Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 319W E100

Critical Writing in the Arts (3)

Class Number: 6473

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including at least six units in CA (or FPA) history/theory courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines aspects of critical writing associated with the historical and contemporary arts and encourages students to participate as writers in the artistic and cultural debates of their day. Forms examined will include but not be limited to reviews, articles, descriptive synopses for exhibition and festival programs, curatorial essays, project proposals and artists' statements. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 319 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 319W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Critical Writing in the Arts examines arts-related writing today. Students will read, research, and analyze popular and scholarly writing across disciplines, adapting to a variety of styles and forms. Informed by their areas of interest, students will create reviews, curatorial essays, program notes, project proposals, artistic statements, and other art paratexts, developing skills applicable to art creation, curation, administration, and journalism.

This course also provides students with an opportunity to practice authentic, clear communication about their own and others' artistic practices. The coursework facilitates each student's pursuit of their emerging interests. Students will workshop and collaborate on writing assignments, and each week will focus on a different stylistic approach and tradition of writing. Lessons will include the effective use of editing techniques and the efficient use of digital tools while preserving the writer's own ideas and voice. Students will also attend and comment on a selection of exhibitions and performance events.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Become familiar with a breadth of formats associated with critical analysis of the arts.
  • Evaluate in words the formal elements and expressive ideas of works of art and performance across a range of media.
  • Evaluate aesthetic theories and critical approaches to the fine and performing arts.
  • Use analytical and interpretive strategies to advance arguments, written and verbal, about interdisciplinary artistic expression.
  • Develop and refine writing and critical thinking skills.
  • Develop their awareness of personal, local, national, and global contexts.

Grading

  • Attendance and in-class participation 15%
  • Weekly short assignments 15%
  • Artistic or curatorial statement 20%
  • Project proposal 10%
  • Peer review 10%
  • Critical essay 30%

Materials

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.