Three favourite projects from TMU students
With so many programs here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), something I enjoy is hearing others talk about their own programs, especially if I’m not familiar with them. As a Business Management student, I’m mainly taking courses from my own program. Whenever I get the chance, I love asking people about their own courses and what they like about them. There’s always an interesting story, course, or project they have to talk about. From modeling buildings, to making dresses, to producing songs, it's always fun to hear people talk proudly about their work. To learn more about other programs, I asked a few students to share some favourite projects that they’ve worked on.
James Peacock: First-year Professional Music student
James took BPM 101 Modern Music Fundamentals for part of his course requirements and had the opportunity to not only learn about the music industry and music composition, but also make his own songs. Students learn compositional elements for song writing and discussion regarding the music industry. The class has two assignments, a midterm and a final where students make their own songs incorporating elements they learned in class. James produced two songs through this course and appreciated that it places an emphasis on completing songs. He says that musicians can often leave projects half-done and this course looks to overcome that obstacle. A good thing about this class is that it encourages students to create songs they want to make!
James performing at one of Professional Music's open mic nights.
Kevin Kochatt: Second-year Architectural Science student
Kevin worked on a project for his class ASC 203 Structures I. In this class, students learn about the structural components of architecture. He had to create an amphitheatre using steel members, joints and details. Students were encouraged to choose any location of their choice as well as make a site plan, cross-section of the amphitheatre and sketch the building to visualize it. Kevin enjoyed the class because of how practical it was. It taught students a completely different way to design buildings where materials and structures designed the building. Kevin learned a new method of designing as well as some fundamentals of how buildings can be made using different materials and systems and how they support life and people.
Kevin, Architectural Science student
Kaylee Mikalauskus: Second-year Fashion student
During Kaylee’s first year in fashion, they got to take FCD 121 Design Literacy I, which was an introduction to Photoshop and Illustrator. The course introduces students to technology they might not be familiar with, and also shows them how to incorporate social and political concepts into the work they produce. For one of their projects, students were asked to make three images that were related to one another, using their knowledge of the two design platforms. Kaylee’s project centered around the issue of body image through a surreal, cartoon-like lens. They used a mix of photography, retrieved images and personal designs to produce this very real yet visually attractive effect. Kaylee enjoyed the artistic freedom of this project. Often in fashion, they are given a framework and a rubric which they need to work in and have to adhere to specific themes or draw inspiration from certain places. With this project, students were allowed to do whatever they wanted, as long as it was three images.
Fashion students use mannequins to test their designs.
With so many programs to choose from, students at TMU get many opportunities to get their hands on engaging and fun projects. A new semester has begun for us here at TMU and with it, plenty of new courses and engaging class work. Follow us @ChooseTMU (external link, opens in new window) on Instagram and TikTok to see more day in the life and project content from other current students.
That’s all for this week folks!
Stay warm,
Lily