Fine Arts and Design College of - University of Sharjah
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and Design Fine Arts College of
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND DESIGN
Officers of the College
Professor Hamid Al Naimiy Chancellor
Professor Abdul Sahib Mehdi Ali Acting Dean College of Fine Arts and Design
Administrative Support Staff
Samira Saba College Coordinator
Renji Mathews Head of Digital Media
Mazen Al Saman Lab Assistant
Polite Mangoro Fashion Technician
Eng. Abdulhadi Senior Technician
College of Fine Arts $ Design
Contact Information
College of Fine Arts and Design Building, M22
University City
Sharjah, UAE
00971-6-5057851
/www.sharjah.ac.ae
Accreditation
All programs of the College of Fine Arts and Design are accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific
Research (MOHESR).
History
The College of Fine Arts was founded in 2002 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi
UAE Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah.
The College started under supervision of the British Royal College of Art to reflect His Highness’s vision of making it a
leading art institution, to attract talented students who aspire to creativity, artistic sense and skills for the advance-
ment of art in the country.
In 2007 the name of the College changed to the College of Fine Art and Design after the following design programs
were introduced:
1. Interior Architecture and Design
2. Graphic design and Multimedia
3. Fashion design with textiles
4. Jewelry design
The first batch of the College of Fine Arts and Design graduates was in 2006. At the time, the number of graduates
was 5, but the number has been steadily increasing since, reaching ninety six in 2013-2014.
471Vision
The College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) at the University of Sharjah aspires to become one of the leading aca-
demic institutions in the UAE, the Gulf, the Arab world, and internationally.
Situated at the cultural intersection between Asia and Africa, the College of Fine Arts and Design aims to be one of
the centers of visual dialogues between the Middle East and the Western World.
The College of FAD aspires to be an international center of excellence that possesses superior art facilities for teach-
ing, research and creative discovery as well as for exhibiting artworks.
Mission
The mission of the CFAD is to provide students with scientific and professional experience of the highest standards
and to provide comprehensive and specialized programs in the field of Fine Arts and Design. The CFAD is committed
to contribute to the development of society in line with the values, heritage and culture of the Arab and Muslim
community, while striving for the development of arts education and research in the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE
with regional and global outreach.
It is expected that graduates of the CFAD to become leaders in their chosen fields. Students and faculty, in addition
to their expertise and accomplishment, provide cultural, intellectual, and aesthetic stimulation for the campus, the
Emirate of Sharjah and beyond.
Goals
The CFAD strives to achieve the following goals:
1. Provide students with educational knowledge in the field of Fine Arts and Design sciences, according to the
highest levels of quality in Fine Art, Interior Architecture, Graphic and Multimedia and Fashion Design.
2. Prepare qualified fine arts and design professionals, who can play a part in different executive and professional
careers in several arts institutions such as galleries, museums and art foundations
3. Develop art and design studies through research collaboration and cooperation with universities and academic
institutions in the UAE and at the regional and international levels.
4. Contribute to the cultural and social progress of the community by responding to its needs through effective
partnership with arts organizations, design departments, and the establishment of specialized research cen-
ters and scientific associations that aims to market the College’s academic and research services for mutual
benefits.
5. Preserve and emphasize the Arab and Islamic culture and community’s ethics in all of the tasks undertaken by
the College, whether at the level of teaching, scientific research or community service.
6. Raise the quality of art education by developing cooperation with other higher education institutions and the
adoption of best practices in teaching and learning, and establishing cooperation agreements with Western
distinguished universities in the field of Fine Arts and Design.
7. Develop the qualifications and skills of college graduates to keep abreast of developments in the local, regional
and international levels by linking the college’s programs with the market’s needs and through programs of
continuous education and training.
472Values
Excellence. The pursuit of excellence in creative thought and achievement, artistic performance, applied pedago-
gies, and in service to the professional communities provides the foremost motivation for the students, faculty, and
staff of the College of Fine Arts and Design.
Partnership. Mutually beneficial collaborations with community organizations in the UAE will include
sustained, synergistic relationships in the fine arts and design with closely related internships and col-
.laborative projects to support teaching, research and service related initiatives
.Diversity. The College values diversity in people, artistic production, research, teaching, and service
Integrity. The College acts with the highest moral principles and professional standards in teaching,
.research, creative production, and service
College Overview
College of Fine Arts $ Design
The College of Fine Arts and Design currently offers five undergraduate programs: Fine Arts, Fashion Design with
Textiles, Graphic Design and Multimedia, Interior Architecture and Design and Jewelry design. All four programs
share a common first year with the following three years being program specific with units of cultural studies being
common to all.
The programs are annual, cohort-based and teaching follows a unit system of ten, fifteen or twenty weeks. All com-
ponents of each program are taught in English.
Each program has a dedicated faculty for studio teaching; however, the cultural studies faculty provides the teach-
ing on art history and cultural studies units for all programs. Studio space is organized according to each program’s
needs, whilst workshops and computer labs are open to all students (as scheduled or by prior arrangement). Tech-
nical support staff maintain workshop equipment, facilitate student project work and ensure health and safety
regulations are met.
Each program has a coordinator that reports to the Dean and oversees the timetabling, administrative work and
structures curriculum development plans with the rest of the faculty team.
Academic Programs
The College of Fine Arts and Design offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in:
1. Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
2. Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design with Textiles
3. Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Multimedia
4. Bachelor of Arts in Jewelry Design.
5. Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design
473Admission Requirements
Applicants to the College of Fine Arts and Design should refer to the University Section on Admissions in this Bul-
letin for details on the admission requirements to the University. In addition to fulfilling the University admission
requirements, the College of Fine Arts and Design requires students to sit in for a personal interview before final
admission decision is made.
Program Structure and Organization
All the degree programs follow a four-year full time mode of study and share a common first year Foundation in Art
and Design.
