Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CA 240 D100

Soundbox I (3)

Class Number: 6221

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA 140, 144, 146.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A collaborative creation-performance course in which students design and produce creative projects collectively in varied small/large group configurations. Forces involved can include any mix of instruments/objects/electronics designed toward collective live performance, sound sculpture/installation, or any other type of sound-based experience. May be co-taught across other SCA areas as an interdisciplinary model.

COURSE DETAILS:

Location: GC4350

Office Hours: By appointment

CA 240/440: SOUNDBOX offers students a chance to explore and frame their creative practices as a unique method of inquiry. The course emphasizes the importance of "not knowing" as part of developing new work, allowing students to engage in individual and collaborative practices through experimentation in creation, reflection, and performance.

Students will participate in two synchronous roles: 1) composer/artistic director and 2) performer. The coursework supports both artistic and logistical aspects of the creative process. Collaboration occurs through interdisciplinary research, where Music and Sound students meet with Dance students weekly to create unified artistic gestures. Emphasis is placed on generating material and conceptual frameworks that challenge traditional forms and encourage new lines of inquiry.

The class will help students develop techniques for running rehearsals, managing projects, and giving and receiving feedback, fostering a supportive creative environment. Mentorship from peers, faculty, and guest artists will be available throughout the semester, with class time dedicated to independent and collaborative work.

\Students are expected to rehearse and share their findings regularly, with self-scheduled rehearsals outside of class. They will also document their processes through various archival methods, providing references during and after their projects.

General Class Structure:

The first class of each week (Wednesday) will focus on interdisciplinary collaborative research with Dance students towards making/working processes that are expansive and generate new approaches for developing work. 

The second class of each week (on Friday) will focus on the development of each project in a workshop setting.

 

Grading

NOTES:

Grading Criteria
30%: Approach to Practice
- Artistic risk-taking and adaptability 
- Creative problem-solving and use of resources 
- Ongoing research to deepen understanding 
- Skill development and interdisciplinary collaboration 

40%: Work and Performance
- Integration of sound, performance, and conceptual frameworks 
- Consideration of temporality in visual and sonic elements 
- Curiosity and discovery in researched concepts 
- Development of work throughout the semester 
- Preparedness to share for individual and collaborative prompts 

30%: Participation and Learning Practices
- Attendance and active engagement 
- Communication with peers and instructors 
- Articulating ideas and questions 
- Participation in discussions and feedback 
- Developing language to discuss your work and others' 
- Overall progression and engagement in learning 

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.