Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CA 136 D100

The History and Aesthetics of Cinema I (3)

Class Number: 6189

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2025
    Thu, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines 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. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to the aesthetics and history of cinema from its origins until the middle of the 20th Century. Students will be introduced to the cinemas of the United States, Germany, France and Russia/Soviet Union. We will explore the socio-economic, cultural and political contexts of cinema's emergence in the mid-1890s; Early Cinema and the full Silent Era up to the end of the 1920s; the emergence of sound, and the period of Hollywood Classical Cinema and its European alternatives. We’ll look at film’s early innovators, classical Hollywood narrative, the studio system, as well as European and avant-garde cinema, while also paying attention to genres, filmmakers, and moviegoers sometimes marginalized by these traditional narratives. Students will get a fantastic overview of the first 50 years of cinema history and get to know some films and filmmakers they've never encountered.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 1 25%
  • Midterm Exam 2 30%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Quizzes and In-class Work 15%

NOTES:

The grading breakdown and assignment load is provisional and will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Please note that unlike in prior years there are no tutorials in this course.

Lectures will not be recorded (unless students have dispensation through the Centre for Accessible Learning). Attendance at lecture is thus necessary.

As part of their work, students may be required to attend a film at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

One or two lectures may be delivered online. The final exam may be online as well.

The use of "AI" (such as ChatGPT) is not permitted for creating student work in this class. All work submitted by students must be entirely their own.

REQUIREMENTS:

An open mind and a willingness to learn new things.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Film Experience (6th ed). Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. You may purchase the e-book or hard copy. Note: you may purchase an earlier edition to save money: you can go back as far as the 4th Edition and it will be fine. You do NOT need to purchase the online component of the textbook.
ISBN: 9781319529383

Additional required readings will be made available on Canvas.

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.