Foundation Year
The first stage Foundation in Art and Design is an intensive year of study designed as an introduction to conceptual
thinking and to the creative production methods, materials and knowledge of all the art and design subject areas
offered by the College. It is designed to enable students to explore the complex inter-relationships between ways of
seeing, ways of thinking and ways of making, and is conceived as a series of topics for research, practical workshops
and guided visual study.
Specialization program
On successful completion of the Foundation year, students select the subject area in which they wish to specialize
for the next three years of study. Programs are based on practical studio and workshop-based projects, where stu-
dents have the opportunity to study the specialized areas of practice related to their chosen subject area. Through-
out all stages of studies, courses in the history and theory of art and design and cultural studies help develop a criti-
cal and analytical approach to studio practice. Students also have the opportunity to work with established artists,
designers, businesses and organizations on ‘live’ projects that will provide professional awareness and experience
in preparation for working within the expanding fields of the creative industries.
Each program takes its own direction and is distributed across three broad areas of learning, referred to as themes.
Each theme consists of a series of units that run throughout and across program’s three stages - stages two, three
and four:
• Theme I: Design Practice
• Theme II: Contextual and Cultural Studies
• Theme III: Personal and Professional Development
• The units for each program are detailed in the program descriptions.
Graduation Requirements
Each degree program comprises university requirements (UR), college requirements (CR) and program require-
ments (PR). The university and college requirements are common to all programs in the College of Fine Arts and
Design. Each program has its own required and elective courses. The credit hours allocations for each program are
shown in the following table:
474B.A. in Fine Arts (122 Credit Hours)
UR CR PR Total
Mandatory Credits 12 26 72 110
Elective Credits 12 0 0 12
Total 24 26 72 122
Course Coding
Courses offered in the College of Fine Arts and Design are designated numbers of the form 07XYABC where:
XY level Program
A Course level
B Specialized field
C .Serial No
College of Fine Arts $ Design
I. University Requirements
Every student working for a BA degree in the College of Fine Arts and Design is required to take 24 credit hours of
general education courses distributed over six domains. 12 mandatory credit hours are selected from Domains 1,
2, and 3, and 12 elective credit hours selected from domains 4, 5 and 6 as indicated below.
Domain 1: Islamic Studies, History and Culture (3 Credits)
0104100 Islamic Culture 3
Domain 2: Languages (6 Credits)
Arabic Language, Literature and Culture: Take one of the following courses
0201102 )Arabic Language (for Arabic Speakers 3
0201105 )Arabic Language (for non-Arabic Speakers 3
English Language, Literature and Culture: Take one of the following courses
0202111 Basic English 3
0202112 English for Academic Purposes 3
Domain 3: IT or Mathematics (3 Credits)
1440133 Calculus 1 for Engineering 3
475Domain 4: Literature and Humanities (3 Credits)
0203100 Islamic Civilization 3
0602246 Human Rights in Islam and International Declarations 3
0201140 Introduction to Arabic Literature 3
0203200 History of the Sciences among Muslims 3
0203102 History of the Arabian Gulf 3
0900107 History of Medical and Health Sciences 3
0710109 Arts and Medicine 3
Domain 5: Applied Sciences, 3 Credits
1430101 Astronomy and Space Sciences 3
0401142 Man and the Environment* 3
0500210 Health Awareness and Nutrition 3
Domain 6: Social Sciences and Education (3 Credits)
0206102 Fundamentals of Islamic Education 3
0204102 UAE society 3
0206103 Introduction to Psychology 3
0305110 Introduction to Economics ( for non B)* 3
0302120 Introduction to Business 3
0800107 Media in Modern Societies 3
0302327 Personal Finance* 3
0104130 Analytical Biography of the Prophet 3
* Not for students in the College of Business Administration
Domain 7: one 3-credit hour course from Domain 4, 5, or 6
476II. College Requirements
College requirements constitute Stage One of all programs offered by the College of Fine Arts and Design. They
consist of the foundation and skill courses required for all FAD students. The following table has the complete list of
College requirements and the subsequent section includes the description of these courses.
UK Credit US Credit
Course # Course Title Theme
Rating Rating
0710101 Foundation Unit 1: Exploration I 30 6
0710102 Foundation Unit 2: Discipline Choices I 30 6
0710103 Foundation Unit 3: Confirmation of Discipline I 40 8
0710107 Foundation Unit 4: History of World Arts 1 II 15 3
0710108 Foundation Unit 5: History of World Arts 2 II 15 3
Total 130 26
Descriptions of the College of Fine Arts required courses are given below.
College of Fine Arts $ Design
Unit 1 - Exploration :0710101
This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of drawing, color, 2D and 3D, materials, and related skills.The unit
provides a broad-based introduction and experience in visual language and forms of expression in art and design.
Drawing is a core focus and is taught from a variety of perspectives including observational and analytical draw-
ing skills, drawing systems and visual research. Students learn 2D and 3D basic design methodologies in technical
workshops.
Unit 2- Discipline Choices :0710102
This unit allows students to experience a number of designated art and design pathways from the range of pro-
grams offered by the college. The purpose is to allow students to make informed decisions about their area of
specialization. Projects emphasize the progressive development of problem solving skills as these relating to art and
design practice. The unit also covers creative and interpretative abilities and technical and manipulative skills spe-
cific to each discipline. Faculty members monitor student progression through individual, class and group tutorials
and reflective journals, to advise students on their choice of specialization to be pursued at degree level.
Unit 3 - Conformation of Discipline :0710103
The outcomes of the unit support progression from Stage One to discipline specific choices in Stage Two. In this unit
students undertake supervised skills-based workshops, portfolio assembly, and a major final project in their chosen
discipline. After completion of their portfolio, students have tutorials to discuss their work in Foundation Stage One
to assist them with their choice of discipline. Following on from individual tutorials with respective faculty, students
select a final project in a particular discipline to confirm their choice
)History of World Arts (1 :0710107
This introductory unit is lecture-based and offers a survey on the history of visual arts from the prehistoric times
to 1,500 CE (925 AH). It is designed for students with no previous knowledge of art or art history and is intended
477to demonstrate how to interpret important artworks of painting, sculpture, printmaking and architecture in their
historical, social, and cultural contexts. The unit aims to promote a familiarity with a range of traditions and devel-
opments in art and visual culture and to develop the ability to observe and engage critically in their interpretation.
