 3.00
- FA/DATT 2100 3.00;
- LE/EECS 1012 3.00;
- LE/EECS 1710 3.00;
- LE/EECS 1720 3.00.
9 additional DATT credits, at the 2000 level or above, 6 of which must be at the 4000 level.
Bachelor Program (BA)
Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media)
- FA/DATT 1010 3.00; FA/DATT 1020 3.00; FA/DATT 1100 3.00; FA/DATT 1200 3.00; FA/DATT 2050 3.00; FA/DATT 2100 3.00; FA/DATT 3700 6.00 or FA/DATT 3701 6.00;
- six credits chosen from 2000-level FA/DATT courses,not including FA/DATT 2040 3.00, FA/DATT 2050 3.00, and FA/DATT 2100 3.00;
- LE/EECS 1015 3.00; LE/EECS 1019 3.00; LE/EECS 1710 3.00; LE/EECS 1720 3.00; LE/EECS 2030 3.00; SC/MATH 1025 3.00 or FA/DATT 2040 3.00
- three credits chosen from LE/EECS 2011 3.00, LE/EECS 2031 3.00, or LE/EECS 2311 3.00;
- nine credits chosen from: LE/EECS 3214 3.00, LE/EECS 3421 3.00, LE/EECS 3431 3.00, LE/EECS 3461 3.00; or any 3000-level FA/DATT courses with the exception of FA/DATT 3300 3.00; FA/DATT 3701 6.00; or FA/DATT 3700 6.00;
- six credits in AP/COMN, SC/STS, or FA/ARTH at the 3000 level or above*;
- six credits from the 1900-series of AMPD courses not including DATT 1900 **
* six credits in COMN/STS can be used to satisfy both part of the general education requirements and the three credits in COMN/STS requirement. However, Art History courses can NOT be used as part of the general education requirements.** These six credits can be used to satisfy the humanities area general education requirement.
The requirement for 18 elective credits is met due to the multidisciplinary nature of the program.
Courses in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
A supplemental calendar detailing EECS courses and department policies is available from the department's web page under Program Information: eecs.lassonde.yorku.ca/current-students/undergrads-courses/
For the purpose of satisfying departmental degree requirements, major credits taken outside York University may not exceed six credits in core areas (here defined to be 1000- and 2000-level major courses, 3000-level major courses satisfying the breadth requirement and, for Specialized Honours students, any required 3000- and 4000-level major courses) and 12 credits in total.
| Dean: | S. Bay-Cheng |
|---|---|
| Associate Dean, Students, Recruitment, Alumni: | M. Darroch |
| Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, Research, Planning: | L. Levin |
| Office of the Dean: | 201 Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts |
| Director, Student & Community Engagement | K. MacKinnon |
| Director, Communications & Digital Engagement: | I. Barcarse |
| Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services: | 322 Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts |
General Information
The Faculty is committed to excellence in the fine arts and defines its role and mission as follows:
- To prepare and encourage critically informed practitioners, scholars and teachers of the fine and performing arts, who will make new and significant contributions in Canada and internationally.
- To offer comprehensive training that integrates practical, critical, historical and theoretical approaches toward understanding and innovation in the context of a broad university experience.
- To offer undergraduate and graduate programs in seven major disciplines of the fine and performing arts: dance, design, digital media, film, music, theatre and visual art and art history, as well as interdisciplinary courses and programs leading to the degrees of BA, Specialized Honours BA, Specialized Honours BFA, Specialized Honours BDes and in specified areas, MA, MFA and PhD.
- To build, maintain and sustain a faculty complement of high quality, a community of scholars and practitioners in all disciplines.
- To provide education in the fine arts to the larger University community and to advance the teaching of the arts at all levels.
- To investigate, enliven and promote the fine arts in Canadian society while serving the varied constituencies of the community, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Academic Advising and Student Responsibility
The information contained in the Undergraduate Calendar and other publications is designed to be self-explanatory. The Faculty recognizes, however, there may be specific questions about regulations which are not answered here. Those questions should be addressed to one of the following sources of information given below.
Advising
The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) considers academic advising an important responsibility.
Advising functions may vary in their significance to students at different times of the academic year and at different points in a student’s academic career. Non-academic advising and counselling is offered by the Career Centre, the Counselling and Disabilities Services Centre and the Centre for Student Community and Leadership Development.
Advising students is a shared responsibility of the Registrarial Services office and the Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services.
Registrar's Office
The Registrar's Office (416-872-YORK; registrar.yorku.ca) administers most of the academic regulations contained in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) section. This office provides a wide range of administrative services to students, staff and faculty members, including:
- performing general registrarial functions relating to enrolment and record-keeping;
- applying the Faculty's rules on academic standing, including eligibility to graduate;
- reporting final grades to students;
- producing official university transcripts;
- advising students about petitions and receiving petitions for exemptions from academic regulations.
Student and Academic Services
Student service/guidance personnel, prospective and current students and other interested persons wishing further information about the Faculty, the University and its programs or who wish to arrange a visit to the campus may contact the Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services, 3rd floor, Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts, 416-736-5135. This office also coordinates academic and peer advising programs for new students and provides information and advice to undergraduates and faculty concerning admissions, academic planning, interpretation and application of academic regulations and procedures, degree management advising, petitions, student awards, convocation and referrals to a network of other resources and services for students on campus.
