FINE 257Video, New Media and the Digital Turn
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- Fine Arts
Not in the current Undergraduate Calendar. Shown as it appeared in 2024–25.
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course analyzes the shift in visual practices of the 20th century transformed by the arrival of various digital technologies. An emphasis is placed on the increasing interdisciplinarity of new media, as well as their multi-sensory nature.
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Reviewed on UW Flow
86% liked it94% easy75% useful
From 7 ratings and 2 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Sounds like the sequel that ENGL108D: Digital Lives needed to have with a more detailed set of concepts. And so it has the same risk: the mindset of the prof can influence the theme of the course a lot in terms of how secular/political it gets. But the overall variety of topics and histories explored is decent.
May 2025 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this
interesting topics but presented in dull slideshows and notes. not a lot of studio sessions or hands on art
Jul 2025 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
13 posts and comments in 11 threads mention FINE 257, December 2013 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Fall 2024
FINE 257 3 points, 0 comments
u/dubd_royale: “If anyone has taken this course before, FINE257 Video, New Media and the Digital Turn, what was it about, what did ya'll learn, what where the assignments about, etc? I just wanna know if it's basically GBDA203 Intro to Digital Cultures”
Winter 2023
Free Exhibit! Stop by ECH starting Tuesday to see an exhibit made by UW students 1 point, 1 comment
u/The_UW_Guy: “FINE 257 students have been hard at work on creative projects across a variety of mediums to display in a week long exhibition in ECH. Topics vary, but the central theme is the impact technology has had on art in its different forms. …”
Fall 2021
What are your favourite classes at UW 56 points, 87 comments
u/anthondotym: “CS 246, FINE 257 and ENGL108D so far!”
Spring 2021
Which is the easiest and least boring CSE course??? 1 point, 5 comments
u/Plane_Razzmatazz_143: “Depends on what you find interesting. If you like Greek Mythology - try CLAS 104 If you want to learn more about film scoring or pop music - try MUSIC 246 and 140 respectively.Quick thing about these …”
u/anthondotym: “FINE 257 and ENGL 108D aren't exactly memeology, but talk about current trends in digital media (and memes) for a portion of the course”
u/10minuteninja: “"This course analyzes the shift in visual practices of the 20th century transformed by the arrival of various digital technologies." I wonder if they cover digital race horse breeding, pretty hot field right now”
Winter 2019
Has anyone here taken FINE257? 6 points, 2 comments
u/alkiwi: “I want a digital arts course in which I can actually create digital arts. I’ve never taken a course in the arts so I’m wondering: Will I actually be making digital arts in this course or is it the type of class where he just talks about the concepts? …”
u/whitepenguins: “If you’re looking for a digital arts course, try out FINE130 or FINE 228&229 (have FINE100/130 as prereqs). FINE 257 is purely an art history course that talks about transition in history from traditional to digital art forms with the advancement of technology.”
Opinion on FINE 368? 6 points, 0 comments
u/skbtwiz: “… As part of the Fine Arts option, I would be taking FINE 100, FINE 229, and FINE 257 only. …”
Winter 2018
Has anyone taken CS383 before? 3 points, 3 comments
u/Haruuuuuuu: “… To take this course, I need to take FINE100 or 130, FINE229 and FINE257. Is it ever possible to get into these classes as a CS major student? I remember signing up for FINE130 like twice and never got in. …”
Has anyone done FINE 257 2 points, 5 comments
u/whyamihere02: “If yes, how did you find it?”
Fall 2017
For cross listed courses is the only difference what subject it will be counted as? 3 points, 9 comments
“E.g. if ABC 101 and DEF 101 are cross listed is the only difference that the first one will count as an ABC course while the second will count as a DEF? …”
u/chakuri: “I wanted to take a CS/FINE and count it as FINE, as it would fulfill my depth requirement. My advisor told me that any CS course we take is counted as CS.”
u/chakuri: “… FINE257 seems to be of the same vein. …”
Winter 2017
CS 383 Course Info Help! 1 point, 2 comments
u/arthurbuster: “… I wanted to know if the pre-requisites for CS 383 include CS 240 and BOTH FINE 229/257 or just one of the listed FINE courses would suffice. …”
Fall 2013
Is anybody in the global business and digital media program? If so, how do you like it so far? 3 points, 10 comments
u/zwitt95: “… First year you must take GBDA 101,102,103 ARBUS 200, ECON 101, and 1 of FINE 130/VCULT 101/VCULT 100/FINE 257 as well as two second language credits. This leaves you with two elective slots for your first year. Second year will be similar. …”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2024–25The archived entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them
Calendar versions
Undergraduate Calendar
- 2020–21
- 2021–22
- 2024–25 (shown here)
- 2019–20 and earlier on ucalendar