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SCA Courses for Non-Majors

Interested in the arts? The SCA offers many courses – both studio-based and academic – from across the school to non-majors. At every course level, the SCA's interdisciplinary approach to the arts makes it easy to access and engage with course content, and also to draw from coursework and experience from elsewhere at SFU. Courses in the SCA are also much more than a way to fulfill mandatory Writing, Quantitative and Breadth Requirements; they are an opportunity to add meaningfully to your primary area of study at SFU as well as to expand your personal interests and commitments.

If your find that your interest in the arts grows because of our courses, then please consider a Minor in the SCA in Art, Performance and Cinema Studies, Contemporary Arts, or Film and Video Studies. 

Come learn with us.

CA 104 (OLC): Music Fundamentals (3) 

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the elements of music and teaches the skill of reading music notation. An introduction to music theory and exposure to the application of music materials in a wide spectrum of music literature will be accompanied by practical exercises. The course is designed for students with no formal music training. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 104 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 117: Modern Art History (3)

An introduction to the visual arts of the nineteenth century. Formal and thematic approaches to the arts will be introduced, with attention to the social, institutional, national, and international contexts of art. Students with credit for FPA 167 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-humanities.

CA 120: Introduction to Dance Forms: Contemporary and Popular (3)

A studio course devoted to the development of movement skills through specific styles of dance. The content of the course changes every semester including techniques in bhangra, afro-caribbian, hip hop and contemporary. May repeat for credit. May be of particular interest to students in other departments.

CA 127: History of Dance: From the 20th Century to the Present (3)

Study of the development of modern dance and the reformation of the ballet from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Emphasis will be placed on seminal dance artists and the impact their work has had upon the art form in western theatre dance. This course may be of particular interest to a range of students in departments across the university. Prerequisite: 12 units. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 227 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-humanities/social sciences.

CA 135: Introduction to Cinema (3)

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. Students with credit for FPA 135 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-humanities. Taught in burnaby

CA 136: The History and Aesthetics of Cinema I (3)

This course will examine the early development of cinema from 1890 until about 1945, with particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of film as an art form. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 136 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-humanities.

CA 140 B: Contexts in Creative Music and Sound Practice (3)

Looks at the issues involved in being a creative musical artist in the 21st century. Topics include historical context, race and gender, the role and influence of politics, music and identity, appropriation, art music, functional music, and hybrid practices. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Breadth-humanities.

CA 142 (OLC): Music Appreciation in the 21st Century (3) 

21st century music appreciation aims to develop a critical ear and advanced listening skills. The course will take a post-modern approach to appreciation in that it will present a diversity of music from many cultures, styles, and periods in an effort to discover similarities, differences, and defining characteristics. Students with credit for FPA 142 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-humanities.

CA 149 (OLC): Sound (3)

Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 184 cannot take CA (or FPA) 149 for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 149 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

CA 150: Introduction to Acting (3)

An approach to the elements of acting for non-theatre performance majors. Work will include development of individual powers of expression – vocal, physical, intellectual, imaginative, and emotional. Students with credit for FPA 150 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 160: Introductory Studio in Visual Art I (3) 

A hands-on studio course modeled on the progressive development of artistic practice from simple mark-making to full scale installation. Through a process of continuous transformation, an original idea is developed in a sequence of methods, materials and scales. Some research is required. A course materials fee is required. Students with credit for FPA 160 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 170: Introduction to Production Technology (3)
An introduction to the processes, tools and technology used in the production and presentation of the fine and performing arts. Course requirements will include hands-on assignments in the production of theatre, dance, and music events. Students will work directly with equipment and materials, and are expected to be involved in work on productions and exhibitions outside of lecture and lab hours. Laboratory fee required. May be of particular interest to students in other areas and departments. Students with credit for FPA 170 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 186: Art and the Moving Image (3)

Introduces the many ways artists have employed moving images across artistic disciplines. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense of both the historical innovations and traditions in moving-image arts as well as the use of moving images in the contemporary art scene. Students with credit for fpa 186 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 235: Experimental Film and Video (3) 

Asurvey of the key works and ideas that have informed contemporary moving image art practice nationally and internationally. Beginning with antecedents in painting and photography, the course will move forward from the early european avant-garde to the lyrical and structural works of the seventies, the issue-based work of the eighties, and finally the gallery-based practices of the present day. Intended for all students with an interest in the moving image as an art form. Prerequisite: one of CA (or FPA) 117 (or 167), 118 (or 168), 135, 136, or 137, or 30 units. Students with credit for FPA 235 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 341: Music and Culture (3)

The relationship of music and culture, with emphasis on traditional and contemporary music in asia, africa, the middle east, latin america and the caribbean, and indigenous cultures of north america. Specific cultural areas may be selected for intensive study in any particular term. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 45 units.

CA 357 W: Context of Theatre II (3)

The detailed structural analysis of dramatic texts and/or performances, their historical context, their development and production histories. May be of interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 357W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/breadth-humanities.

CA 381: Thriving as a Cultural Entrepreneur (3)

Focus on skills and knowledge required to thrive as a creator/entrepreneur in contemporary society. Exploration of the life cycle of various creative enterprises and the development of a personal plan to realize the student's goals. Additional topics to include an introduction to strategic and financial planning, brand development, contracts and business culture. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FPA 381 may not take this course for further credit.

CA 386 (OLC): Film Music: An Overview of the Relationship Between Music and Moving Pictures (3)

This course examines the role of music in the viewer's experience of moving pictures. Beginning with the early 1900s, the lectures will introduce important composers, directors, films, genres and historical periods. Specific films and other works will be analyzed. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours. Students who have taken this course previously as special topics may not take it again for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 386 may not take this course for further credit.

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