Department Offices
Enquiries regarding auditions and evaluations, course offerings, and faculty should be addressed to the various department offices. Office locations and telephone numbers are listed in the departmental sections of this publication.
Student Responsibilities
Every effort is made to ensure that students in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) have access to accurate information and individual advice and guidance. Within this context, and within the framework of Faculty and program regulations, students are responsible for making their own choices regarding courses and programs. Students should take special care to:
- ensure the courses they choose meet all the requirements for graduation;
- ensure the courses they choose meet prerequisites and are not exclusions or equivalents of other courses already taken;
- ensure the times of the courses they choose do not conflict;
- ensure the accuracy of their registration records, including all changes;
- note and observe deadlines and procedures, especially deadlines for adding and dropping courses;
- ensure full documentation is provided in support of petitions and other requests for special consideration;
- keep themselves informed about their academic progress, including their performance in individual courses. It is incumbent on faculty members to make available to their students assessments of their work and, if requested, to discuss students’ progress with them.
Letters of Permission
Letters of permission allow School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) students to receive credit at York for courses taken at other universities. In order to receive credit for such courses, a letter of permission must be obtained prior to enrolling. Application forms for letters of permission are available online at the Letters of Permission website at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/lop.
Courses which students propose to take on a letter of permission must be acceptable to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) teaching unit best able to judge their academic merit. The School is under no obligation to accept courses taken without its permission.
Students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for a letter of permission; students under academic warning or debarment warning are not eligible.
In order to receive credit for courses taken on a letter of permission, students must arrange for the host institution to submit an official transcript to the Registrar’s Office, Bennett Centre for Student Services. Credit is granted when an approved course is completed with a minimum equivalent grade of C+ (65 per cent) in major courses or C (60 per cent) in non-major courses. Grades earned in courses taken at other postsecondary institutions are not part of the student’s York transcript and are not incorporated into the student’s grade point averages in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD).
Should a student leave York University to pursue study at another postsecondary institution without a letter of permission, upon return to York, a new application to York is required and all previous transfer credit will be reassessed.
Academic Penalties
Students whose academic record does not meet Faculty or program standards are subject to the academic penalties of academic warning, major warning, required withdrawal, debarment warning, debarment and academic probation.
Academic Warning
Students whose overall grade point average falls below 4.00 (C) at the end of any session, or who enter the Faculty with a grade point average equivalent to less than 4.00 (C) on the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design scale, receive an academic warning. Students on academic warning must earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 (C+) in each session until the overall grade point average reaches 4.00 (C). Students who do not meet these conditions will be required to withdraw.
Major Warning
Students whose major grade point average falls below 4.00 (C) at the end of any session receive a major warning. Students on major warning must earn a sessional major grade point average of at least 5.00 (C+) in each session until the major average reaches 4.00 (C). Students who do not meet these conditions will be required to withdraw.
Required Withdrawal
Students whose academic record shows marked weakness may be required to withdraw from their studies for one year, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential, and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to required withdrawals:
Overall grade point average below 4.00 (C): students who have received an academic warning for an overall grade point average below 4.00 (C) and who do not meet the conditions outlined in the academic warning section must withdraw for 12 months.
Major grade point average below 4.00 (C): students who have received a major warning for a major grade point average below 4.00 (C) and who do not meet the conditions outlined in the major warning section must withdraw for 12 months.
Grade point average below 3.00 (D+): students whose overall and/or major grade point averages have dropped below 3.00 (D+) must withdraw for 12 months.
Petition to continue without interruption: students who have been required to withdraw may submit a petition to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. For further information see the Petitions section.
Reactivation after required withdrawal: students who have been required to withdraw must apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a request online at the Reactivation Web page (registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate). Students who return to their studies after such a required withdrawal, as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee, receive a debarment warning.
Debarment Warning
Students who have been required to withdraw from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design or from another Faculty at York or another postsecondary institution, receive a debarment warning upon continuing their studies in the Faculty. Students on debarment warning, upon continuing their studies in the Faculty, must earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 (C+) in each subsequent session until the overall and/or major average reaches 4.00 (C), and must then maintain this average. Students who do not fulfill these conditions will be debarred from the University. Students whose cumulative average fall below 3.00 (D+) while on debarment warning will be debarred.
Debarment
Students who have already been required to withdraw because of their unsatisfactory academic record and whose record does not show improvement are debarred from the University. Debarment, the minimum period for which is normally two years, means that the student is no longer a student at York University.
Petition to continue without interruption: students who have been debarred may submit a petition to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. For further information see the Petitions section.
Re-applying after debarment: students who have been debarred and who wish to resume their studies must apply for admission through the Admissions Office and must provide persuasive evidence that they are ready and able to complete a degree program.
Debarment warning remains in effect: students who have been debarred and who subsequently resume their studies in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, whether by petition to continue without interruption or by reapplying for admission, receive an academic probation.
Academic Standing
Academic standing depends on several factors including the number of courses a student has completed, the overall grade point average, the sessional grade point average and the major grade point average.
Grade reports include notice of academic standing and eligibility to proceed in Honours or BA programs.
Note: advancement into second-year and upper-year studio/performance course in some programs may be determined by the designated departmental committee.
Grade Point Average Calculations
There are three different grade point averages (GPAs) calculated for School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design students:
- Overall grade point average: includes all courses (passed and failed) that the student has completed at York.
