Cinema Studies Minor
This minor focuses on theoretical, analytical, historical and critical aspects of cinema.
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 cinema studies minor after completing six units of CA 136, 137 or 186 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.
About the School’s Course Offerings
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.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.
Courses devoted to film or video are occasionally offered by other departments. With prior permission, students may substitute one or more to fulfil requirements, up to a maximum of eight units.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite is or includes ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete 15 units including all of
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 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.
and two of
CA 216
-
Selected Topics in Cinema Studies
(3)
*
This course will cover a specific topic within the field of cinema studies not covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: One of CA 135, 136, 137, 186, 235, 236, 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335), 416 (or 436), or 30 units. Students with credit for CA 237 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
E100
|
Sessional
|
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
|
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.
CA 235
-
Experimental Film and Video
(3)
A survey 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 117 (or 167), 118 (or 168), 135, 136 or 137 or 30 units.
CA 236
-
Cinema in Canada
(3)
Examines the achievements of dramatic, documentary and experimental filmmaking in Canada from the earliest days until the present. Special attention will be paid to the cinemas of Quebec and western Canada, and to the cultural, political and theoretical traditions that have shaped contemporary cinema in Canada. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 3 units in film or cinema studies (CA 135, 136, 186, 235, 216 (or 237), 316 (or 337), 318 (or 335)) or 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.
CA 238W
-
Screenwriting I
(3)
This course introduces the methodologies of writing for the screen in various styles, including dramatic, documentary and experimental forms, with an emphasis on structure and the creative expression of visual ideas. Students will perform a variety of writing assignments and each will be expected to complete one or more short original scripts. Prerequisite: One of CA 136, 137 or 253 and prior approval. Students with credit for CA 238 or 332 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 17 units including 11 or 12 units from
CA 316
-
Intermediate Selected Topics in Cinema Studies
(4)
*
An intermediate course in critical studies in cinema addressing a variety of topics. This course can be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Students with credit for CA 337 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: Nine units in CA courses including CA 136 or 137.
| Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
|
E100
|
Sessional
|
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP
GOLDCORP
|
CA 318
-
Theory and Cinema
(4)
This course is concerned with the systematic understanding of the general phenomenon called Cinema rather than with the properties or techniques of individual films. Various theoretical positions will be assessed and compared in terms of cinematic practice and its ideological functions. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Six units from among CA 136, 137, 216 (or 237), 236. Recommended: CA 210W (or 210). Students with credit for CA 234 or CA 335 may not take this course for further credit.
CA 338W
-
Screenwriting II
(3)
This course will present advanced theory and techniques for writing dramatic, experimental and documentary film and video scripts. Additional topics covered include script analysis, production breakdown, and the writing of treatments and proposals. Prerequisite: One of CA 238 or 353 or 457 and prior approval. Strongly recommended for all students developing projects for production in CA 430. Writing.
CA 416
-
Advanced Seminar in Cinema Studies
(4)
*
Features 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. Students with credit for CA 436 may take this course for further credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: CA 316 (or 337) or CA 318 (or 335).
and one of
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 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.
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.
|