Fall 2024 - CA 354 D100

Social I (2)

Class Number: 5388

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    One of CA 221, 231, 246, 252, 261, 271, 285.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The first of two courses in the Social Studio stream. Students will be introduced to contemporary practices, methodologies and ethical considerations at play at the intersection of performance and social practice.

COURSE DETAILS:

In 2023, the School for Contemporary Art’s Theatre & Performance program began a unique relationship between its Social Stream classes (CA 354 and CA 355) and 312 Main, a Centre for Social and Economic Innovation. We will continue this partnership in 2024's CA 354 by investigating the social issues, questions, and curiosities housed in the Centre; engaging in creative research based on those queries; and developing events to bring those questions into the public realm.

Students will learn from local guest artists working in social practice, experiment with qualitative research methods and interview analysis, and dive into research that draws on archives and the structure of 312 Main itself. Working with the complex issues impacting society is increasingly at the core of contemporary art-making, CA 354 offers students tools and methods that will prove enormously useful in their future studies and careers.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To explore the intersections between live art and social practice.
  • To introduce students to research and analysis methods normally reserved for the social sciences.
  • To conduct the first stage of skill and knowledge development to be continued into Spring’s CA 355.
  • To introduce students to the work being engaged in at 312 Main Street.

Grading

  • Assignment A: Contemporary Query and Event 15%
  • Assignment B: Interview Report 15%
  • Assignment C: Interview Event 20%
  • Assignment D: Event Pitch 10%
  • Assignment E: Final Presentation and Report 20%
  • General participation. Includes full completion of assignments and exercises, attitude, thoughtful participation in discussions, concentration, attendance, playfulness, risk, generosity, leadership, collaborative spirit, etc. 20%

NOTES:

We enter this space as collaborators. Each participant is responsible for the production and maintenance of its trajectory. This requires full attendance and participation in scheduled classes and presentations.  

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Students arrive on time for scheduled classes and any group work outside of class. Absences or lateness will adversely affect the final grade. 5 mins of lateness equals 1 full absence. We will always start on the agreed upon time. Notify the instructor in advance of all absences. 2% of the final grade is reduced for every absence without reason.
  • Assignments are prepared and completed on time (i.e. readings completed in full, materials prepared for presentations, etc.).
  • Everyone participates in group discussions and presentations. We hold each other accountable in the studio and to appropriate behaviour.
  • Individual research and group studio practice outside of the scheduled class times will be required.
  • Avoid wearing scents.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Bring a book to write in.  
  • Access to digital recording devices (broadly considered, ie. phones, computers etc)

REQUIRED READING:

All readings are provided by the instructor and available on Canvas as PDFs.

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 term 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.