Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - CA 137 D100

The History and Aesthetics of Cinema II (3)

Class Number: 7942

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2021
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine selected developments in cinema from 1945 to the present, with attention to various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 137 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers the history and development of world cinema from the end of WWII until the present. Its approach is twofold: on the one hand, it will provide an historical survey of some significant trends and movements within cinema during the period. On the other hand, the course will provide an introduction to the interpretation of cinema and the various vocabularies and methods with which one can explore the aesthetic qualities of cinema. The class tries to strike a balance between surveying a broad selection of national cinemas and cinema styles with a more concentrated focus. This semester, films from the US and Europe will be a significant focus, but with a sampling of cinema from Japan and the Philippines and the Indigenous cinema of Canada.

Grading

  • Short essay (approximately 700-1000 words) 20%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Participation (tutorial) 25%

NOTES:

Assignments and Grading

The above assignments will be part of the term. Assignments and the grade breakdown may change and will be finalized by the first week of class.

Delivery methods

In the spring term of 2021, this course will be delivered entirely online through the Canvas platform and through Zoom. It will include a lecture component, online tutorials, film screenings, and other participatory elements. The course will combine synchronous and asynchronous elements. At present (October 2020), the plan is as follows. (Note, however, that this plan may change and will be finalized before the start of term. )

  • Each week students will attend a "live" online lecture of approximately 60 to 75 minutes during the scheduled class time via Zoom or Canvas. These lectures will be recorded. They will start at the start of the scheduled class time, 2:30 pm Vancouver time.
  • Students will watch weekly film screenings online. Films will be available through Canvas and other online means.
  • Students must register for a tutorial. Tutorials will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous elements (delivered on Canvas or by Zoom), the exact composition of which has yet to be determined. Participation will be a significant requirement.

REQUIREMENTS:

Technical requirements for online learning: Students will need access to internet capable of streaming live lectures and online films. A microphone (such as the built-in mic on a phone or laptop) will be needed for participation. A webcam (such as the built-in cam on your device) will be useful for participation in tutorials.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Film Experience (5th ed). Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. You may purchase the e-book or hard copy. You may also use the 4th edition, which is available more cheaply.

Additional readings will be made available on Canvas.

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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).