It explores the dialogue between art and design through a historical overview relevant to the students’ studio prac-
tice. A study skills component enables the students to acquire and develop fundamental skills, understanding and
approaches to learning that underpin and support their studies.
)History of World Arts (2 :0710108
This introductory unit is lecture based and offers a survey on the history of visual arts from 1,500 CE (925 AH) to the
present. It is designed for students with no previous knowledge of art or art history and is intended to demonstrate
how to interpret important artworks of painting, sculpture, printmaking and architecture in their historical, social,
and cultural contexts. The unit aims to promote a familiarity with a range of traditions and developments in art
and visual culture and to develop the ability to observe and engage critically in their interpretation. It explores the
dialogue between art and design through a historical overview relevant to the students’ studio practice. A study
skills component enables the students to acquire and develop fundamental skills, understanding and approaches to
learning that underpin and support their studies.
III. Program Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in degree is program-specific. They encompass three categories: Major spe-
cific core courses, major specific elective courses, and courses chosen from outside the major. The program require-
ments for the bachelor degrees in the different Science majors are given hereafter. Details and titles of relevant
courses are included in the Student’s Study Plan (SSP) that is availed to every Science student.
478FINE ARTS
This program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts.
Goals
The primary goal of the Fine Arts program is to facilitate the creation of an environment that promotes high aca-
demic standards through the acquisition of the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in Fine Arts, demonstrat-
ed with outcomes of student studio work, spoken and written word. The program supports the development of the
necessary personal attributes and the mastery of essential skills that will equip and prepare students for continuing
creative and personal development. Through the delivery of a dynamic and innovative approach to teaching and
learning the Fine Arts program strives to provide an environment where academic freedom, creativity, scholarship
and initiative can flourish, fostering a culture where the student is prepared to enter the professional world of con-
temporary art practice or to continue postgraduate study. The specific program goals are to:
1. Provide a specialist education in Fine Arts that equips students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to de-
velop individual creative studio practice.
College of Fine Arts $ Design
2. Produce professional fine arts practitioners who have the expertise to undertake professional research, and
meet entry level standards for further study.
3. Enable the integration of theory into practice, synthesizing knowledge, conceptualization, critical thinking and
research skills in the creation of art work and scholarly writing.
4. Provide students with exemplary technical mastery to produce artwork within a context of research and intel-
lectual pursuit.
5. Enable students with confidence, self-direction and independent learning skills relevant to research, studio
practice, analysis, problem solving and professional attitudes.
6. Provide students with a creative, stimulating study environment to promote critical thinking that encompasses
cultural understanding, ethical appreciation and valid judgment.
7. Provide students with knowledge about the culture and history of art and design with an awareness of the
cultural issues and contexts of contemporary art and how the art of our time relates to the art of the past
Learning Outcomes
The Fine Arts Program Learning Outcomes are based on the three main domains of learning activities: Cognitive:
Knowledge, Psycho motor, Skill, Affective: Attitudes.
Upon successful completion of the BA Fine Arts Program graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical awareness of art and design practices in the diverse fine arts studio areas, and the knowl-
edge of a range of historical, and contemporary contexts, works of art, artists, and the evolution of art and
design.
2. Analyze the contextual setting of a subject through critical inquiry and cultural studies.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the appropriate use of a range of technical skills, media, technologies, ICTs (Infor-
mation and Communication Technologies), resources, materials, methods and processes, health and safety
procedures, to produce work.
4794. Proficiently employ the principles of visual organization and conceptual thinking, in relation to two-and three-
dimensional visual form, content, context; and represent them in ideas, sketches and artworks.
5. Demonstrate independent and creative thinking, conceptual ability, creative risk, experimentation and prob-
lem solving in the development of a focused studio research and practice.
6. Integrate capabilities of conceptualization, technical facility and research to analyze, discuss, communicate
content and create meaning, structure, and artwork.
7. Synthesize theory into practice with knowledge of diverse aesthetic formal and conceptual issues, to establish
an independent, coherent line of intellectual and practical inquiry in fine arts.
8. Conduct research and formulate a dynamic generative process in studio practice to create imaginative and
innovative artworks.
9. Articulate research, ideas and artwork in visual as well as verbal/ written presentations with skill in display
methodologies and exhibition.
10. Apply research skills in the production of scholarly written texts.
11. Demonstrate coherent communication skills and self-confidence with awareness of professional ethics.
12. Demonstrate a collaborative attitude in professional relationships.
Career Opportunities
The Fine Arts program is designed to prepare graduates for a fast growing culture-based sector. Opportunities in
the rapidly expanding gallery districts, national and private art foundations, museums, education programs and a
world class art market, offer numerous career choices to graduates in addition to becoming professional artists.
The Fine Arts program has partnerships with many art organizations and international universities to advance its
mission. The program is based both on theoretical and practical instruction, offering many transferable skills as well
as academic expertise. This combined knowledge has proven to contribute the multitude of professions related to
art and culture, such as: studio artist, fine art printer, instructor, technician, teacher, curator, art dealer, art handler,
graphic artist, book artist, craftsperson in a variety of mediums, museum preparator, museum administrator, out-
reach and community facilitator, photographer, creative advisor, critic and studio manager to name a few career
paths available upon completion of the degree in Fine Arts. The program also prepares students for full range of
postgraduate studies.
