Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 137 D100

The History and Aesthetics of Cinema II (3)

Class Number: 4225

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines 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. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course covers the history and development of world cinema from the end of WWII until the present. Its approach is twofold: on the one hand, it will provide an historical survey of some significant trends and movements within cinema during the period. On the other hand, the course will provide an introduction to the interpretation of cinema and the various vocabularies and methods with which one can explore the aesthetic qualities of cinema. The class tries to strike a balance between surveying a broad selection of national cinemas and cinema styles with a more concentrated focus. This semester, films from the US and Europe will be a significant focus, but with a sampling of cinema from Japan and the Philippines and the Indigenous cinema of Canada.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

To be exposed to a variety of cinema from around the world made between 1950 and the present.

To learn about some fundamental issues in the interpretation and understanding of films and the social and political contexts in which they were made.

To learn to enjoy cinema in new ways.

To learn new things!

To realize that "Films are like potatoes: you don't need to understand every atom of a potato to enjoy it and get something from it" (Jean-Luc Godard).

Grading

  • In-class test 25%
  • In-class test 25%
  • Final exam 30%
  • Participation and preparedness, in-class quizzes, etc. 20%

NOTES:

Grading breakdown and nature of requirements is provisional and will be finalized by the first week of the semester.

One or two lectures may be delivered online.

REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance

Completion of All Tests, Quizzes and other Assignments

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required text:

The Film Experience (6th ed). Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. You may purchase the e-book or hard copy. You may also use the 5th edition, which is available more cheaply as a used text.

 

Additional readings will be made available on Canvas.

 

Materials:

A curious mind, a willingness to learn.

REQUIRED READING:

Required text:

The Film Experience (6th ed). Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. You may purchase the e-book or hard copy. You may also use the 5th edition, which is available more cheaply as a used text.

 

Additional 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.