- Major grade point average: includes all courses (passed and failed) which count towards the major that the student has completed at York.
- Sessional grade point average: includes all courses (passed and failed) that the student has completed in the current session at York.
All courses taken at York, including failures, are included in grade point average calculations. Courses completed outside York University are not included in grade point averages at York.
Specialized Honours BA, Specialized Honours BFA and Specialized Honours BDes
The following minimum grade point averages are required to graduate with a Specialized Honours degree in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design:
- An overall grade point average of 5.00 (C+).
- A major grade point average of 5.00 (C+).
To graduate, students must also have successfully completed (passed) at least 120 credits which meet the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and program requirements.
Admission to a Specialized Honours BA, Specialized Honours BFA and Specialized Honours BDes
Students with no previous postsecondary education: students who enter the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design with no prior experience at a postsecondary educational institution (such as university and college) are automatically admitted to an Honours program.
Transfer students: students who enter with prior experience at a postsecondary educational institution are admitted to an Honours program if their prior overall grade point average (including failed courses) is at least the equivalent of 5.00 (C+) on the York scale.
Transferring from a Specialized Honours BA, Specialized Honours BFA to a BA Program
Ineligibility to continue in Honours: students whose overall and/or major GPA falls below the progression requirements, may continue their studies only in a BA degree program. Please see the eligibility to maintain Honours status chart below. Specialized Honours BA students will automatically be placed in the BA program. Honours BFA students must submit a Program Change Request, available on the Program Change Web page at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/program-change, if they wish to continue their studies.
Re-entering Honours: students who have been transferred to the BA program because of a GPA which falls below the requirements to maintain Honours status, may re-enter Honours if they raise their overall and major grade point averages to the requirements or above as specified in each year level, by the session in which they have successfully completed their 90th credit. Students who have not reached 5.00 (C+) in the session in which they successfully complete their 90th credit may request to graduate with a BA degree if they fulfill the BA degree requirements, or may continue in a BA program until those requirements are fulfilled.
Honours Standing Grade Point Average Requirement
To maintain Honours standing in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design a major grade point average of 5.00 is required in all years of study. Students who have completed less than 84 earned credits, whose cumulative overall grade point average is below 5.00, may continue in a School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design Honours degree program provided they meet the year level progression requirements. See chart below.
Students who fall below the minimum cumulative overall grade point average requirements may not continue in Honours and must apply to the BA 90-credit program. Students are subject to the BA 90-credit degree requirements for the year they enter the program.
Progressive GPA Chart
| Year Level | Credits Completed | Major Grade Point Average Requirement | Minimum Cumulative Overall Grade Point Average Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fewer than 24 | 5.00 | 4.00 |
| 2 | 24 to 53 | 5.00 | 4.25 |
| 3 | 54 to 83 | 5.00 | 4.80 |
| 4 | 84 or more | 5.00 | 5.00 |
* Students enrolled in the Digital Media Program are exempt from the Progressive GPA Major Grade Point Average requirement; however, they must attain overall and major GPAs of at least 5.00 (C+) in order to graduate.
BA Degree
Graduating with a BA
The following minimum grade point averages are required to graduate with a BA in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design:
- An overall grade point average of 4.00 (C).
- A major grade point average of 4.00 (C).
To graduate, students must also have successfully completed (passed) at least 90 credits which meet the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and program requirements.
Opting to graduate in a BA program: students who are eligible for Honours may opt to graduate in a BA program in the session in which they have completed their final course(s). This should be indicated on the application to graduate form.
Admission to a BA
Transfer students: students who enter with prior experience at a postsecondary educational institution are admitted to a BA program if their prior overall grade point average (including failed courses) is at least the equivalent of 4.00 (C) on the York scale.
Transferring/Re-applying to Honours
Continuing students: students in a BA program whose overall and major GPAs are at least 5.00 (C+) are automatically transferred to a Specialized Honours BA program. Students who wish to transfer from the Honours BA to the Specialized Honours BFA must apply using the Program Change Request, available on the Program Change Web page at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/program-change and fulfill any evaluation or audition requirements.
Graduating students: students who have completed a York University BA degree (90 credit program) in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design may continue, after graduation, in a Specialized Honours BA program in the same subject area or in an Honours Double Major BA or Honours Major/Minor BA program including the same subject area, provided the cumulative and major grade point average are those required for the Honours program. A student who wishes to pursue a Specialized Honours BFA in the same field of study, may continue in the second degree, subject to the approval of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, by submitting a Program Change Request, available on the Program Change Web page at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/program-change. Please note that students who are approved by the Faculty to proceed, would normally receive 90 credits towards the Specialized Honours BFA in the same subject area.
A student who wishes to pursue a second Specialized Honours BFA or Specialized Honours BA in a different field of study must apply to the Admissions Office for admission as a second degree candidate.
Courses Taken Beyond the Normal Maximum in Order to Raise Cumulative and/or Major Grade Point Average
Students in a BA program who have passed 90 credits in accordance with Faculty and program requirements, but whose overall and/or major grade point average is below 4.00 (C) may attempt to raise their average to 4.00 (C) by taking up to 12 additional credits, to a maximum of 102 credits. These courses must be above the 1000 level and must be taken at York; regulations on equivalent and excluded courses apply.