Program Overview
The BA Fine Arts program emphasizes support of creative development with a dynamic and contemporary ap-
proach to fine arts, preparing students to become innovative professional artists. The Fine Arts program fosters a
distinctive experiential learning process providing key knowledge, skills and attitudes in the field of fine arts. Intro-
ductory core fine arts studio workshops equip students with the fundamental proficiencies in sculpture, painting,
photography, print making, art histories and theories. In the intermediate stage students acquire knowledge of fine
arts concepts and contemporary fine arts practice, gaining the ability to produce meaningful works of art and con-
textualizing their studio work within contemporary fine arts discourse. Students are encouraged to reflect and focus
their research towards a self-directed studio research project supported by abilities in core fine art areas, choosing
to work in one medium, or to combine media forming an interdisciplinary practice. In the advanced stage students
further develop and consolidate a coherent line of intellectual inquiry to develop an area of fine arts research which
integrates studio with concepts, theories, and professionalism.
480UK Credit US Credit
Course # Course Title Theme
Rating Rating
Stage Two
0706201 Unit 1: Fine Arts: Introduction to Workshops 1 I 30 6
Unit 2 : Personal and Professional Development - Emirates
0702204 III 10 2
Project
0706202 Unit 3 : Fine Arts : Introduction to Workshops 2 I 30 6
0710201 Unit 4 : Cultural Studies II 20 4
0706203 Unit 5 : Fine Arts : Projects I 30 6
Total 120 24
Stage Three
0706301 Unit 6 : Fine Arts : Studio Practice I 30 6
0710301 Unit 7 : Cultural Studies Elective II 10 2
0706302 Unit 8 : Fine Arts : Context I 30 6
College of Fine Arts $ Design
0710302 Unit 9 : Cultural Studies Research Project II 10 2
0706303 Unit 10 : Fine Arts : Studio Research Project I 30 6
0705304 Unit 11A : Personal and Professional Development III 10 2
Total 120 24
Internship
Unit 11B : Internship
0705305 III 15 3
(Internship counts for 3 credits towards Stage Four)
Stage Four
0710401 Unit 12 : Cultural Studies Dissertation II 20 4
0706401 Unit 13 : Fine Arts : Major Project : Theory and Practice I 40 8
0706402 Unit 14 : Fine Arts : Final Exhibition Project I 45 9
Total 120 24
Description
The BA Fine Arts program framework comprises a four-year full time mode of study including the common Founda-
tion year (college requirement) in Art and Design during the first stage of the program together with 24 credit hours
to fulfill general University requirements and electives.
Stage One: Stage I is structured around three core units in Art and Design studio practice and two units in Cultural
Studies comprising lectures and seminars as described in the College Requirement section above.
Stages Two, Three and Four: After successful completion of Stage One - Foundation in Art and Design, the program
is distributed across three broad learning areas, referred to as Themes, which run throughout and across Stages
Two, Three and Four of the program. The themes are:
Theme I. Design and Fine Arts Practice
Theme II. Contextual and Cultural Studies
Theme III. Personal and Professional Development
Description of those follows.
481THEME I: Design Fine Arts Practice
Theme I involves Fine Arts Practice and encompasses the stages and units summarized in the following table.
Theme I - Design Fine Arts Practice
Stage Two Units 1, 3, and 5
Stage Three Units 6, 8, and 10
Stage Four Units 13 and 14
Theme I units are described below.
0706201: Unit 1 - Introduction to Workshops 1
This unit is an introduction to the core studio areas of Fine Arts practice (which include sculpture, photography,
painting, and printmaking) through studio work, lectures, workshops, discussions and consultations with respec-
tive studio faculty. Introduction to Workshops 1 develops the skills and working practices of the two mediums:
sculpture, photography that underpin fine arts practice. Students acquire abilities through the process of producing
studio projects. You will also undertake health and safety inductions to ensure safe working practice in the various
studio areas.
Sculpture: Workshop in Sculptures is an introduction to the process of making 3 dimensional forms. This workshop
explores diverse material and methodologies to create form and volume. Working with materials such as wood,
plaster, clay, wire you will learn processes in mold making and casting. Students will utilize and further develop
drawing skills in association with sculpture. Lectures include history, concepts and theories on space, site, weight,
light in relation to sculpture.
Photography: Workshop in Photography is an introduction to the process of making 2 dimensional forms with the
process of photography and media. This workshop explores diverse photographic techniques materials and meth-
odologies. Students develop core skills such as the photographic camera and the lens, light, exposure and film, de-
veloping the negative and printing the positive, analog and digital processes. Assignments develop your skills such
as framing, depth of field, shutter speed, editing the print, composition and representation focusing on technical
abilities. Lectures include history, concepts and theories, form and content, space, light, in relation to photography.
070620: Unit 3 - Introduction to Workshops2
This unit is an introduction to the core studio areas of fine arts practice (which include sculpture, photography,
painting, and printmaking) through studio work, lectures, workshops, discussions and consultations with respective
studio faculty. Introduction to Workshops 1 develops the skills and working practices of the two mediums: Sculp-
ture, Photography that underpin Fine Arts practice. Students acquire abilities through the process of producing
studio projects. Students also undertake health and safety inductions to ensure safe working practice in the various
studio areas.
Painting: Workshop in Painting is an introduction to the process of making two- dimensional forms by the application
of painting materials on surface. Students utilize and further develop drawing skills in association with painting. This
workshop explores diverse painting materials and methodologies such as oil, acrylic, mixed media on canvas. Assign-
ments develop their skills in visual organization, composition and representation focusing on technical abilities. Lec-
tures include history, concepts and theories on surface, form and content, space, light, in relation to painting.
Printmaking: Workshop in Printmaking is an introduction to the process of making 2 dimensional forms with the
printmaking processes such as relief, silkscreen, intaglio, lithography. Students utilize and further develop draw-
ing skills in association with printmaking. You will acquire core skills in the use of printmaking tools, methods and
techniques.
