Critical and Creative Studies
Non-Degree
Challenge the way you see, make and engage with the world.
| Type | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Fine Arts – Studio Art Bachelor of Design - Visual Communication Design | 4 years, interwoven throughout your degree | In-person, non-studio & hybrid | School of Critical and Creative Studies (SCCS) |
At AUArts, an artist is not just a maker—they’re a thinker, writer, reader and doer. The School of Critical + Creative Studies (SCCS) at AUArts forms the beating heart of every BFA and BDes degree, empowering you to become a more thoughtful, articulate and inventive practitioner. Here, you’ll hone analytical and creative skills to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions and fuel your studio work with a depth of context, curiosity and connection.
Program Overview
Learn to explore big ideas and ask bold questions: What does it mean to make in a world shaped by technology, power and cultural histories? How can artists shape and disrupt culture? How do visual and material objects reflect, resist and reshape the societies around them?
From art history and philosophy to creative writing, media studies and game design, CCS invites you to situate your art within global histories, politics and cultural movements through research, writing and conceptual skills that deepen your creative practice.
Every course is intentionally interdisciplinary, blending analysis and creative action.
Theory isn’t extra—it’s the spark behind your studio work.
Program Highlights
- Explore Big Ideas: From eco-cultures and social justice to technology and global culture, you’ll debate and reflect on the issues shaping the world—and your own art.
- Sharpen Visual & Cultural Analysis: Gain tools to critically examine images, objects, media and stories across cultures, time periods and contexts.
- Blend Theory with Creative Practice: Hands-on “critical making” courses let you experiment with research, writing and making, showing how theory drives artistic innovation.
- Engage with Identity, Society & Culture: Analyze gender, sexuality, Indigenous perspectives and contemporary debates through the lens of art, design and material culture.
- Discover Cinema, Curating and Craft: Study everything from film analysis and curating exhibitions to exploring how everyday objects shape our lives.
- Interrogate Science, Technology & Media: Unpack how technology, science and media influence, disrupt and inspire today’s culture and creative practices.
- Go Deep with Advanced Seminars: In senior years, tackle advanced research, complex theory and project-based learning—honing your expertise for careers or graduate study.
Learning Outcomes
Critical + Creative studies will provide AUArts’ Graduates with the ability to:
- Demonstrate deep understanding of art, craft and design within historical and contemporary contexts
- Apply critical and creative thinking to research, writing and making
- Analyze and situate visual and material culture in relation to politics, society and technology
- Articulate complex ideas through writing, presentation and discussion
- Engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration
- Develop a sophisticated, informed and ethical creative practice
Faculty
School of Critical + Creative Studies is home to leading academics and creative practitioners who support your growth as both a maker and a thinker.
Faculty
Studio Facilities & Resources
SCCS courses are supported by the Luke Lindoe Library, dedicated classrooms and an array of student learning resources and services, including learning management systems and the AUArts Writing Centre.
Students can also access resources at other Calgary post-secondary institutions, including the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.
Career Paths
Graduates who engage deeply in Critical & Creative Studies pursue careers in arts writing, curation, publishing, education and graduate research.
- Visual arts, writing, criticism, curation and arts management
- Graduate studies in art history, philosophy, cultural studies or creative writing
- Communications, publishing and journalism
- Game and experience design
- Museum, gallery and archival roles
- Social innovation, policy, activism and education
Culture & Community
SCCS is a community of readers, writers and thinkers who bring curiosity, conversation and critical reflection to AUArts.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons
About Critical and Creative Studies
Critical & Creative Studies (SCCS) enriches every AUArts degree by connecting studio practice with research, history and theory. You’ll study literature, cultural theory, philosophy, and creative writing while building the skills to think critically, communicate clearly and contextualize your art within broader cultural conversations. SCCS courses sharpen your ability to analyze, question and create. Preparing you for advanced study and a range of creative careers.