Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 416 D100

Advanced Seminar in Cinema Studies (4)

Politics, Land, and Utopia

Class Number: 4318

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units, including one of CA 216, 235, 236, 316 or 318.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intensive study and analysis of selected topics in film theory, history, criticism and aesthetics. Examples include: work of specific directors or periods; theories of narrativity; particular aspects of national cinemas, etc. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 416: Politics, Land, and Utopia

This upper-level seminar will study a range of films from the 20th and 21st Centuries that explore different methods of creating political cinema, portraying the land, experimenting with historical representationg and imagining Utopia. Directors whose work we watch may include:

Pinar Ogrenci, Chantal Akerman, Zacharias Kunuk, Jean-Luc Godard, Sergei Eisenstein, Peter Bo Rappmund, Brett Story, Luis Buñuel, Terra Long, Alice Rohrwacher, Charles Burnett, William Greaves, J.P. Sniadecki, Joshua Bonnetta, Verena Paravel, Luchino Visconti, Lucien Castaing-Taylor, Alain Tanner, Jacquelyn Mills, Barbara Kopple, Sembene Ousmane, Harun Farocki, and others.

Students will actively participate in selecting films screened in the final weeks of the term.

 

 

Readings: All readings will be provided on Canvas.

Requirements (subject to change; will be confirmed first week of class):

In-class exams and writing exercises:                                     55%

Group Presentation:                                                               25%

Participation, preparedness:                                                   20%

Note on AI use: unless otherwise stated in an assignment, the use of AI tools to create any work that is handed in for a grade or presented to the class is not permitted. Work completed using AI will be considered not to have been done and result in a grade of "N" for the semester.

Note: One week of the course may be conducted online via zoom.

Grading

  • In-class Exams and Writing Exercises 55%
  • Group Presentation 25%
  • Participation, preparedness 20%

NOTES:

NOTE: Requirements (types of exercises and grading breakdown) is provisional and will be finalized the first week of class.

 

AI USE: unless otherwise stated in an assignment, the use of AI tools to create any work that is handed in for a grade or presented to the class is not permitted. Work completed using AI will be considered not to have been done and result in a grade of "N" for the semester.

Device Use: We will have a device-free classroom (no phones, tablets, laptops, drones, headphones, etc.) unless you have a legitimate reason for using a device such as an accommodation for a learning disability.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

1: Open mind.
2: Enthusiasm.
3: Interest in the topic.

REQUIRED READING:

All readings provided 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.