482Assignments develop students’ skills in visual organization, composition and representation focusing on technical
abilities. Lectures include history, concepts and theories on form and content in relation to printmaking.
0706203: Unit 5 - Projects
In this unit students undertake assigned projects, which will provide them with a focused and in-depth skill build-
ing experience in sculpture, photography, painting, and printmaking. Building and extending on the skills students
acquired in Unit 1, and Unit 3 the projects are designed to further extend their abilities in the processes and tech-
niques of the fine arts studio areas. Fine arts projects challenges students’ imagination to apply their technical skills
and reinforce their formal abilities.
0706301 Unit 6: Studio Practice
This unit emphasizes fine arts studio practice refining students’ technical and conceptual sensitivity to develop and
realize projects. Through exploration of studio methods and materials students will engage in analysis and reflec-
tion to broaden their knowledge in studio practice and further their individual development. Students work on
conceptually led project assignments designed to challenge their imagination in the investigation of forms, meth-
ods, materials and processes in the development and realization of projects. Topics: Method, Material, Process,
College of Fine Arts $ Design
Manipulating Forms
0706302: Unit 8 - Context
This unit builds progressively on knowledge and skills in fine arts studio practice reflecting on and applying techni-
cal and conceptual ability to produce meaningful works of art. Emphasis is placed on the exploratory process of art
making which includes the construction and analysis of art objects/images and spatial practice in the assembly and
the placement of art objects/images. It includes opportunities to explore installation practice and undertake site-
specific projects. Through a conceptually led project assignment students further develop their art making with an
awareness of art contexts. Topics: Context and Process, Art object/image analysis, Spatial Practice
0706302: Unit 10 - Studio Research Project
This Unit will enable students to define and analyze areas of interest within studio research, reflecting their individ-
ual development. In consultation with faculty, students initiate and develop a focused self-directed studio research
project, articulating their ideas through one medium, or forming an interdisciplinary approach. The development
of studio research requires independent and creative thinking, applied experimentation, reflection and a meth-
odological inquiry towards possible resolutions. Students apply critical thinking in conducting their research and
assessing the work of their peers in relation to construction of meaning and contemporary art. Topics: Concepts in
Art, Conceptualization and Research, Thinking and making
Unit 13: Major Project - Theory and Practice
Developing a focused and effective practice in studio work and research students are required to produce a major
body of studio work that synthesizes theory into practice. Examining discourses in contemporary art through se-
lected readings and writing critically will enable students to develop a coherent line of intellectual inquiry in fine
arts practice. Students are required to initiate, plan, develop, research, realize and present a major body of studio
work. Students will formulate a written project proposal, which will guide their research, studio work and time man-
agement, over fifteen weeks. At this stage students should exemplify individual growth and independent thinking in
research and in the making of art. Topics: Methodology of art research, Contemporary art practices in perspective.
483Unit 14 - Final Exhibition Project :0706402
This Unit serves as the framework for producing an exhibition, which prepares students for the challenges of profes-
sional fine arts and exhibition practice. Students are required to initiate, plan, develop, research, realize and present
a major body of studio work in the form of a Final Exhibition Project. They will engage in the realization of studio
work for an exhibition, curatorial planning and organization with the particular characteristics of the exhibition
space and the dynamics of a large group exhibition. The final exhibition projects should exemplify students’ ability
to work confidently as fine arts practitioners. Topics: Rhetoric of display, Art and visual culture in contemporary
society.
THEME II: Contextual and Cultural Studies
Theme II involves Contextual and Cultural Studies and encompasses the stages and units summarized in the follow-
ing table.
Theme II: Contextual and Cultural Studies
Stage Two Units 4
Stage Three Units 7, 9
Stage Four 12
Theme II Units are described below.
Unit 4 - Fine Arts: Cultural Studies :0710201
In this Unit students are introduced to a range of cultural themes, including Program-specific options and broader
aspects of popular culture, art and design. It offers the opportunity to encounter students from other Programs
within the College of Fine Arts and Design and to engage in discussion of cultural issues. It will allow the student to
test and develop discussion, research and writing skills learnt in Unit Two and the Foundation Stage. Students will
learn to use theoretical models and concepts in discussion and written assignments, applying them in the interpre-
tation and analysis of art and design through the examination of subjects which include art and designing the mod-
ern age, the avant-garde, postmodernism, the rise of popular media, and the digital revolution. Studying culture in
this way can help the student understand how the practice of art and design in the studio area relates to a wider
context. It also provides the student with source material for his/her studio work and introduces methods with
which the student can develop and interpret both his/her own work, and the work of other artists and designers.
Unit 7 - Cultural Studies Elective :0710301
The cultural studies elective is a unit that gives students the opportunity to complement and underpin their main
area of study. It is situated at the start of Stage Three in order to build upon the program specific contextual studies
in Stage Two and help prepare students for the critical interrogation and positioning of their practice in Stage Four.
Students have the opportunity to engage with students from other programs and to engage in debate and discus-
sion of the cultural issues. The unit 7 elective subjects enable students to develop in depth awareness in one chosen
area. Each elective option offers opportunities for the acquisition of a range of conceptual tools in the analysis of
cultural products, whether arts, design, or popular culture.
Unit 9 - Cultural Studies Research Project :0710302
This unit offers an opportunity for students to carry out an extended body of research on a topic of their choice
in negotiation with faculty. Students identify a research problem and apply research instruments and methodolo-
484gies in the development of self-directed research project. Students develop a proposal relevant to fine arts and/or
design that defines research problem and produce a preliminary structure that informs the final dissertation (Stage
Four, Unit Twelve).This unit provides students within understanding of what research entails and examines a range
of research methods, primary/secondary sources and writing styles. Building on previous Cultural Studies units, stu-
dents chosen topics are discussed and debated in a peer learning environment. This encourages students to think
critically and develop their own ideas from an informed, well-researched position. The work in this unit requires
students to further refine previously acquired knowledge in academic protocols through written assignments.
