Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CA 254 D100

Voice/Movement I (4)

Class Number: 7257

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Corequisites:

    CA 250.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The first performance research course in voice and movement. Students with credit for FPA 254 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores the body as the primary material, instrument and site of research and action. What is already there and emerging? How do we discern that from what is imposed? How do we turn existing sensations into action: into voice, text and movement?

We will spend the course of the semester in daily morning classes, 4 times a week, grappling with these questions, exploring somatic ways of tuning into ourselves as well as to the world around us. Guiding this work is a philosophical approach informed by Fitzmaurice Voicework®*, Chinese martial arts, Qigong and Contact Improvisation.

From this foundation, we will practice making choices that privilege safety and care for ALL bodies. We will learn about our own desires and boundaries as well as those of others. We will play and risk fullness of expression while honouring these boundaries. As we practice these things, we will be in constant inquiry about our body’s relationship to the material - gravity, breath - as well as to the social and the political.

*Fitzmaurice Voicework® is a somatic approach to voice that “explores the dynamics between body, breath, voice, the imagination, language, and presence. It encourages vibrant voices that communicate intention and feeling without excess effort.” - Catherine Fitzmaurice, founder of Fitzmaurice Voicework®

Course Content

  • Exploring breath as the impulse for expression - in voice and movement.
  • Acquiring tools and strategies for internal and external perceptions of the body.
  • Exploring the range of play between self and group: how to be with oneself while being with others.
  • Learning and discussing strategies for self-care, including strengthening, conditioning and recovery.
  • Daily practice integrating voice, movement and play
  • Weekly journals in written or recorded form - as archive and material to create from, to encourage self-reflection, and as vital communication between student and teacher.
  • Regular discussion and sharing of individual and collective research
  • At least one mid-semester one-on-one meeting with instructor
  • Development and creation of end-of-semester solo presentation integrating voice, movement and text.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • increased autonomy and agency of self amid increased awareness of others - increased awareness and understanding of body mechanics and function
  • building your own warmup
  • warming-up as an ensemble: play
  • a year-end solo performance piece built from your own body

Grading

  • Active participation, attendance and punctuality 40%
  • Weekly written responses to work as well as assignments 30%
  • Demonstrated understanding and embodiment of concepts 30%

NOTES:

This course is about discovering the wonder and singularity of one’s own body. It is a collaborative, process-driven, creative practice. This requires full attendance and participation in scheduled classes and assignments

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Breathing is Meaning by Catherine Fitzmaurice,
Fitzmaurice/Kotzubei Interview

Both available as PDFs here: https://www.fitzmauriceinstitute.org/writings

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.