Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 319W E100

Critical Writing in the Arts (3)

Class Number: 4265

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including one of CA 210W, 216, 228W, 235, 236, 257W, 316, 318 or 344.

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 319 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 319W examines aspects of critical writing associated with contemporary art 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, interviews, project proposals, and artists' statements.

This class will provide students the opportunity to develop and put into practice critical writing and editing skills for writing critically about the fine and performing arts. The coursework is designed to allow students to write within their own field of interest. We will learn these skills by reading, researching, and analyzing a selection of popular and academic arts criticism across disciplines; and by writing, workshopping, and collaborating on writing assignments such as critical reviews, interviews, artist statements, and project statements. Students will be asked to attend and comment on a selection of exhibitions and performance events.

Grading

REQUIREMENTS:

20%       Participation (Includes attendance, contributions to in-class activities and discussions)

15%       Peer Profile/Interview

15%       Artist statement

15%       Proposal writing

15%       Critical review

20%       Publication Assignment

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.