Unit 12 - Cultural Studies Dissertation :0710401
Following on from Unit Nine where students complete an initial body of research and identify key research ques-
tions, this unit facilitates the development of the major research dissertation. Students are expected to refine their
research questions and to develop a coherent and reasoned argument of cultural, social or historical relevance
to fine arts and/or design. The dissertation project is significant body of self-directed research, presented in an
appropriate style, supported by a bibliography and correct citation of sources. The dissertation can be supported
by visual material. In this unit students apply their understanding of research and research methodologies in the
development of the dissertation. The emphasis is on writing a well-structured and coherent outcome, involving
critical analysis. This unit consolidates the development of students as thinking practitioners and prepares them to
College of Fine Arts $ Design
undertake studies at postgraduate level.
THEME III: Personal and Professional Development
Theme III focuses on Personal and Professional Development and encompasses the stages and units summarized
in the following table.
Theme III: Personal and Professional Development
Stage Two Units 2, 11A and 11B
Theme III Units are described below.
0702204: Unit 2 - Personal and Professional Development-Emirates Project
In Unit Two students are introduced to a wide range of venues, practitioners, organizations and other resources that
facilitate research, personal development and professional opportunities existing in Sharjah and the United Arab
Emirates. Students are introduced to topics, workshops and writing exercises dealing with the relevant local cultural
resources, media and publicity, heritage and contemporary art/design appreciation. Students acquire and improve
basic skills and approaches to learning that include teamwork, professional ethics, communication and resourceful-
ness strengthening and supporting their studies throughout Stage Two and their program as awhile.
Stage Three:
0705304: Unit 11 A - Personal and Professional Development
This Personal and Professional Development Unit (PPD) compliments students’ design studies across the programs.
This unit is split into two sections with the first section focusing on particular aspects of subject based professional
practice(s), career development and life-long learning. The second part is structured in across disciplinary way and
485involves teamwork (mixed discipline) to generate conceptual development to a common brief. The purpose is to
provide students with an opportunity to prepare for a professional environment and to reflect on their current skills
and abilities, including collaboration, time management, team skills, presentation skills, and communication. The
objective of the Unit is to facilitate knowledge and skills that can support student career paths in the future.
0703305: Unit 11B - Internship
The internship of the fine arts program gives students an opportunity to apply in a professional environment the
knowledge and skills gained through the rest of the curriculum. This component provides students with the op-
portunity to gain experience in a professional art environment which informs their career decisions and plans for
further learning. This internship provides an experience of professionalism, code of ethics, and teamwork, as well
as opportunities for learning methods and techniques commonly used in professional practice. The experience will
vary depending on the individual student but could involve apposition in a fine art studios, museums, art galleries,
art events management or communications.
486GRAPHIC DESIGN AND MULTIMEDIA
This program leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Multimedia.
Goals
The primary goal of this Program is to facilitate the acquisition of the appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills
and attitudes that will allow graduates to become Graphic and Multimedia Designers. The Program supports the
development of the necessary personal attributes, and mastery of essential skills that will equip and prepare stu-
dents for continuing creative and personal development in both further studies and related professional practice.
1. The program goals are to:
2. Provide students with a specialist Graphic Design and Multimedia education that involves appropriate knowl-
edge, skills, attitudes and ethics, and is relevant and applicable to professional practices in related industries
and workplaces.
3. Provide students with a creative, stimulating and well-resourced study environment that supports their edu-
cational progression, including creativity, innovation, critical analysis, inquiry, self-direction and independent
College of Fine Arts $ Design
learning.
4. Provide students with curricula and teaching and learning experiences that support their educational progres-
sion, including creativity, innovation, critical analysis, inquiry, self-direction and independent learning.
5. Enable students to synthesize and integrate their proficiencies- knowledge, skills, attitudes, ethics and transfer
and apply them in diverse communities of practice.
6. Provide students with confidence, knowledge, skills and attitudes required for further study, research, or pro-
fessional development in program related areas.
Learning Outcomes
1. The program competencies and learning outcomes are based on the National Association of Schools of Art and
Design (NASAD) guidebook. Those competencies are:
2. Ability to solve communication problems, including the skills of problem identification, research and informa-
tion gathering, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, prototyping and user testing, and evaluation or
outcomes.
3. Ability to describe and respond tithe audiences and contexts which design/communication solutions must
address, including recognition of the physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors that shape design
decisions.
4. Ability to create and develop visual form in response to communication problems, including an understanding
of principles of visual organization/composition, information hierarchy, symbolic representation, typography,
aesthetics, and the construction of meaningful images.
5. Understanding of tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, production, and distribution of
visual messages. Relevant tools and technologies include, but are not limited to printing, time-based and in-
teractive media.
6. Understanding of design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives, including those of art
history, communication and information theory, technology, and the social and cultural use of design objects.
4877. Understanding of basic business practices, including the ability to organize design projects and to work produc-
tively as a member of teams.
8. Ability to form and defend value judgments about design and to communicate design ideas, concepts, and
requirements to professionals and laypersons related to the practice of the field.
9. Graduates are able to work collaboratively as appropriate to the area(s) of specialization.
The program competencies also correlate to the following 21st Century Group of Skills and Competencies:
1. Using tools interactively, which include the ability to use language, symbols and text interactively. This group
of competencies is essential for participating in an effective dialogue with others, and terms such as ‘commu-
nication competence’ or ‘literacies’, are compassed in this category. It includes the ability to use knowledge
and information by critically reflecting on the nature of information itself, such as its social, cultural, and even
ideological context and impact. This category contains the ability to use ICTs beyond the basic skills needed to
simply use the internet, send e-mails and so on. It requires an awareness of new ways in which individuals can
use ICT’s in their daily lives to take advantage of the possibilities embedded in technological tools.
