Fall 2026 ART 370: Advanced Video Art (Units: 1.5)

Course Overview

This is a studio intensive course centered on the development of finished and fully realized moving image works. Students will have the opportunity to experiment and develop their art based on individual interests. Studio time is dedicated to conceptual development and creative exploration rather than technical instruction. Workshops will provide students with the opportunity to learn new techniques and ways of thinking about video art and installation. During critiques, students will have the chance to share the process and motives behind their work and offer critical insights to others. Throughout the course students will learn about established video artists, and how to continue their practice beyond the course. 

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course you will:

1. Be able to critically analyse and discuss your work and the work of your peers.
2. Have a deeper understanding of your motivations and creative impulses.
3. Understand the technical requirements of exhibiting moving image artworks in a gallery setting.
4. Know about major contemporary moving image artists and how to position your work in relation to theirs.
5. Have a pathway to developing a professional video art practice.

Assignments

Project #1 - due Sep 25

Project #2 - due Oct 23 / Oct 30

Project #3 - due Nov 27 / Dec 4

Research project - due Jan 8 / Jan 15

Project #4 - due Feb 5 / Feb 12

Project #5 - due Mar 26 / Apr 2

Critiques

Feedback and insights provided during critiques should be recorded and reviewed. Having a designated note-taking buddy during critiques is recommended.

Project #1 critiques:
- September 25

Project #2 critiques
- October 23
- October 30

Project #3 critiques
- November 27
- December 4

Research project presentations:
- January 8
- January 15

Project #4 critiques
- February 5
- February 12

Project #5 critiques
- March 26
- April 2

Grading

Attendance - Each unexcused absence is worth 5% of the attendance grade. If more than half a class is missed by arriving late or leaving early, it counts as an absence. Being late to class 2 times or leaving early without prior consent will count as an absence. Additionally, coming to class without work to do is considered as being absent 

Participation - The participation mark is calculated based on engagement with course material, 1-1 meetings, group discussion and critical feedback.

Projects - A project is due on the day it is to be critiqued. Late or incomplete work will initially be deducted 10% of the final grade, with an additional 5% per day, including weekends. After 3 days late, it will be marked 0%. An absence on a critique day will result in a 10% deduction of the project grade.

Fall:

Attendance - 15% 

Participation - 25% 

Project #1 - 10% 

Project #2 - 25% 

Project #3 - 25%

Winter:

Attendance - 15% 

Participation - 25% 

Research project - 10%

Project #4 - 25%

Project #5 - 25%

Please note: Most students are expected to fall in the B+ range. A- and above must demonstrate mastery or excellence, and go above and beyond what is expected. 

Department of Visual Arts Attendance Standard

Experiential learning and engagement are directly tied to class attendance. In the Department of Visual Arts students are expected to attend all classes. To succeed in the course, students should not have more than 2 unexcused absences in a 12-week semester, which equates to 6 hours of instruction.

Any student, regardless of illness or accommodation will not be able to succeed in the course with absences over 30%, which equates to 12 hours in a twelve-week semester. If a student finds that they are not able to meet this requirement, the instructor will work with the student to apply for academic concession or exceptional circumstances accommodation.

This standard is in place to ensure that students in the program acquire artistic experience in conjunction with the skill and safety requirements needed to complete the coursework and continue in the program. We find that active communication between students and instructors is the best method for ensuring attendance requirements are met. If the attendance standard has not been met and there is no communication with the instructor, an incomplete or failing grade will be assigned.

Academic Concession Link:

https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-concessions-accommodations/request-for-academic-concession/#ipn-request-a-withdrawal-or-aegrotat

Materials

For this class you need:
- Something to make or record video and audio
- A portable storage drive with a capacity of at least 1TB

On-campus access to editing software on new Apple desktop computers is provided to students. On-site storage of data is strongly discouraged as user accounts are cleared of data weekly. A portable drive (not cloud storage) is required to have safe and stable access to your project files. Video recording, audio, and lighting equipment is available to borrow from the Media Commons (equipment cage). It is recommended that you take advantage of your access to these items as a way of improving your technical foundation with advanced video production equipment. There is a lot of competition for these items so having access to your own equipment, or working with others to streamline production is hugely beneficial and will result in overall stronger work.

Support

CAL Accommodations

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Access, review and acknowledge receipt of the accommodation letter https://al.uvic.ca/ClockWork/user/instructor/default.aspx
• Take the time to privately discuss the accommodation with your student; if you would like to understand the requested accommodation better, reach out to the CAL Advisor mentioned in the accommodation letter or communicate with both the student and their CAL Advisor. The goal is to learn if the accommodation pertains to studio-based classes, and if so, discuss best practices for moving forward with the accommodation request and achieving the learning outcomes of the course.
• Work with your student to meet their requirements for your specific class.
• Inform the student of their role in the accommodation process.
• Be mindful of the need to ensure confidentiality and protect the student’s privacy at all times.

Student Responsibilities:

• Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning by the posted deadlines https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/how-to-register/index.php
• Take the time to discuss your accommodation with your instructor. Consider how your accommodation relates to a studio-based learning environment, and which, if any, aspects will pertain.
• A CAL accommodation does NOT exempt students from completing assignments or attending class.
• If you require additional time on an assignment or deadline, this must be discussed with your instructor in advance.
• If you require alternate methods for engagement (class discussion, working in the studio classroom, working in the shops), discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• If you require alternate methods for lectures, film or image presentations, discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• Keep your instructor up to date on accommodation needs throughout the term, especially if there are improvements or setbacks.

Health and Safety Policies for the Department of Visual Arts

 In order to protect the integrity of the Visual Arts building and guarantee the safety of students, staff and faculty, the following guidelines must be followed:

• There will be no alteration of the physical building (temporary or otherwise), without the written approval of the chair. All proposals for special projects should be first submitted to The Visual Arts Facilities and Production Manager for consideration.

• All temporary installations of art that may occur outside the regularly sanctioned locations (i.e., the gallery and classrooms) must be authorized.

• At no time will the use of hazardous materials either inside or outside the vicinity of the Visual Arts Building, be permitted without the department’s prior approval.

• There shall be no disposal of toxic materials down sinks: all solvents, acids and other substances used in the routine course of art making must be handled in a safe and acceptable manner. 

• Artworks that include an element of self-harm must be authorized in writing by the Chair and will include strict pre-determined conditions depending on the proposal. In most cases the artist/ student will be responsible for ensuring all safety precautions are taken regarding their safety and the safety of others. This includes having first aid equipment at the performance or during the creation of the work where the action takes place, and consider any health risks your actions may pose to others. At the discretion of the Department Chair, a first responder may be required to be present

• Art that includes elements of violence, self-harm, and or other subject matter that may be traumatic or pose a trigger risk should be clearly identified to students, faculty and staff, allowing them to choose if they want to witness your work, these types of warnings are typical if one were to do such a performance in a gallery or other public space.

• Art that includes excessive volume is dangerous to the hearing of students, faculty and staff. These artworks can also be disruptive to other classes and activities within the Visual Arts Building. Artworks and or actions that contain sound at or above 98dB need to be pre-approved by the Department and clearly labeled. During critique situations hearing protection should be made available anyone required to experience the piece. Free decibel metering apps are available for most smart phones determine the level or risk.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN ACADEMIC PENALTIES, FINANCIAL CHARGES, AND/ OR, THE LOSS OF SHOP, LAB, STUDIO, AND EQUIPMENT USE PRIVILEGES.