Questions not Answers
Ralph’s teaching philosophy is grounded in a single guiding question: “How do you disagree with someone without making them wrong?” This principle shapes his classroom as a space of confidence, curiosity, and dialogue. He believes artistic growth depends on the freedom to experiment and fail without fear of judgment. By focusing on questions, Ralph fosters inquiry over correctness, Ralph cultivates an environment where diverse perspectives inspire creative confidence, critical thinking, and deeper understanding.
Discussion not Monologue
Ralph’s pedagogy is rooted in discussion. He envisions the classroom as a collaborative space where foundational theories are framed as questions, dialogue drives discovery, and insights are synthesized collectively. A formative lesson from his broadcasting career informs this philosophy: “A monologue is for the benefit of the one speaking, not the one listening.” Guided by that principle, Ralph approaches teaching as a conversation that values listening as deeply as expression. His classes are dynamic, multimodal environments that integrate discussion, visual analysis, and creative exploration to inspire inquiry and authentic artistic growth.
Diverse original expression informed by cultural context
Ralph believes that creative development is the foundation of meaningful arts education. He encourages students to move beyond replicating established models, instead cultivating original expressions shaped by their cultural contexts and lived experiences. Recognizing that artistic discovery often emerges from uncertainty, he fosters an environment grounded in dialogue, empathy, and intellectual challenge. Ralph’s teaching philosophy empowers students to think critically, experiment boldly, and contribute authentically to the evolving conversation of the arts.
ANATOMY OF VISUAL ARTS
An examination of the elements of a visual composition that make a work iconic.
ARTS INDUSTRIES IN CANADA AN INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Examine the Canadian creative industries and track the evolution of arts.
BUSINESS OF FILM
Two term course - Outlining the commercial aspects of television and film production including narrative and documentary projects.
BROADCAST WRITING
Explore the writing process for live to air factual programing for online, TV and radio productions.
CREATIVE ARTS IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT
Overview of social and cultural factors that influence and shape creativity and aesthetic perceptions.
CRITICAL HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
A critical look at photography’s role in political influence and the voice of oppressed cultures.
DOCUMENTARY STUDIES
Advanced study of lens-based documentary in cultural context.
DOCUMENTARY WRITING
Examine the writing methodologies and planning process for a feature length documentary project.
FILM FOR CULTURAL STUDIES
Explore narrative and documentary feature length films as a research tool for cultural studies.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE CREATIVE ARTS
Examine the global nature of the creative arts and the effect of diverse cultural interpretations.
GRADUATING PROJECT
Two term course - Student supervision of capstone artistic projects focus on documentary, still life, writing and installation projects.
GREAT THINKERS ON THE CREATIVE ARTS
Explore the artistic perspective of notable philosophers such as Nietzsche, Foucault, Adorno, Bourdieu, Bazin, Kohler, Koffka and Sontag.
HISTORY OF FACTUAL FILM
Examine the development of factual films and the representation of culture.
HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
An exploration of the photographic arts from inception to contemporary approaches.
NARRATIVE THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
Understand how lens-based still life arts can produce complex narratives.
OPPRESSED VS DOMINANT VOICES THROUGH THE VISUAL ARTS
Compare and contrast visual arts developed by dominant cultural vs oppressed or subcultures.
POETIC DOCUMENTARY AS THE PINNACLE OF VISUAL ARTS
Understand the influence of Poetic Documentary and experimental films to factual storytelling
PRINCIPLES OF ART AND DESIGN
Understand the basic principles of artist design with a focus on visual arts.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
A lecture and seminar course tackling current issues with visual arts.