Dean's Honour Roll
The Dean's Honour Roll recognizes the academic achievements of the following:
- Students who have taken 12 to 17 credits in a given session who have achieved a sessional overall grade point average of 8.00 (A) or higher.
- Students who have taken 18 or more credits in a given session who have achieved a sessional overall grade point average of 7.50 or higher.
- Graduating students who have achieved an overall and major grade point averages of 7.00 (B+) or higher.
Graduation Honours
Students who graduate with cumulative grade point averages as specified below, both in their major discipline and overall, will have their degrees classified as follows:
Specialized Honours BA, Specialized Honours BFA and Specialized Honours BDes
7.50 = Cum laude
7.80 = Magna cum laude
8.00 = Summa cum laude
BA Degree
7.00 = Dean’s Honour Roll
7.50 = With merit
8.00 = With distinction
Students who graduate with cumulative overall grade point averages as specified below will have their degrees classified as follows:
Specialized Honours BA - Computational Arts Program
7.50 = Cum laude
7.80 = Magna cum laude
8.00 = Summa cum laude
Academic Standing Requirements for Visiting Students
Individuals who wish to enrol in undergraduate credit courses, but who do not intend to complete a degree or a certificate may be admitted to York as a visiting student (see the Admissions section for more information). (Please note: in addition to the regular requirements for admission to the University, the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design requires an evaluation of an applicant’s suitability for many of its programs). There are three categories of visiting students:
- those who hold an undergraduate degree (three-year’s degree minimum) from an accredited university/university-level institution;
- those who do not hold an undergraduate degree but wish to enrol in York courses to fulfill the academic, upgrading or professional development requirements of a professional designation;
- those who are currently attending another recognized university and wish to take York courses on a letter of permission issued by their home institution.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
Students in categories a) and b) whose overall cumulative grade point average (OCGPA) falls below 4.00 on at least 24 credits attempted will not be allowed to enrol in any subsequent session as visiting students. Students who are not permitted to re-enrol must apply for re-admission through the Admissions Office.
Note: repeated course legislation does not apply to visiting students but only to academic degrees and certificates. Therefore, all courses attempted or taken will count in the OCGPA.
Credit Limits
Students in category b) who have maintained an OCGPA of 4.00 or higher throughout their studies and who have completed 30 credits will not be allowed to enrol in subsequent sessions and must either reactivate to proceed as visiting students or may choose to apply for admission to a degree or certificate program. This pause allows students in category (b) an opportunity to reconsider options to apply to degree studies given the transfer credit implications.
Admission
Please refer to the Admission section of this publication for general information on admission requirements and procedures.
Applicant Evaluation Procedures
In addition to the regular requirements for admission to the University, the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design requires an evaluation of an applicant’s suitability for many of its programs. The requirements for each department are detailed below. In order to be evaluated, a candidate must have applied for admission to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.
For details on the process leading to an appointment for an evaluation interview/audition and for further information regarding the evaluation procedures, refer to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website at ampd.yorku.ca. Invitations to attend an evaluation interview/audition may be contingent on an applicant’s previous or current year’s grade point average. For general information concerning the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, contact the Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services, third floor, Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts, 416-736-2100 ext. 58176.
Applicants who reside outside the Greater Toronto Area should contact the department to enquire about alternate arrangements for the audition/evaluation. Several departments hold auditions in selected major cities across Canada, appointments and details for which can be obtained by contacting the department offices.
Department of Cinema and Media Studies
Applicants must download the BFA supplementary application package, complete and return it to the Department of Cinema and Media Arts. Completion of the supplemental application package will aid us in making the best match between applicants and our program. Selected candidates will then be asked to attend a personal interview. For a supplementary application package and/or further information, please contact the Department of Cinema and Media Arts (CFT 221) at 416-736-5149 (cma@yorku.ca). An early application is strongly recommended. For further information, please visit the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website at ampd.yorku.ca. Admission to the BA in cinema and media studies is based on grades alone. No supplemental evaluation is required
Department of Dance
Admission to the BFA in dance is based on your academic history as well as on the successful completion of a supplemental departmental audition. The audition consists of a short class in modern dance, ballet and improvisation taught by dance faculty followed by a personal interview. If distance precludes an on-campus evaluation, please contact the department to make alternative arrangements. Admission to the BA in dance is based on academic grades; no supplemental evaluation is required.
For further information visit the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website at ampd.yorku.ca or contact the Department of Dance (ACE 301) at 416-736-5137 (dance@yorku.ca).
Department of Design
The final selection of qualified candidates is based on the ranking of three criteria: overall academic results, a questionnaire and a portfolio. Questionnaires will be provided to all applicants to the program. Selected candidates invited to an interview must bring a portfolio of creative work, with detailed documentation. Specific requirements will be forwarded to the selected candidates. The interviews will focus upon the applicants’ understanding of communications design and their conceptual, visual and communications abilities. For further information, please visit the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website at ampd.yorku.ca or contact the Department of Design (DB 4008) at 416-736-5885 (ysdn@yorku.ca).
Department of Music
Music applicants must satisfy the program’s supplemental evaluation. All applicants will automatically be sent an evaluation package once the department is advised of your application by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre. The department’s supplemental evaluation package requires applicants to complete the application questionnaire; submit a 500-word essay describing your musical background and the contributions further training will enable you to make to music and society; complete the listening exercises defined in the package; complete the theory test included in the package.
