Please note:
To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.
Film Extended Minor
This program is for students who wish to study film and video production & post-production along with courses from other departments and programs within the university, including Contemporary Arts. Film has affinities with many social sciences and humanities disciplines, as well as with business and communication. Students studying in other contemporary arts areas may undertake an extended minor in film in order to develop specific skills such as composing for film, multimedia installation, or directing actors, and may combine this with an extended minor in their own discipline.
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 all first-year film production courses is by questionnaire and interview. Contact the school in early January to request an information letter and questionnaire.
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.
Courses devoted to film or video are occasionally offered by other departments. With prior permission, students may substitute one or more to fulfil requirements, up to a maximum of eight units.
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 44 units including
Three core courses 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 |
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/theory course outside their extended minor*
and all of
Introduces students to the basic components of filmmaking through lectures, film screenings and creative projects in the various media that combine to form cinema. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that course activities may require additional costs. Prerequisite: Prior approval through formal application. Students who have completed CA (or FPA) 132, 133, 134 or 230 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 130 may not take this course for further credit.
An introductory course in film production, emphasizing creative use of the medium. Each student is expected to conceive, direct and edit a short film, as well as participate in the making of class exercises and other students' films. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 130 and prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 131 may not take this course for further credit.
This course will examine the early development of cinema from 1890 until about 1945, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of film as an art form. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 136 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
This course will examine selected developments in cinema from 1945 to the present, with attention to various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 137 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
The first of two courses (CA (or FPA) 231-5 is the second) which form an intensive study of the craft of filmmaking, with an emphasis on production planning, creative development and the shooting and editing of short films. In-class exercises and film screenings will lead to the production of several original films. Each student will be expected to play major creative and technical roles in these productions. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 131, and CA (or FPA) 136 or 137, and prior approval. Corequisite: CA 233. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 330 for credit may not complete this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 230 may not take this course for further credit.
This course continues the work begun in CA (or FPA) 230-5 Filmmaking II. Students will acquire proficiency in film technique through lab exercises, readings and film screenings. As well, all students will participate in the completion of short original films which were begun in CA (or FPA) 230. Emphasis is placed on the development of means for creative expression supported by technical skills. Laboratory fee required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 230 and CA (or FPA) 233. Students with credit for FPA 231 may not take this course for further credit.
Covers the technical aspects of basic film production skills: camera, lighting, sound, editing, lab processes. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 131 and prior approval. Corequisite: CA 230. Students with credit for FPA 233 may not take this course for further credit.
and one of**
This course will cover a specific topic within the field of cinema studies not covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: One of CA 135, 136, 137, 186, 235, 236, 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335), 416 (or 436), or 30 units. Students with credit for CA 237 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Sessional |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
A survey of the key works and ideas that have informed contemporary moving image art practice nationally and internationally. Beginning with antecedents in painting and photography, the course will move forward from the early European avant-garde to the lyrical and structural works of the seventies, the issue-based work of the eighties, and finally the gallery-based practices of the present day. Intended for all students with an interest in the moving image as an art form. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 118 (or 168), 135, 136 or 137 or 30 units. Students with credit for FPA 235 may not take this course for further credit.
Examines the achievements of dramatic, documentary and experimental filmmaking in Canada from the earliest days until the present. Special attention will be paid to the cinemas of Quebec and western Canada, and to the cultural, political and theoretical traditions that have shaped contemporary cinema in Canada. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 3 units in film or cinema studies (CA (or FPA) 135, 136, 186, 235, 216 (or 237), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335)) or 30 units. Students with credit for FPA 236 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
and one of
Through lectures, demonstrations and studio work, students will be introduced to several aspects of location sound recording and audio post production for film and video. Topics will include synchronization systems and techniques, editing, music scoring, mixing and both analog and digital sound technology. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 131. Students with credit for FPA 232 may not take this course for further credit.
This course introduces the methodologies of writing for the screen in various styles, including dramatic, documentary and experimental forms, with an emphasis on structure and the creative expression of visual ideas. Students will perform a variety of writing assignments and each will be expected to complete one or more short original scripts. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 136, 137 or 253 and prior approval. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 332 or 238 for credit may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 238W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
* See advisor for course options.
