Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - CA 210W D100

Artworks, Theories, Contexts (3)

Class Number: 10702

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2019
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    21 units including six in the history or theory of the fine or performing arts and CA (or FPA) 168.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces theoretical concepts and historical issues that have informed the creation, perception, interpretation, and analysis of selected artworks in formative epochs, such as the Renaissance, Romanticism, Modernism, or Postmodernism. Students with credit for CA (or FPA 210) may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Through a combination of lectures, films, readings and seminars this course introduces students to vocabulary and critical theories relating to the study of art and visual culture. We will consider such questions as: How does art interact with and inform social, cultural, political and economic aspects of human society? How do cultural institutions as museums and art galleries shape the ways in which images convey meaning? What types of theories exist to explain how audiences interpret and understand visual culture? In what ways can images reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies in society? Why are certain types of images privileged over others? Students will gain experience in contextual and visual analysis of images, as well as academic research and writing skills through assignments and workshops.

Grading

  • Attendance and participation 11%
  • Weekly reading responses 24%
  • Essay #1 15%
  • Essay #2 25%
  • Peer review assignment 5%
  • Final examination 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Weekly readings will be available as links on the course’s Canvas website.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright, Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture, 3rd edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017).
Available in the campus bookstore and on reserve at Belzberg (SFU Vancouver) library.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS