Please note:
To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.
Dance Extended Minor
This program is intended primarily for students who wish to obtain a bachelor of arts degree with a view to teaching dance in the public schools. It may be used in combination with another extended minor. The program is balanced with dance technique, composition and theory, and some work in a relevant art discipline other than dance.
Admission Requirements
Program and course admission is contingent upon University admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines. Entry to all programs in the School for the Contemporary Arts is by audition, interview or application. Contact the school’s office for information on procedures and deadlines or visit our website.
Although the University operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
Entry to the Dance Extended Minor program is by audition/interview, usually in early spring or late summer. Contact the school to make an appointment.
Students are encouraged to plan their program in consultation with the school’s advisor. Students without sufficient dance training to audition for program entry may enroll in CA 120.
Entry to CA 122 Contemporary Dance I is by audition/interview usually in early spring. Contact the school to make an appointment.
Continuation in the dance extended minor is contingent upon successful completion of CA 122, 123, 124 and 129 and approval of the dance area. Interviews are held at the end of the first year and approval is based on the student’s potential, progress, academic record and program suitability.
A minimum 2.4 SCA GPA and 2.0 CGPA is required to remain in good standing in the program.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school’s programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.
About the School’s Course Offerings
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study.
Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite is or includes ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 45 units including
two core courses below
Introduces the many ways artists have employed moving images across artistic disciplines. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense of both the historical innovations and traditions in moving-image arts as well as the use of moving images in the contemporary art scene. Students with credit for FPA 186 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170. Students with credit for FPA 285 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Robert Kitsos |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
plus one additional CA history course outside their extended minor
and all of
First of two studio courses in contemporary dance, ballet and other movement techniques. This is one of four courses required for entry into the dance major and minor programs. Prerequisite: Prior approval as a result of an audition. Corequisite: CA 122 and CA 129 must be taken concurrently. Students with credit for FPA 122 may not take this course for further credit.
Continues and expands on the work undertaken in CA (or FPA) 122. Emphasizes work in contemporary dance, ballet, and other movement techniques with attention to theoretical approaches to contemporary dance. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 122. Corequisite: CA 123 and CA 124 must be taken concurrently. Students with credit for FPA 123 may not take this course for further credit.
Movement improvisational skills will be explored in a variety of solo, duet, group forms through structured movement themes and scores. Emphasis will be on sensory awareness, elements of movement, and composition. Prerequisite: Declared dance major, extended minor, or permission from instructor.
Study of the development of modern dance and the reformation of the ballet from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Emphasis will be placed on seminal dance artists and the impact their work has had upon the art form in western theatre dance. This course may be of particular interest to a range of students in departments across the University. Prerequisite: 12 units. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 227 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
This studio/theory course is an exploratory movement laboratory designed for first year dance majors/minors. This course incorporates techniques of body awareness, centering, and structural realignment. This course may be of interest to dancers, actors, kinesiologists, and athletes with an extensive movement background. Prerequisite: Declared dance major, extended minor, or permission from instructor. Students with credit for FPA 129 may not take this course for further credit.
A continuation of the work in CA 123, this course focusses on a range of movement forms and approaches to dance studio practice. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 122, 123, 124, 129 and prior approval by interview. Students with credit for FPA 220 may not take this course for further credit.
A continuation of the work in CA 220, this course focusses on a range of movement forms and approaches to dance studio practice. (studio). Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 220. Students with credit for FPA 221 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to aesthetic theory as it applies to dance. Lectures will address, among other things, the nature of aesthetic experience, as well as issues pertaining to critical judgment, communication, taste, and high and low art. Students with credit for FPA 228W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
and three additional units in lower division CA courses outside of dance from below
Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 184 cannot take CA (or FPA) 149 for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 149 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Stefan Smulovitz |
Online |
An approach to the elements of acting for non-theatre performance majors. Work will include development of individual powers of expression - vocal, physical, intellectual, imaginative, and emotional. Students with credit for FPA 150 may not take this course for further credit.
