Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - CA 350 D100

Performance as Research I (3)

Class Number: 7408

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA 252 and declared status in the theatre and performance major or honours, or by prior approval.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The first of two courses dedicated to the development of a new work of performance led by a faculty member or visiting artist. Introduces themes and concepts, develops process and materials for a presentation in the subsequent term. Integrates the techniques acquired in context and studio courses. May repeat once for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course investigates the past, present, and future of the places we inhabit through our bodies, meditation, and radical imagination. Researching on ancestral knowledge and examples in nature, as well as current technologies, we will explore ideas about anti-capitalist, feminist, inter-species communities, and how the use of current technologies can help us imagine alternate futures and pasts. Alongside the conceptual explorations, the class will experiment with digital tools such as augmented reality, virtual platforms, and broadcasting software to develop individual/collaborative live performance works. 

Prerequisite: CA 252 and declared status in the Theatre and Performance Major or Honours, or by prior approval. May repeat for once credit. 

Please contact james_long@sfu.ca for any questions, or if you do not have the prerequisites and are interested in taking the class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Develop unique artistic language in performance.
  • Introduce and experiment with digital tools and methods for performance creation.
  • Learn to analyze one’s creative process and other artists’ works by actively participating in critiques and discussions.

Grading

  • Weekly sketchbook entry (writing/drawing) 10%
  • Prompt 1 (group assignment) 15%
  • Prompt 2 (solo) 15%
  • Prompt 3 (group assignment) 15%
  • Final performance presentation (solo or group) 25%
  • General participation (completion of all assignments, exercises, and readings, attendance, thoughtful participation in discussions, attitude, collaborative spirit, etc. 20%

NOTES:

  • Weekly sketchbook is an essential tool to record one's thinking process and development of each project/response to prompts.
  • Projects are graded on the conceptual and aesthetic quality of finished work, and conceptual and technical investment of time.
  • Late assignments will lose one full letter grade.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Collarborative projects and experiments require everyone's active participation and involvement. 
  • Attendance is crucial to the success in the class. Class critiques and presentations are critical to create a dialogue in the class. If you are going to miss a class or late for class, notify the instructor ahead of time. Four unexcused absences will result in an automatic failure. Two unexcused absences will result in an automatic full grade deduction (i.e. A becomes B). Two unexcused lateness equals one absence. Late means not being present when the class begins.
  • Everyone participates in the presentations and critiques. 
  • Individual research and group studio practice outside of the scheduled class times will be required.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Bring a sketchbook and writing tools
  • A laptop and a smartphone
  • Appropriate studio clothing: comfortable clothing for moving

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings will be available on Canvas provided as digital files by the instructor.

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