Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CA 378 D100

Video and Projection II (3)

Class Number: 7435

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2025
    Fri, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

As video technology becomes increasingly prevalent in creative applications, understanding systems design and deployment is becoming essential for contemporary artistic practices. Students are introduced to video and projection technology in artistic contexts, focusing primarily on the hardware and technical planning needed for effective system design and execution. The second of three courses in the Video and Projection cluster.

COURSE DETAILS:

Video & Projection II is for makers who refuse to let a single flat screen dictate the shape of their ideas. Whether your practice is film, dance, music, theatre or installation, understanding how projection systems work lets you activate space, support story and pull an audience into the picture. We approach the projected image as a dynamic process, not a finished product. Each lecture-demo unpacks the design decisions that shape what viewers ultimately see. Lumens, lenses, cable paths, servers, control protocols: every technical choice carries artistic weight. By the end of term you will be able to speak this language fluently, translating creative intent into clear, actionable system designs without losing sight of the purpose that drives the work.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Projection Systems Engineering: Understand the components of a video projection system, including projectors, media servers, cabling, signal flow, and display surfaces, with a focus on large-scale setups.
  2. Technical Planning and Design: Learn how to plan and execute projection designs, including placement, image scaling, keystone correction, and lens selection to ensure optimal visual outcomes.
  3. Media Servers and Playback: Gain understanding of a range of media servers and software like Isadora, TouchDesigner, Qlab and madmapper to deliver video content, manipulate real-time visuals, and manage large-scale projection systems.
  4. Signal Flow and Cabling: Develop an understanding of video signal flow, different types of cables (HDMI, SDI, fiber optics), and methods for distributing video across large spaces or multiple surfaces.
  5. System Troubleshooting: Learn practical troubleshooting techniques for common projection issues, including signal degradation, misaligned projections, and system failures.
  6. Understanding Video Formats: Explore different video formats and codecs, and their role in optimizing playback performance, quality, and system compatibility.

Grading

  • Exams and Quizzes 50%
  • Attendance and participation 25%
  • Assignments 25%

NOTES:

Class Policies

  • Attendance: Regular attendance is required, given the lecture-heavy format. Excused absences must be supported by documentation. Three unexcused absences will result in a grade reduction. Five tardies equal one absence.
  • Exams and Quizzes: Exams will include both technical knowledge and applied scenarios. Make-up exams are only allowed with proper documentation for excused absences.
  • Assignment Submission: All assignments, including the final technical plan, must be submitted on time. Late submissions will incur a 5% grade deduction per day.
  • Classroom Conduct: Students are expected to engage professionally during lectures. Respectful dialogue and participation are key, as some concepts will require collective problem-solving.

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.