A hands-on studio course modeled on the progressive development of artistic practice from simple mark-making to full scale installation. Through a process of continuous transformation, an original idea is developed in a sequence of methods, materials and scales. Some research is required. A course materials fee is required. Students with credit for FPA 160 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to the processes, tools and technology used in the production and presentation of the contemporary arts. Course requirements will include hands-on assignments in the production of theatre, dance, and music events. Students will work directly with equipment and materials, and are expected to be involved in work on productions and exhibitions outside of lecture and lab hours. Laboratory fee required. May be of particular interest to students in other areas and departments. Students with credit for FPA 170 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to the management, and organization of the performing arts. This course will provide a grounding for students who wish to become further involved in the administration of the performing arts and may include practical experience outside of regular seminar hours. May be of particular interest to students in other areas and departments. Students with credit for FPA 171 may not take this course for further credit.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 17 units including all of
The first of three upper division courses which build upon the movement vocabulary and practice of contemporary dance. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 221. Students with credit for FPA 320 may not take this course for further credit.
Continues and expands upon the work undertaken in CA (or FPA) 320. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 320. Students with credit for FPA 321 may not take this course for further credit.
and a minimum of six units selected from
Explores the vocabulary and movement range of classical ballet technique at the intermediate level. Further attention will be given to the understanding of body placement, balance, flexibility and strength. Practical studio experience is offered within the context of specific theoretical principles. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the dance major or extended minor program, or prior approval.
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 322, with an emphasis on expanding the vocabulary and movement range of classical ballet technique at the intermediate level. Further attention will be given to the understanding of body placement, balance, flexibility and strength. Practical studio experience is offered within the context of specific theoretical principles. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 322 or prior approval.
Focused on learning different movement based compositional methods used to make new work. Students will apply new compositional ideas, expanding and setting material in space and working with different approaches of music, light and sound. Students will work with peers from production and design and other areas to create specific projects. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 124, 228W, and 285. Students with credit for FPA 324 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
One of two courses which provide advanced level dance students the opportunity to work as an ensemble rehearsing and preparing for a series of public performances. Choreography will be created and/or selected by a faculty director. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the dance major or extended minor, and prior approval. Corequisite: Students must be concurrently enrolled in a technique course at an appropriate level. These courses include CA 220, CA 320, CA 322, CA 420, and CA 421.
One of two courses which provide advanced level dance students with the opportunity to work as an ensemble rehearsing and preparing for a series of public performances. Choreography will be created and/or selected by a faculty director. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the dance major or extended minor and prior approval. Corequisite: Students must be concurrently enrolled in a technique course at an appropriate level. These courses include 220, 320, 322, 420, and 421.
A specific topic in dance which is not otherwise covered in depth in regular courses. The work will be practical, theoretical or a combination of the two, depending on the particular topic in a given term. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 221 or prior approval.
The third upper division courses which build upon the movement vocabulary and practice of contemporary dance. Can be repeated twice for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 285 and CA (or FPA) 321.
Continues and expands on strategies undertaken in CA (or FPA) 324. Focused on guest artist or faculty research - this course is a process-oriented laboratory for artistic exploration. Students will engage in artistic research led by the guest or faculty artist and culminate in a showing at the end of the term. Repeatable two times for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 124, 285, 324 and (326 or 327).
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Sessional |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
An introduction into the theory and practice of movement analysis based on recognized theories of analysis. Experiential work may be included in the course and a dance or similar movement background is necessary. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 124 or 150 and 285. Students with credit for FPA 426 may not take this course for further credit.
An extension of classical ballet technique on an upper intermediate level. Understanding of basic principles is assumed and attention will be focused on combinations of movement, musicality and performance. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 323 or prior approval.
An advanced course. Students must have a thorough background in the vocabulary and techniques of classical ballet. Attention will be given to movement sequences from the ballet repertoire. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 427 or prior approval.
and one upper division CA course
* May be repeated for credit.