Art and Performance Studies Minor
Within the contemporary arts, there are lively debates about the meaning and significance of individual artworks, as well as their relationships to audiences and to other forms of culture. Art and performance studies investigates the arts with attention to the historically changing forms of class, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and aesthetics. This interdisciplinary program provides a knowledge of and sensitivity to the specific qualities of diverse artforms. The program is an excellent foundation for a dynamic, lifelong interest in the contemporary arts, while complementing other programs of study.
Admission Requirements
Program and course admission is contingent upon university admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines.
Students may apply to the art and performance studies minor after completing six units of CA 117, 118, 210W, or 217 and achieving a minimum 2.5 contemporary arts CGPA and a 2.0 CGPA. Contact the SCA Academic Advisor to apply for the minor.
Although the university operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school’s programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.
Continuance Requirements
A minimum 2.4 SCA GPA and a 2.0 CGPA is required to remain in good standing in the minor program.
Program Requirements
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study. Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 15 units, including all of
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 CA 167 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
CA 118
-
Contemporary Art History
(3)
A study of the visual arts from the twentieth century to the present, with attention to the artists, artworks, movements, and discourses that re-defined the functions and meanings of art. The debates of modernism, postmodernity, postcolonialism, feminism, and the avant-garde will be systematically explored. Students with credit for CA 168 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
CA 210W
-
Art and Visual Culture: Materials, Forms, Histories
(3)
A course based on exemplary readings designed to introduce students to a wide range of theories and methods of visual analysis and historical interpretation of works of art. Prerequisite: 21 units including six in CA history/theory courses and CA 168 or CA 118. Students with credit for CA 210 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
CA 217
-
Introduction to Performance Studies
(3)
Traces the interdisciplinary origins of performance studies and brings its concepts and methods to bear on dance, music, theatre, performance art, and media performance. Prerequisite: 45 units including one history/theory course within the School for the Contemporary Arts. Students with credit for CA 311 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for CA 317 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
and one of
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 227 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
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. Breadth-Humanities.
CA 137
-
The History and Aesthetics of Cinema II
(3)
This course will examine 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.
CA 149
-
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 with credit for CA 184 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
OL01
|
Stefan Smulovitz
|
|
Online
|
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.
CA 257W
-
Context I
(3)
The first of two courses in the Context cluster. With a grounding in performance studies, this course explores histories and theories of the avant-garde, live art, and theatre. With a rotating topic each term, students develop the foundational skills for analyzing, researching, and writing about contemporary performance. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum total of 17 units, including a minimum of 14 units from
CA 308
-
Contemporary Arts Field School I (Theory/History)
(4)
A scholarly exploration of artistic traditions and practices in the country being visited, with special attention to cultural, theoretical, historical and political contexts. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: A minimum of 30 units and approval of Field School Director.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
D100
|
Judy Radul
|
|
TBD
|
CA 312
-
Selected Topics in Contemporary Arts
(3)
*
Investigates a selected thematic topic in art and performance studies such as: postcolonial theory and the arts; perception and embodiment; art activism and resistance; or urban art and culture. This course can be repeated twice for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: 45 units.
CA 315
-
Sound Art: History and Concepts
(4)
This lecture course investigates sound art as an interdisciplinary practice that draws its history and concepts from contemporary visual art, installation art, performance art, experimental music, and their various confluences. We will study historical precedents of experimental sound work as well as think critically and creatively about the themes and concerns that inform contemporary practices. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for CA 312 Special Topics in Art and Culture Studies under the title "Sound Art" may not take this course for further credit.
CA 319W
-
Critical Writing in the Arts
(3)
Examines aspects of critical writing associated with the historical and contemporary arts and encourages students to participate as writers in the artistic and cultural debates of their day. Forms examined will include but not be limited to reviews, articles, descriptive synopses for exhibition and festival programs, curatorial essays, project proposals and artists' statements. Prerequisite: 60 units including at least six units in CA history/theory courses. Students with credit for CA 319 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
CA 357W
-
Context II
(3)
The second of two courses in the Context cluster. Work will include reading, writing and experiments in live performance creation. With a grounding in performance studies, this course offers a variety of frameworks and approaches to the histories and theories of the avant-garde. live art, and theatre. With a new topic each term, students develop skills for analyzing, researching, and writing about contemporary performance. Prerequisite: CA 257W. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
CA 408
-
Contemporary Arts Field School III (Theory/History)
(4)
A scholarly exploration of artistic traditions and practices in the country being visited, with special attention to cultural, theoretical, historical and political contexts. Prerequisite: A minimum of 30 units and approval of Field School Director.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
D100
|
Judy Radul
|
|
TBD
|
CA 412W
-
Advanced Seminar in Art and Performance Studies
(4)
*
Provides an in-depth investigation of a selected theoretical, historical or thematic topic in art and performance studies. This course requires independent research leading to a substantial paper, as well as directed reading preparation for seminars. Topics will vary from term to term. The course may be repeated four times for credit if the topic is different. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units; and one of CA 210W (or 210), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335), or 357W. Writing.
CA 457
-
Context of Theatre III
(4)
An analytical approach to a selected body of dramatic work and/or performances. Includes an intensive consideration of practical dramatic techniques such as story structure and dramaturgy. Prerequisite: Prior approval from the instructor.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units
|
Notes |
| W - Writing |
6
|
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)
|
| Q - Quantitative |
6
|
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) |
| B - Breadth |
18
|
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:
Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci
|
|
6
|
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).
Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.
|
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.