2. The second category involves interacting in heterogeneous groups, and includes competencies associated
with terms such as ‘social competencies’, social skills’, intercultural competencies ‘or ‘soft skills. It places em-
phasis on emotional intelligence, and assumes that individuals are able to respect and appreciate the values,
beliefs, and cultures of others. An integral part of this category is the ability to cooperate effectively with oth-
ers, the ability to present ideas and listen to those of others, the ability to negotiate, and the ability to make
decisions that allow for different shades of opinion.
3. The last category encompasses the notion of acting autonomously, and the significance for individuals to cre-
ate a personal identify in order to give their lives meaning, to define how they fit in the workplace when there
are fewer stable, lifelong occupations. It includes the ability to translate needs and wants into acts of will, and
the ability to form and pursue life plans and personal development projects.
Career Opportunities
The Graphic Design and Multimedia graduate can work in design firms, advertising agencies, publishing houses,
in-house design department in governmental bodies or companies as a graphic designer, multimedia designer, art
director, creative director, typographer, film-maker, or web designer.
Program Overview
This program focuses on graphic design with multimedia as a complementary component reflecting the realities
of contemporary practices in the creative industries. More specifically, the program covers topics such as visual
communication, typography, print and digital media, web design, interface design, branding, corporate identity and
the design of linear and interactive narratives. This program normally leads to a variety of professional design des-
tinations, related to the study experience and content, such as working for a design studio across print and digital
media. The learning and teaching methods enhance creative and imaginative thinking, with graduating designers
able to move into other related areas such as marketing, advertising, and promotions. The program enhances the
continuing personal and professional development of students in the workplace, and the pursuit of further studies.
It offers the skills and competencies needed for graduates to succeed as graphic and multimedia designers in the
global economy and the ever changing workplace environment. The program adopts creative processes from con-
ception to dissemination that employ a range of tools and principles for application of the visual language across a
number of media (print and digital); knowledge of time dimension, narrative, sound and interactivity are essential
components of this process. It provides students with learning and teaching experiences that support creativity,
innovation, critical analysis, inquiry, self-direction and independent learning, and is complemented with a well-
488resourced study environment. The program in informed by the most recent standards (October 2009)set out by
the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).Consistent with NASAD guidelines, the primary and
secondary areas of focus (graphic design and multimedia design) cover more than sixty-five percent of the course,
with the remaining consisting of art and design history and contextual studies, plus compulsory general studies
units some of them in the form of electives offered by the University of Sharjah to all undergraduate programs. The
overview of each stage below, describes the scaffolding approach adopted in structuring the teaching and learning
experience, leading in the latter stages towards more independent learning and refinement of professional practice.
UK Credit US Credit
Course # Course Title Theme
Rating Rating
Stage Two
0703206 Unit 1A: Fine Arts: Introduction to Graphic Design 4
0703207 Unit 1B : Typography for Print and Digital Media 4
0703208 Unit 2 : Information Design 4
0703204 Unit 3 : Visual Identity 4
College of Fine Arts $ Design
0710201 Unit 4 : Contextual and Cultural Studies 4
0703205 Unit 5 : Integrated Project 1 4
Stage Three
0703306 Unit 6A : Web Design 4
0703307 Unit 6B : Design for Packaging 4
0710301 Unit 7 : Cultural Studies Elective 2
0703308 Unit 8 : Audio Visual Practices 4
0710302 Unit 9 : Cultural Studies Research Project 2
0703304 Unit 10 : Multimedia Design and Authoring 4
0703305 Unit 11A : Integrated Project 2 4
Internship
Unit 11B : Internship
0705305 3
(Internship counts for 3 credits towards Stage Four)
Stage Four
0710401 Unit 12 : Cultural Studies Dissertation 4
0703405 Unit 13A : Online Portfolio 4
0703406 Unit 13B : Professional Development and Practice 4
0703407 Unit 14A : Major Project Proposal 3
0703408 Unit 14B : Major Project 6
489Program Description
The BA Graphic Design and Multimedia program framework comprises a four-year full time mode of study including
a common Foundation year in Art and Design during the first stage of the program together with 30 credit hours to
fulfill general University requirements and electives.
Stage One: Stage I is structured around three core units in Art and Design studio practice and two units in Cultural
Studies comprising lectures and seminars as described in the College Requirement section above.
Stages Two, Three and Four: After successful completion of Stage One - Foundation in Art and Design, the program
is distributed across three broad learning areas:
Stage 2: The Underlying Design Principles, Concepts and Tools
Stage 3: The Application of Design Principles and Concepts
Stage 4: Independent Thinking and Professional Practice
Those stages encompasses the units summarized in the following table.
Stage Two Units 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Stage Three Units 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11A
Stage Four Units 11B, 12, 13A, 13B,14A and 14B
The corresponding units are described below.
Stage Two
This stage encompasses units 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, and 5 described below.
Unit 1A - Introduction to Graphic Design :0703206
This unit consists of an intensive exploration of the fundamental principles and concepts of graphic design that
govern effective design, composition, and page layout. Through a series of studio assignments, projects, critiques,
readings, and lectures, learners will develop skills and build a body of visual work and a vocabulary for critically
engaging with the world of design, in addition to developing their knowledge of the main software packages as
tools for this vocabulary. This unit covers design concepts such balance, proximity, alignment, repetition, contrast,
whitespace, working with grids. This unit will also investigate the use of shape, color, hierarchy, and word/image
relationships, as design communicative tools. In addition, the digital media lab assistant will teach in parallel use
of software covered to complement the content delivered by faculty. These additional sessions are needed so that
students can master the technical skills required and faculty can focus on concepts and principles in a creative
teaching and learning context.
Unit 1B: Typography for Print and Digital Media 0703207
This unit covers the applications and fundamental elements and categories of type, letterforms, typography and
how these apply to print and digital media. This unit also covers the theory, practice, technology, history and evo-
lution of typography, including Arabic calligraphy. Projects will explore: Grid systems, type design, proportion, hi-
erarchy, legibility, readability, kerning, the study of letterforms, and structures for composition of multiple type
and letterform related elements. Students will combine the theoretical and underlying design related issues and
concerns, with practical outcomes and assignments.