Applicants have the option of auditioning “in person” or mailing in a recorded submission. Those who wish to attend the “in person” audition should contact the Department of Music (ACE 371) at 416-736-5186 to arrange an audition time.
If you are mailing in your evaluation, please record and submit two contrasting pieces or styles to show the range of your musical skills and interests. Any recording format will be acceptable, i.e. tape cassette, CD, mini disc, DAT, VHS or MP3 files. We do not require a professionally produced recording. A good basic audio-cassette recording using a traditional “boom-box” will suffice as long as we can hear your performance clearly.
Although proficiency on more than one instrument is not required, if you wish to show aptitude on a secondary instrument, one additional piece on the second instrument will suffice. We also invite you to submit scores and/or recordings of arrangements or compositions that you have created and essays on music that you have written.
If you have formal training, you are invited to provide copies of any documentation showing the level of theory/performance/history completed, i.e. RCM grades etc.
For further information, please contact the Department of Music, 416-736-5242 (musicprg@yorku.ca) or visit the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website at ampd.yorku.ca.
Department of Theatre
All applicants will automatically be mailed an evaluation package. Invitations to evaluations will be based on your academic record to date. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following:
- A questionnaire focusing on their background in theatre. This is not a theatrical skills assessment, but rather an opportunity for applicants to express themselves and exhibit their interest in theatre.
- A public oral presentation of no more than three minutes. This presentation could take many forms: for instance, a monologue from a play; or a talk about a production recently seen, directed or designed; or information about a play written by the applicant, or a reading from it giving the background to the work. The Department of Theatre needs to ascertain how applicants present themselves in public, how they perform, or how they speak about some aspect of theatre. All applicants—no matter what their area of prime interest—must be prepared to make this public presentation. Therefore, this should be planned in advance.
- A brief personal interview. Normally the questionnaire/presentation/interview process will take place during a half-day visit to the Keele campus or in another location closer to the applicant’s home town. If there are significant reasons that an applicant cannot attend a personal interview/evaluation, the applicant should discuss with the department other evaluation methods, such as video auditions, portfolio or written submissions and/or telephone interviews.
Successful applicants will be expected to complete a medical questionnaire prior to beginning classes.
If further information is required, please contact the Department of Theatre (CFT 318) at 416-736-5172 (theadept@yorku.ca) or visit the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website at ampd.yorku.ca.
Department of Visual Art and Art History
All BFA applicants will automatically be sent an evaluation package. This provides applicants with an opportunity to outline related background and interests. Selected studio applicants will be invited to show a portfolio of six pieces including a sketchbook, idea-book or journal. Applicants are encouraged to show variety in their work; no fewer than two different media should be represented. There will also be a personal interview with one of the department’s instructors. Art history applicants are not required to submit a portfolio but have the option of a personal interview.
Admission to the BA in art history is based on grades alone. No supplemental evaluation is required.
For information about the departmental evaluation process please visit the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design website ampd.yorku.ca or contact the Department of Visual Art and Art History (GCFA 235) at 416-650-8191 (vaah@yorku.ca).
Second Degree Candidates
Students who hold a degree from an accredited institution may apply to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design to obtain a second undergraduate degree in a different discipline. Students who hold a BA degree (not an Honours degree) from another accredited institution may apply to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design to obtain an Honours degree in the same discipline. In all cases, second degree candidates are required to:
- complete a minimum of 30 additional credits at York University in accordance with the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design residency requirement (courses taken as part of the first degree cannot be used to satisfy this requirement);
- fulfill all the requirements of the new major and minor programs; general education and elective requirements are waived.
The in-Faculty requirement should be regarded as the minimum number of additional courses; depending on the program selected and the amount of credit awarded for previous studies, the actual number of courses required for a second degree may well exceed that number.
Degree Reclassification
A student who has completed a York University BA degree (90 credit program) in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design may continue, after graduation, in a Specialized Honours BA program in the same subject area or in an Honours Double Major BA or Honours Major/Minor BA program including the same subject area, provided the cumulative and major grade point average are those required for the Honours program. A student who wishes to pursue a Specialized Honours BFA in the same field of study, may continue in the second degree, subject to the approval of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, by submitting a Program Change request form to the Registrar's Office. Please note that students who are approved by the Faculty to proceed, would normally receive 90 credits towards the Specialized Honours BFA in the same subject area.
A student who wishes to pursue a second Specialized Honours BFA or Specialized Honours BA in a different field of study must apply to the Admissions Office for admission as a second degree candidate.
General Regulations
The academic regulations of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design have been carefully prepared to outline for students the specific demands and expectations of a fine arts degree program. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the School and the University, and to abide by them. All students are subject to changes in regulations and requirements made after their first registration unless undue hardship is involved.
Advising and Enrolment
Students newly admitted to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design will attend online advising enrolment and an orientation session. Continuing students with the exception of students majoring in Design, are encouraged to seek advising from the Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services prior to the summer and fall/winter enrolment periods. Students wishing to drop major courses during the term should check with an adviser first, as special permission may be required.
Maximum Course Load
Full-time students are those registered in 24 or more credits during the fall/winter academic session. 36 credits are allowed during the fall/winter session and 15 credits in the summer session for students majoring in dance, digital media, film, intermedia, music, theatre and visual art and art history.
Students majoring in design may take a maximum of 36 credits during a calendar year.
