Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - CA 136 D100

The History and Aesthetics of Cinema I (3)

Class Number: 7275

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 6, 2023
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    GOLDCORP

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine the early development of cinema from 1890 until about 1945, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of film as an art form. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 136 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to the aesthetics and history of cinema from its origins until the middle of the 20th Century. Students will be introduced to the cinemas of the United States, Germany, France and Russia/Soviet Union. We will explore the socio-economic, cultural and political contexts of cinema's emergence in the mid-1890s; Early Cinema and the full Silent Era up to the end of the 1920s; the emergence of sound, and the period of Hollywood Classical Cinema and its European alternatives. We’ll look at film’s early innovators, classical Hollywood narrative, the studio system, as well as European and avant-garde cinema, while also paying attention to genres, filmmakers, and moviegoers sometimes marginalized by these traditional narratives. Students will get a fantastic overview of the first 50 years of cinema history and get to know some films and filmmakers they've never encountered.

Grading

  • Short essay (approximately 700-1000 words) 20%
  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 35%
  • Participation (tutorial) 20%

NOTES:

The grading brakedown is provisional and may change before the start of term.
In addition, TAs may assign small in-class assignments or presentations.

The use of "AI" (such as ChatGPT) is not permitted for creating student work in this class. All work submitted by students--papers, exams, etc.--must be entirely their own.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Film Experience (6th ed). Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. You may purchase the e-book or hard copy. Note: you may purchase an earlier edition to save money: you can go back as far as the 4th Edition and it will be fine. You do NOT need to purchase the online component of the textbook.
ISBN: 9781319529383

Additional required readings will be made available on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.