Since the early 1960s, art has occupied a prominent place at Collège Brébeuf. Its Arts, Letters and Communication program, based on high principles of excellence, today trains high-level creators who shine throughout the cultural sphere of Quebec.
“Brébeuf enjoys a very good reputation, which also benefits students in the Arts, Literature and Communication diploma,” says Étienne Bégin-Thibault, communication teacher and program manager. Our alumni, who are successful in many fields, are particularly distinguished in the artistic world. The university programs towards which they are headed, just like the positions they will occupy, are extremely varied. And, in the majority of cases, these jobs are well paid, at odds with the prejudices and apprehensions that some have with regard to such a program. »
A pedagogical approach rooted in practice
Collège Brébeuf favors a multidisciplinary education based on a well-balanced mixture of theory and practice, which is rooted in a solid general culture. The college program (DEC) Arts, Letters and Communication thus offers students many workshops allowing them not only to discover different disciplines, but also to concretize their learning by carrying out several projects. Anchored in current artistic events, the curriculum leads them to visit museums and galleries, watch films, attend plays, and even take an educational trip to New York, during which they carry out work in the field. For example, they take pictures as part of a photography course or criticize a museum work in the context of a course dealing with cultural issues.
Graduates who have made their way
Direct contact with Quebec creators
Meetings with experts and headliners are also on the program. “Each week, two hours are set aside for workshops, screenings and conferences with professionals from the artistic and cultural milieus,” comments Étienne Bégin-Thibault. Masterclasses are offered each semester, and students have the option of doing internships in a professional environment during the summer or during the session. These experiences in the field, very useful to validate their affinities, also allow them to fill their contact book. Over the past few years, our students have landed internships at Radio-Canada, TVA, the Orchester symphonique de Laval, Cirque du Soleil, the Just for Laughs festival, Gamelot, Cinelande, and more. »
State-of-the-art equipment
Collège Brébeuf offers its students professional facilities, including a large auditorium, computer labs, editing and recording rooms and a television studio equipped with cameras, a video console and a sound console. They also have access to state-of-the-art equipment such as virtual reality headsets, film cameras, 3D printers and, on the arts side, everything needed to carry out a host of projects.
Four profiles for creative mindsThe Arts, Letters and Communication program is made for people interested in everything related to culture. “It is aimed at curious students who wish to develop their creativity by exploring different artistic languages, and who want to leave their mark by expressing themselves and intervening in cultural issues and debates through the media”, specifies David Pilon, director studies at Collège Brébeuf. Four specialization profiles are offered to them, depending on their interests: theatre, play and creation; digital media; visual arts and design; and, finally, letters and journalistic writing.
On the program: the production of a short film
The common core, which brings together all students regardless of their profile, offers solid training in communication and cinema. In this regard, the production of a short film, a major integration project, is the reputation of the program. Each student occupies a specific role – director, editor, cinematographer or sound recordist, for example – and participates in the development of a film that meets the requirements of the film industry. “Our achievements are recognized at student film festivals and, every year for the past seven years, at least one of our productions has been selected in the favorites of the Intercollegiate Film Festival,” emphasizes Étienne Bégin-Thibault.
A benevolent frameworkThe teachers, all outstanding pedagogues, have expertise that radiates both inside and outside the College. Most hold a master’s or doctoral degree and lead an active artistic practice in their respective disciplines. “This anchoring in reality is in fact a great asset, which gives a broad scope to their teaching”, comments David Pilon.
“At Brébeuf, teachers are very available outside of class hours,” says Étienne Bégin-Thibault. When the time comes to prepare applications for admission to universities, major schools, such as the National Theater School, or specialized programs, such as the School of Digital Arts, Animation and Design , they support students in the creation of their portfolios. Because we know that in addition to the R rating, many university programs with high quotas evaluate portfolios, in addition to requiring an interview. Some professors even free themselves to support their students in this process. This explains, among other things, that the majority of our students are admitted to the program of their choice. »
Great career prospects
It is important to note that the possible university paths for holders of a DEC in Arts, Letters and Communication from Collège Brébeuf are exactly the same as for holders of a DEC in human sciences, who are heading in particular for law. They even benefit from a double advantage, because their training allows them to develop skills in cinema and communication, as well as a specialization linked to the chosen profile, which opens the doors to many fields. These include 3D animation, architecture, visual arts, film, communications, graphic and industrial design, literature, journalism, interactive media, photography, television, as well as scenography and theatre. Not to mention the law!
Our alumni, who are successful in many fields, are particularly distinguished in the artistic world. The university programs towards which they are headed, just like the positions they will occupy, are extremely varied..
Etienne Begin-Thibaultprofessor of communication and head of the Arts, Literature and Communication program
The Brebeuf advantage
The main mission of the College is to prepare its students well for higher education, regardless of the field chosen. “We train citizens who have a sense of surpassing themselves, who are autonomous, open to their community and to the world, and who are able to reflect, communicate and take a critical look at the arts and society in general, concludes Etienne Begin-Thibault. It is for this reason that our graduates arrive with a head start when they start a university program, as our alumni so often point out. Brébeuf offers them a complete training, demanding, of course, but which above all emphasizes the pleasure of discovering, creating and surpassing oneself. In the end, the students have acquired a rich and high-level training, and their course allows them to affirm their autonomy and their identity. »
Graduates who have made their way
Mission
Founded by the Jesuits in 1928 and continuing the educational tradition they cultivated, Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf offers secondary and college education. It is approved for grant purposes by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. It is dedicated to the integral development of the person and the promotion of humanistic values. The College is one of the best educational institutions in North America.
To find out more about the Arts, Literature and Communication program: brebeuf.qc.ca
To view student work: alcbebeuf.com
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.
Masterclasses are offered each semester, and students have the option of doing internships in a professional environment during the summer or during the session.
To find out more about Brebeuf College