Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CA 135 E100

Introduction to Cinema (3)

Class Number: 3180

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory course designed to facilitate a fundamental understanding of film technique, style and form in order to develop the skills with which to analyze films of all genres. Through lectures and screenings it will provide an overview of the social, aesthetic and technical development of motion pictures, introducing tools for the formal analysis of the elements of cinema: cinematography and lighting, art direction, performance, editing, sound and the screenplay. The formal and historical elements of documentary, avant-garde and dramatic films will be addressed. The course will involve the screening and discussion of several complete feature films and shorts, as well as excerpts from others. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to the foundations of cinema studies through an historical survey of the moving image from the nineteenth century to the present. By examining a diverse range of films across genres, movements, and national cinemas, students will develop a critical understanding of film form, aesthetics, and historical context. The course emphasizes close analysis, historical and theoretical engagement, and cultural critique. 

Grading

NOTES:

TBD

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.