Auditing
Students who wish to attend (audit) a course in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design on a non-credit basis must obtain written permission from the course instructor and the department Chair. For further information on courses available and course fees, please contact the fine arts department offering the course.
Residence Requirement
While allowing students to take a certain number of courses at other universities and in other Faculties of York University, in order to meet the residence requirement, the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design requires that students complete a portion of their courses as follows:
- A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at York University.
Furthermore:
- No fewer than half of the credits required for the AMPD major must be taken in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (i.e. courses with the prefix FA), including at least 12 credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, subject to any further prescriptions of the major department.
For students completing a minor in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, no fewer than half of the credits required for the minor must be in-School courses, i.e. courses with the prefix FA.
Academic Withdrawal
Before withdrawing from the University, students are encouraged to request an interview with a Student and Academic Services (SAS) adviser. In order to avoid receiving failing grades students must drop their courses by the published deadline.
Reactivation
Students who have been absent from the University for one or more academic sessions may apply to the Registrar’s Office for reactivation, provided that they left their AMPD degree program in good standing and have not attended another postsecondary institution without a letter of permission. Information concerning reactivation can be obtained from the Reactivation website (registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate). Students who were ineligible to continue in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design at the time of their leaving may be required to apply for re-admission. For more information see the Academic Penalties section.
Petitions
Petitions for Exemptions from the Regulations
The purpose of academic regulations is to allow students to develop their interests and talents to the fullest in ways consistent with the philosophy and standards of the Faculty. In establishing academic regulations, the Faculty also recognizes that instances will arise where it makes sense, in the context of a student’s academic career, to petition or request a waiver of an academic regulation or deadline.
Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee
Academic petitions from AMPD students for exceptions to all Faculty regulations, including petitions to continue their studies without interruption from students who have been required to withdraw or are debarred, are adjudicated by a sub-committee of the Fine Arts Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee during the fall/winter academic session. During the summer months, petitions are heard by summer authority as designated by Faculty Council.
Note on Grade Reappraisals
Requests for the reappraisal of final grades are not petitions in the formal sense. A formal request for a grade reappraisal should be submitted in writing to the department or unit in which the course is offered (see policy on grade reappraisals in the Grading and Academic Standards section).
Right to Petition
Students in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design have the right to petition on reasonable grounds for special consideration. It should be noted, however, that a petition is a request for the waiver of a regulation; it cannot be used to create legislation (e.g. a degree program) that does not exist. Normally, petitions will not be considered by the Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee more than one year beyond the date of the release of grades for the session to which the petition relates. Normally, the committee will only accept petitions from students currently enrolled in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and who have not had their degrees conferred.
Petitions Procedure
Students shall petition all matters to their home Faculty with the exception of grade reappraisals, which are considered by the department/Faculty offering the course. Petitions are held in the strictest confidence. The committee considers the petition itself, any supporting documents (from professors or medical practitioners) and other relevant information contained in the student’s record. Students and/or their representatives may appear before a committee only at the discretion or invitation of the committee. Appeals to decisions rendered on petitions are heard by the committee solely on the grounds of either new evidence or evidence of procedural irregularity. Appeals should be directed to a senior adviser in the Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services.
Initiating a Petition
To initiate a petition, a student must complete an undergraduate academic petition package, available at the Academic Petitions website (myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/academic-petitions).
Petitions relating to a student’s enrolment status or academic standing should be submitted within 30 days of the release of grade reports for the session. Such petitions may be considered for a period of up to one year if they are based on special circumstances.
Advice on petitioning is available from the Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services, GCFA 322, Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts, 416-736-5135. Petitions should be submitted to or mailed to the Bennett Centre for Student Services.
Grading and Academic Standards
Refer to section on Grades and Grading Schemes within the Academic Information section of this publication for general information.
Alternative Grading Option (Pass/Fail)
Students in good standing may, after successfully completing 24 credits, enrol in up to 12 credits on an ungraded (pass/fail) basis. Courses taken on an ungraded basis may not be used to satisfy major, minor, general education or certificate requirements. Courses taken on an ungraded basis are recorded as P (pass) or F (fail), and neither grade is included in the calculation of grade point averages.
To designate a course as ungraded, a student must complete an application form available at Registrarial Services and submit it to that office before the end of the second week of classes in the course.
It is possible to revert to the regular grading scheme after choosing the alternative grading option. The Registrar’s Office must be notified of this decision no later than the last day to withdraw from the course without academic penalty.
Repeated Passed or Failed Courses
Students may repeat a passed or failed course twice for academic degree or certificate credit, for a maximum of three (3) attempts at a course. Students should note that course availability and space considerations may preclude the possibility of repeating a course in the session they choose.
Credit towards your degree will only be counted once for repeated courses taken at York or elsewhere. All repeated passed or failed attempts are subject to the University Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses For Academic Credit.
Grading Policy
- Within the first two classes, a course outline must be provided to each student. Such an outline should announce the means of determining the final grade in a course. Such information must include the kinds of assignments, essays, examinations and other components which make up the grade; their relative weights; and any other procedures which enter into the determination of the final grade.
- In exceptional circumstances, a previously announced marking scheme for a course may be changed; the new marking scheme must also be distributed in written form. Any changes to a previously announced marking scheme must have the consent of all students registered in the course, such consent to be signified by their signatures.