** With prior approval, students may substitute lower division courses from other departments devoted to a film or video topic to fulfill this requirement.
+ recommended
++ may be repeated for credit
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum total of 17 units, including at least three of
Facilitates an in-depth understanding of the organizational aspects of film production, with emphasis on pre-production planning. The class will study methods of proposal writing, pre-production and production, developing production packages for short film and video projects. This course is strongly recommended for all students intending to take CA 430. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231 or prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 332 may not take this course for further credit.
This course will cover a specific topic within the field of film and video production not covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses, such as optical printing techniques, film and video editing, experimental film and video production, or documentary film and video production. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231 and prior approval.
This course will present advanced theory and techniques for writing dramatic, experimental and documentary film and video scripts. Additional topics covered include script analysis, production breakdown, and the writing of treatments and proposals. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 238 or 353 or 457 and prior approval. Strongly recommended for all students developing projects for production in CA (or FPA) 430. Students with credit for FPA 338W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
This course acquaints intermediate level students with techniques of dramatic film performance. Students will be expected to perform as both actors and directors on scene work in class. Topics covered include auditioning, script analysis, role preparation, rehearsal, blocking for the camera, and directing techniques. This course is not a duplicate of CA (or FPA) 339 Selected Topics in Film. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231, or CA (or FPA) 251 with prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 339 may not take this course for further credit.
This course examines the role of music in the viewer's experience of moving pictures. Beginning with the early 1900s, the lectures will introduce important composers, directors, films, genres and historical periods. Specific films and other works will be analyzed. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours. Students who have taken this course previously as special topics may not take it again for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 386 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Eldritch Priest |
Online |
This course includes a series of technical workshops, screenings and seminars along with the completion of creative student projects. A laboratory fee is required. Project costs may require personal funding over and above the lab fee. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 231 or approval of instructor. Students with credit for FPA 390 may not take this course for further credit.
Students are encouraged to challenge conventional notions of digital media and to explore the creative possibilities associated with contemporary media applications. This project-based course includes a series of technical workshops, screenings and group seminars. Students will initiate and complete a project of their own choosing; collaborations are encouraged. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that project costs may require personal funding over and above the lab fee. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 390 or approval of instructor. Students with credit for FPA 393 may not take this course for further credit.
An upper division CA studio course outside film may be substituted for one of the above.
and at least one of
An intermediate course in critical studies in cinema addressing a variety of topics. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 337 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: Nine units in CA (or FPA) courses including CA (or FPA) 136 or 137.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Sessional |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
This course is concerned with the systematic understanding of the general phenomenon called Cinema rather than with the properties or techniques of individual films. Various theoretical positions will be assessed and compared in terms of cinematic practice and its ideological functions. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Six units from among CA (or FPA) 136, 137, 216 (or 237), 236. Recommended: CA (or FPA) 210W (or 210). Students who have credit for CA (or FPA) 234 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 335 may not take this course for further credit.
Features intensive study and analysis of selected topics in film theory, history, criticism and aesthetics. Examples include: work of specific directors or periods; theories of narrativity; particular aspects of national cinemas, etc. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 436 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 316 (or 337) or CA (or FPA) 318 (or 335).
and one of
Investigates a selected thematic topic in art and performance studies such as: postcolonial theory and the arts; perception and embodiment; art activism and resistance; or urban art and culture. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Investigates a selected topic in the history of art, performance and cinema. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 186, and 210W (or 210).
Provides an in-depth investigation of a selected theoretical, historical or thematic topic in art and performance studies. This course requires independent research leading to a substantial paper, as well as directed reading preparation for seminars. Topics will vary from term to term. The course may be repeated four times for credit if the topic is different. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units; and one of CA (or FPA) 210W (or 210), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335), or 357W. Writing.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
Kimberly Phillips |
May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
An in-depth investigation of a selected topic in the history of art, performance and cinema. This course can be repeated four times for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 186, 210W (or 210) and 45 units.
or another upper division CA history/theory course outside film.
* these courses may include studies in film and video analysis, national cinemas, genre, political cinema, etc. and may be repeated for credit when a different topic is offered.