490Unit 2: Information Design 0703208
In this unit, students will be taught that Information Design is the practice of gathering, filtering, and presenting
information in accordance with effective design principles in order to understand - and communicate to others - the
meaning of that information. The field of information design applies design principles to the process of translating
complex, unorganized, or unstructured data into valuable, meaningful information for the purpose of practical use.
The practice of information design combines skills in graphic design, writing and editing, instructional design, and
human factors. With the electronic delivery of information and the Internet, the representation of information is
becoming more complex. In the past, information was designed for a single output. Today, through the use of these
technologies, information design applies to various platforms/ media. Through this unit, students will learn the prin-
ciples and purpose of information design and how to apply them to different platforms and media. This is a theory
and practice based unit. It entails both a theoretical and a visual/practical understanding of the concepts covered.
Unit 3: Visual Identity 0703204
This unit is an exploration and analysis of brands and visual identity, and will equip learners to integrate knowledge
and inform creative and functional design solutions. The unit will investigate strategic thinking and brand position-
College of Fine Arts $ Design
ing using specific case studies allowing students to gain a new level of understanding and appreciation of how de-
sign and communication can not only deliver a design solution, but also help define a company’s (product/service)
message. Students will develop their own unique and consistent visual brand identity utilizing their research and
creative skills to identify the organization’s personality or essence, designing a visual identifier. Students will create
the visual elements that support the new brand and develop a visual voice and related message through multiple
applications such as print collateral, Web, packaging and environmental.
Unit 4: Cultural Studies 0710201
This unit introduces the history of graphic design from the second half of the 19th century CE to the present.
Furthermore, topics include a basic terminology and an analysis of graphic design principles that will enhance the
comprehension of visual language forms through a historical survey of modern and postmodern graphic design. At-
tention is given to developments in printmaking, typography, book design, motion graphics and web design in their
social, cultural, historical and political contexts. Finally, this unit investigates the role of graphic design in advertis-
ing and explores sustainable materials and their applications for the graphic designers and their clients. Parallel to
the lectures, students will have the chance to advance their academic reading and writing skills through a series of
seminar readings and projects on a weekly basis.
Unit 5: Integrated Project 1 0703205
The purpose of this unit is to integrate the learning experiences, skills and knowledge that was covered in all units
during Stage Two. In addition, the purpose of this unit is to manifest that learning into coherent outcomes that
demonstrate integration and consolidation of previously acquired knowledge and skills during Stage Two. In this
unit students will be offered a set of briefs from which they have to select and complete one. This is the first stage
towards independent learning in dealing with a major project. Working with faculty, studio work is intended to fa-
cilitate learner ability to undertake a sustained integrated project and manage it to a successful conclusion. In later
stages, students will be able to determine the parameters of their own briefs, but at this stage it is imperative that
tutors gauge the level of student acquired skills and knowledge before progression to Stage Three.
491Stage Three
This stage encompasses units 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11A described below.
0703306 Unit 6A: Web Design
The purpose of this unit is to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills and knowledge required
to develop, design and publish websites. This unit enables learners to understand and use Hyper-Text Markup
Language (HTML), What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) software (such as Dreamweaver), and intermediate
knowledge of Flash software (introduction to action script), in order to design web pages. Additionally, this unit ad-
dresses issues of usability, web standards, navigation, information design for the web, and overall site management.
0703307 Unit 6B: Design for Packaging
This unit covers the fundamental principles of packaging design from exploration of 3D form and materials to brand-
ing and visual identity. Students are exposed to the process of producing a package from the initial briefing with
the client to presenting their own unique design solutions. They will explore how each element of design communi-
cates, from the structure through to the graphics, including typography and imagery to create strong, focused brand
communication. Experimentation with different materials is also covered. Students can develop an understanding
of the processes of brand design and will complete their own case studies for inclusion in their design portfolios.
0710301 Unit 7: Cultural Studies Elective
The cultural studies elective is a unit that gives students the opportunity to complement and underpin their main
area of study. It is situated at the start of Stage Three in order to build upon the program specific contextual studies
in Stage Two and help prepare students for the critical interrogation and positioning of their practice in Stage Four.
Students have the opportunity to engage with students from other programs and to engage in debate and discus-
sion of the cultural issues. The unit 7 elective subjects enable students to develop in-depth awareness in one chosen
area. Each elective option offers opportunities for the acquisition of a range of conceptual tools in the analysis of
cultural products, whether arts, design, or popular culture.
0703308 Unit 8: Audio Visual Practices
This unit is intended to teach students the techniques of acquiring digital audio and video using industry standard
software (AVID, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Sound Booth), and applying the related
skills and knowledge in different design contexts. Students will be taught how to edit (linear and non-linear editing),
apply effects and output in formats suitable for multimedia applications including online delivery. This unit covers
the technical and analytical knowledge for the pre-production, production and post-production of audio-visual ma-
terial for incorporation into multimedia projects for the purpose of design solutions.
0710302 Unit 9: Cultural Studies Research Project
This unit offers an opportunity for students to carry out extended research on a topic of their choice in negotia-
tion with faculty. Students identify a research problem and apply research instruments and methodologies in the
development of a self-directed research project. Students develop a proposal relevant to fine arts and/or design
that defines a research problem and produces a preliminary structure that informs the final dissertation (Stage Four,
Unit Twelve).This unit provides students with an understanding of what research entails and examines a range of re-
search methods, primary/secondary sources and writing styles. Building on previous Cultural Studies units, students
chosen topics are discussed and debated in a peer learning environment. This encourages students to think critically
and develop their own ideas from an informed, well researched position. The work in this unit requires students to
further refine previously acquired knowledge in academic protocols through written assignments.
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