- Feedback during course: instructors are obligated to provide a mechanism by which students can be apprised of their progress in a course; in particular, students must be able to make an informed decision on whether to withdraw from a course. This will normally mean that students will receive graded feedback on work worth at least 15 per cent of the course grade before the deadline to withdraw from that course.
- No examination or test worth more than 20 per cent of the course grade may be scheduled during the last two weeks of class time, but must be scheduled during the formal exam period.
- Grades submitted by an instructor are subject to review by the teaching unit in which the course is offered.
Grade Reappraisals
Students may, with sufficient academic grounds, request that a final grade in a course be reappraised (which may mean the review of specific pieces of tangible work). Non-academic grounds are not relevant for grade reappraisals; in such cases, students are advised to petition to their home Faculty. Students are normally expected to first contact the course director to discuss the grade received and to request that their tangible work be reviewed.
Further information may be obtained from the unit offering the course. Students submitting a formal request to have a grade reappraised in a School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design course should note the following:
Deadlines: requests for reappraisal must be filed within three weeks of the release of grade reports for the term.
Reassessable work: students may question the overall course grade or the marking of the specific pieces of work. For reassessment of specific projects or assignments, tangible evidence of the original submitted work must be provided. Tangible work may include: graphic, modelled, video recording or audio recording, and are acceptable formats for reassessment. The live performance component of any course is excluded from grade reappraisal.
Possible grade changes: when a student asks for a reappraisal of a grade or assignment, an original grade may be raised, lowered or confirmed.
Faculty appeal procedures: the decision of the department may be appealed only on grounds of procedural irregularity or new evidence. Appeals to grade reappraisals must be submitted to OAISS, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.
Deferred Standing
Deferred standing may be recorded and in effect in the following cases:
- If a student has missed an examination, or has not completed the course work due to sickness or other misfortune, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor to complete the course and to file a deferred standing agreement with the department by the specified deadline.
- If the nature of the academic exercise precludes the completion of certain course requirements before the grading deadlines, it is the instructor’s responsibility to provide a written rationale to the Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee.
Aegrotat Standing
In cases where deferred standing is not possible, students may be granted aegrotat standing (AEG) on the grounds of sickness, accident or family misfortune. Aegrotat standing excuses students from completing the remaining and required work for a course or courses although course credit is granted. The notation AEG is recorded on the transcript in place of a final grade. Aegrotat standing is normally dependent upon the student’s having completed 75 per cent of the required course work at a minimum C+ level. Requests for aegrotat standing will not be considered before the final date for withdrawal from a course.
Petitions for aegrotat standing must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office with documentation substantiating the misfortune and written support from the instructor(s). The petition will then be considered by the Faculty Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee.
Aegrotat standing is seldom granted and will not be granted for more than one academic session prior to the completion of a degree.
Policy on Academic Honesty
Definitions
Student work: fine arts student work covered by rules regarding academic honesty includes papers, research, tests, examinations and all forms of studio and production work as practised within the School.
Breaches of academic honesty: please consult the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty for a discussion of academic honesty and definitions of breach of academic honesty. Among other issues, the senate policy discusses offences such as cheating; submission of one piece of work in satisfaction of two assignments without prior informed consent; impersonation; plagiarism and other misappropriation of the work of another; abuse of confidentiality; falsification or forgery of documents; obstruction of the academic activities of another; aiding or abetting academic misconduct; failure to divulge previous attendance at another postsecondary educational institution on an admissions application etc. In particular, students taking courses in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design should be mindful of the dangers of misappropriation and misrepresentation which are breaches of academic honesty.
Misappropriation of another’s work: in the creation and presentation of all studio and performance work, and all other artistic and technical works, students who use the work of others must clearly state the extent and nature of the appropriation to their instructor. Failure to do so shall constitute a breach of academic honesty.
Misrepresentation of collaborative projects: failure to give appropriate credit to collaborators, or the listing of others as collaborators who have not contributed to the work, shall constitute a breach of academic honesty.
Procedures
- The Senate Policy on Academic Honesty governs the procedures of the Faculty in cases of alleged breaches of academic honesty.
- Any faculty member suspecting that a student has engaged in a breach of academic honesty shall notify the associate dean, or designate, who shall in turn assist the faculty member in following the procedures provided in the senate policy.
- The associate dean of the Faculty shall be the Faculty person responsible for the carriage of all cases of breaches of academic honesty.
- The Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee shall be the body responsible for hearing cases of breaches of academic honesty and imposing penalties.
Procedural Guidelines
- If an instructor believes an offence has occurred, the student should be sent a notice in writing from the office of the Academic Affairs Governance Officer that an offence is suspected, and that the instructor or course director wishes to meet with the student. The student will be informed that a representative may accompany her/him and that the meeting will be on the record. A deadline for responding of no less than seven calendar days will be imposed. The student will also be informed that the course in question may not be dropped (as per Senate Policy, E 4). Further procedures as defined in the Senate Policy, item D 3, a and b will apply.
- If the instructor or course director decides to pursue the matter, the following material will be sent to the associate dean’s office:
- the contested piece of work (if possible);
- the evidence supporting the alleged offence;
- the record of the meeting;
- the course syllabus and relevant assignment sheets;
- any handout on academic offences;
- record of student’s performance in the course to date;
- student’s written admission of guilt and joint recommendation of instructor and student as to penalty, if applicable;
- any other relevant materials.
