Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 356 D100

Environments II (3)

Class Number: 6491

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    One of CA 221, 231, 246, 252, 256, 261, 271, 285.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The second of two courses focused on the experiential production of space, Environments II introduces students to contemporary practices, concepts and methods specific to creating site specific and responsive performance.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This project-based performance course investigates space/place and landscape as collaborative partner in performance making. Looking beyond nature as backdrop to the human performer, framing it as a living, interactive entity within which human agents and natural forces are constantly intersecting and reshaping each other. The course will explore definitions of space as an abstract, potential-filled dimension, place as a location imbued with personal and cultural meaning, and landscape as dynamic and relational where the non-human and human interact. We will consider how these concepts perform relation, identity, and memory emphasizing networks of non-human elements and their collaborative and performance potential. Students will be encouraged to develop methods to reveal existing performances as well as techniques to embellish and rearrange relations  to bring about new performance. Through fieldwork, theory, and site-specific projects, students will work to tease out connections and the performance capacities of interrelatedness, engaging with landscape as a textured, evolving environment that invites immersive, embodied responses. This perspective invites new ways of understanding relationships between humans and the world, acknowledging the agency and impact of the non-human on both the form and meaning of performance.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1.Develop an Understanding of Space, Place, and Landscape: Students will gain knowledge of space as an abstract dimension, place as culturally and personally meaningful, and landscape as a relational environment.

2.Explore the Non-Human’s Role in Performance: Students will investigate how natural elements—such as weather, terrain, and plantlife—might function as active participants in performance, reshaping traditional views that position nature as backdrop.

3.Cultivate Site-Specific Performance Techniques: Through fieldwork and hands-on projects, students will learn to recognize and utilize the performance potential of specific locations, developing site-specific techniques that respond to and highlight the distinct qualities of various landscapes.

4.Encourage Collaborative and Reflective Practices: Students will be guided to embrace collaborative processes, both with peers and with non-human elements, learning to reflect on and adapt their practices to foster a responsive, respectful relationship with the environment.

 

Grading

NOTES:

 

•Participation and Engagement: 20%

•Weekly Journals and Reflections: 20%

•Midterm Project: 20%

•Final Project – On Site Performance: 30%

•Final Reflection Paper: 10%

REQUIREMENTS:


Students enrolling in this course should be prepared to take part in a fieldwork residency on Pender Island during Reading Week.



Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Materials

•Notebook for fieldwork and journaling

•Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor activities, personal materials as required for Pender Island residency. To be discussed in class.

REQUIRED READING:

Various readings and viewings will be assigned by the instructor throughout the course, drawing from key theorists and case studies in performance, and environmental interaction.


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.