Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 318 D100

Theory and Cinema (4)

Class Number: 4264

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    Six units from among CA 136, 137, 216, 236. Recommended: CA 210W (or 210).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines a range of historical and contemporary theoretical approaches to cinema and moving images in order to understand the development of film theory as a discipline. Through lectures, seminars and screenings, students will explore the ways in which cinema represents the world, impacts the psyche and the body, and functions politically and ideologically.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces students to both classic and recent ways of thinking about the cinema—any time-based, recorded, audiovisual work, from theatrical films to ‘Tubes to TikTok, from fiction to documentary  experimental. We will survey some of the classic and major new approaches in cinema theory. In one set of approaches, cinema connects you to the world: these include theories of realism, indexicality, and affect. In another, cinema creates a new world: these include theories of montage, fabulation, remix, and software-based media. Another set of approaches debates how movies connect to the viewer’s body and what it does to it. We’ll see that every theory of the cinema is also a theory of human response. We will also talk about cinematic materiality, infrastructure, and the attention economy. The course will also work to decolonize knowledge by elevating non-Euro-American philosophies and contexts. Each week we will share the experience of a movie that sheds light on the concepts we are exploring.
This year we will develop skills in real-time movie analysis as well as written reflection. Students will have the opportunity to make a small-file video.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

To understand important concepts in classical and contemporary theories of the moving image and be able to test them on moving-image works of all sorts.

Grading

  • small-file video or DOXA review 15%
  • annotated film/bibliographies 20%
  • proposal 10%
  • peer review 5%
  • essay or project 20%
  • attendance and participation 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Texts through SFU Library and on Canvas

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.