If the student chooses not to attend the aforementioned meeting, this material will be sent after the time limit for arranging that meeting has expired.
- The associate dean will present the case to the Academic/Administrative Policy and Planning Committee, which is the relevant committee empowered to hear such cases and to impose penalties. All further procedures as defined in the senate policy will be followed.
Penalties
When a student has been found to have committed a breach of academic honesty, without limiting the ultimate discretion of the Faculty committee to impose any or all of the penalties set out in the senate policy as may be warranted in the circumstances, the committee may impose any or all of the following penalties:
- a failure in the course;
- failure in the course and a notation of breach of academic honesty on the transcript;
- suspension;
- expulsion with transcript notation.
Note: to view the revised senate-approved policy, please visit secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca.
Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
Full-time and part-time students in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design are eligible for a variety of in-course scholarships and bursaries awarded by the Faculty. Some are available to all School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design students regardless of major; others are department-specific. Fine arts awards are offered in fall and spring of the academic year. A special notice will be posted or otherwise communicated to students in the departments to solicit applications for the relevant awards, outlining eligibility and selection criteria and the application deadline. Nominations and applications are handled by the student’s major department, which provides the necessary application forms. Awards with financial need criteria require the submission of a student financial profile application in addition to the award application.
The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design Committee on Awards adjudicates applications and approves nominations. Departments post the names of recipients of all awards after the nominations have been duly confirmed.
In addition to department and Faculty-based awards, fine arts students are eligible for some other scholarships and bursaries that are offered University-wide. Please refer to the Student Financial Services section of this publication for additional information about scholarships, awards and bursaries available at York University.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design believes in an interdisciplinary education integrated with pre-professional and professional work in the arts. The curriculum is designed to acquaint students with contemporary knowledge in the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences, as well as in the fine arts. In all programs, students pursue both theory and practice in the arts, in one or more fields, according to their artistic and scholarly needs and abilities.
The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design offers five undergraduate degrees: the BA, the Specialized Honours BA, the Specialized Honours BFA, the Specialized Honours BDes, and the Joint BA Digital Media program with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. In general, students who concentrate in AMPD history, theory and/or criticism graduate with either a BA or Specialized Honours BA degree and students concentrating in studio, performance and/or production work graduate with a Specialized Honours BFA* or Specialized Honours BDes degree. Upon admission to the Faculty, students select a degree program which may be changed during subsequent registration periods with the approval of the related department.
*Note: A Specialized Honors BFA degree program may be pursued only by students registered in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.
Specialized Honours Program
The Specialized Honours program is designed for students who wish to concentrate in a particular discipline within a university context and obtain an intensive experience in that discipline. Specialized Honours programs are available in dance, digital media, design, film, music, theatre, visual art and art history.
BA Program
The BA in AMPD with majors in cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre and visual art and art history is designed to provide students with a further range of options, in a 90-credit degree program.
Honours Double Major Program
The Honours Double Major program allows students to combine a major in cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre or visual art and art history with a second major in other Faculties where the combination is possible for the degree program (i.e. the other Faculty allows combinations or there is a double major option available). AMPD students in the Honours Double Major program must satisfy the basic degree requirements of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and graduate with either an Honours BA or Honours BFA degree from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. Some Honours Double Major combinations may require more than 120 credits.
Honours Double Major BA Degree Program within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
The Honours Double Major BA degree within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design allows students to combine a major in cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre or visual art and art history with a second major offered through cinema and media arts, dance, music, theatre or visual art and art history. The Specialized Honours BA program may be pursued jointly with other Specialized Honours BA or BFA programs in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. While the Honours Double Major BA degree within the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design may be pursued jointly with another Specialized Honours BA or BFA program in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design, the Honours Double Major combination of two Honours BFA programs is not an option. Some Honours Double Major combinations may require more than 120 credits.
Honours Major/Minor Program
The Honours Major/Minor program is designed for students who wish to combine a primary concentration in dance, film, music, theatre or visual arts with a secondary concentration in AMPD or in other Faculties where the combination is possible for that degree program (i.e. AMPD or the other Faculty allows combinations or there is a minor option available). AMPD students in the Honours Major/Minor program must satisfy the basic degree requirements of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and graduate with either a Specialized Honours BA or a Specialized Honours BFA degree from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. Some Honours Major/Minor combinations may require more than 120 credits.
Coregistration in the Faculty of Education
Students registered in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design may apply for admission to the Concurrent program of the Faculty of Education. Coregistered students work towards the separate degree requirements of both Faculties concurrently and if successful are awarded two degrees: the BA or the Specialized Honours BA or the Specialized Honours BFA from the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and the BEd from the Faculty of Education.
A School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design Honours degree which normally takes four years to complete, will take five years when pursued concurrently with the Bachelor of Education degree. For those students interested in teaching at the primary, junior and intermediate levels, a BA degree and a BEd could be completed in four years. For further information, please consult the Faculty of Education section.
Graduate Studies in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
York University's Faculty of Graduate Studies offers several programs in fine arts including the master of design, and the MA degree in art history, dance, historical, critical, historical and theoretical studies in film, theatre studies, ethnomusicology and musicology. Programs leading to the MFA degree include film, theatre and visual arts. It is also possible to obtain the MA or MFA in combination with an MBA degree. PhD programs are also available.
Applicants should be aware that application deadlines and admission requirements vary from program to program. For further information, please consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar.