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Film Honours

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) with a major in film provides creative, technical and analytical studies within the school’s interdisciplinary setting. Film and video production courses emphasize the creation of original work and technical skills aquisition. Film courses familiarize students with the aesthetic and social issues surrounding contemporary film and video practice which are an integral part of the curriculum. Students augment the components of film and video through interdisciplinary studies and projects. Directed study courses are available for upper division students to work independently.

Students whose interest in film is related primarily to historical, critical, or theoretical aspects should see the art and culture studies major program, leading to a bachelor of arts, and to the film and video studies minor.

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements

Program and course admission is contingent upon University admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines. Entry to all programs and to many courses is by audition, interview or application. Contact the school’s office for information on procedures and deadlines.

Although the University operates on a trimester system, most FPA 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.

Students may apply for program admission after completing FPA 231, normally at the end of the second year of study. Approval will be based on the student’s creative work and academic record in required lower division courses.

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.

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 fine and performing arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.

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

Students complete 132 units, as specified below.

Entry to all first year film production courses required for the major is by questionnaire and interview. Contact the school in early January prior to attendance at the University to request an information letter and questionnaire.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 44 units including

Four core courses below:

FPA 184 - 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. Quantitative.

FPA 186 - Art and the Moving Image (3)

Introduces innovations in the fine and performing arts to show the range of possibilities open to those who wish to employ or understand the use of moving images in their disciplinary and multidisciplinary art practices. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense not only of previous innovations and traditions, but of the contemporary scene as well.

FPA 285 - Interdisciplinary Studio - Composition/Collaboration (3)

An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: FPA 111 and one of FPA 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170 or permission of the instructor.

Plus one additional FPA history course outside their major

and all of

FPA 130 - Fundamentals of Film (4)

Introduces students to the basic components of filmmaking through lectures, film screenings and creative projects in the various media that combine to form cinema. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that course activities may require additional costs. Prerequisite: Prior approval through formal application. Students who have completed FPA 132, 133, 134 or 230 may not take FPA 130 for further credit.

FPA 131 - Filmmaking I (4)

An introductory course in 16 mm. film production, emphasizing creative use of the medium. Each student is expected to conceive, direct and edit a short film with a non-synchronous sound track, as well as participate in the making of class exercises and other students' films. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: FPA 130: Fundamentals of Film and prior approval. An introductory course in 16 mm.

FPA 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.

FPA 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 from 1945 to the present, with attention to various styles of various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Breadth-Humanities.

FPA 230 - Filmmaking II (5)

The first of two courses (FPA 231-5 is the second) which form an intensive study of the craft of sync-sound 16 mm. filmmaking, with an emphasis on production planning, creative development and the shooting and editing of short films. In-class exercises and film screenings will lead to the production of several original films. Each student will be expected to play major creative and technical roles in these productions. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Prerequisite: FPA 131, and FPA 136 or 137, and prior approval. Corequisite: FPA 233. Students who have taken FPA 330 for credit may not complete FPA 230 for further credit.

FPA 231 - Filmmaking III (5)

This course continues the work begun in FPA 230-5 Filmmaking II. Students will acquire proficiency in film technique through lab exercises, readings and film screenings. As well, all students will participate in the completion of short original sync-sound 16 mm. films which were begun in FPA 230. Emphasis is placed on the development of means for creative expression supported by technical skills. Laboratory fee required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: FPA 230: Filmmaking II and FPA 233: The Techniques of Film.

FPA 233 - The Techniques of Film (2)

Covers the technical aspects of basic 16 mm. production skills: camera, lighting, sound, editing, lab processes. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: FPA 131 and prior approval. Corequisite: FPA 230.

and one of

FPA 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: REQ-one of FPA 135, 136, 137, 167 or 168 or 30 units.

FPA 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: FPA 136 or 137, or 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.

FPA 237 - Selected Topics in Film and Video Studies (3) ***

This course will cover a specific topic within the field of film and video studies not covered in depth in regularly scheduled courses, such as: a national cinema; film and politics; Quebec cinema; documentary film and video, etc. Weekly sessions. The course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: FPA 136 or 137. Breadth-Humanities.

and one of

FPA 232 - Film Sound (3)

Through lectures, demonstrations and studio work, students will be introduced to several aspects of location sound recording and audio post production for film and video. Topics will include synchronization systems and techniques, editing, music scoring, mixing and both analog and digital sound technology. Prerequisite: FPA 131 or 147, and prior approval. Students who have completed FPA 330 may not take FPA 232 for further credit.

FPA 238W - Screenwriting II (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 FPA 136, 137 or 253 and prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 332 or 238 for credit may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

* with prior approval, students may substitute lower division courses from other departments devoted to a film or video topic to fulfill this requirement

*** may be repeated under another topic

+ See advisor for course options.

++ highly recommended

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 48 units including twelve units from

FPA 335 - Introduction to Film Theory (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. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: six units from among FPA 136, 137, 211, 236, 237. Recommended: FPA 210. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students who have credit for FPA 234 may not take this course for further credit.

FPA 337 - Intermediate Selected Topics in Film and Video Studies (4) ***

An intermediate course in critical studies, addressing a variety of topics under this number; for instance, specific genre or area studies (comedy, film noir, science fiction, etc.); national cinemas; film analysis; Third World film, video art, experimental film, etc. The course may be taken again for credit if the topic changes. Prerequisite: Will vary according to subject matter. May repeat for credit. Students who have taken FPA 339 Selected Topics in Film for credit may not take the same topic under FPA 337 for further credit.

FPA 436 - Advanced Seminar in Film and Video Studies (4) ***

This course 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; ideological analysis; particular aspects of national cinemas, etc. is taught. Prerequisite: FPA 335 or permission of instructor.

and a minimum of 18 units chosen from

FPA 332 - Film Production Seminar (3)

Facilitates an in-depth understanding of the organizational aspects of film production, with emphasis on pre-production planning. The class will study methods of proposal writing, pre-production and production, developing production packages for short film and video projects. This course is strongly recommended for all students intending to take FPA 430. Prerequisite: FPA 231 or prior approval.

FPA 333 - Cinematography and Lighting (3)

This course emphasizes advanced 16 mm. production skills in cinematography and lighting. Students are expected to participate in intensive camera exercises, as well as to play significant crew roles on fourth year film. Laboratory fee required. Prerequisite: FPA 231 and prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 331 The Crafts of Film III may not take this course for further credit.

FPA 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 FPA 238 or 353 or 457 and prior approval. Strongly recommended for all students developing projects for production in FPA 430. Writing.

FPA 339 - Directing and Acting for Film and Video (3)

This course acquaints intermediate level students in film, video and theatre with techniques of dramatic film performance. Students will be expected to perform as both actors and directors on scene work in class. Topics covered include auditioning, script analysis, role preparation, rehearsal, blocking for the camera, and directing techniques. This course is not a duplicate of FPA 339 Selected Topics in Film, available in summer 1990 and earlier. Prerequisite: REQ-FPA 231 or FPA 251; or FPA 131 or FPA 151 and prior approval.

FPA 386 - 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.

FPA 390 - Video Production II (3)

This course is intended for students interested in video as a means of artistic expression. Students will be encouraged to challenge accepted notions of the video medium and explore the creative possibilities of multi channel presentations. The course comprises a series of technical workshops, screenings and group seminars whose purpose is to develop an awareness of the creative and conceptual possibilities of the medium of video. Students will be expected to initiate and complete a short video project based on an idea of their own choosing. Projects which involve school-wide interdisciplinary collaborations will be encouraged. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that video production may require personal funding beyond the lab fee. Prerequisite: Prior approval through written proposal for a ten minute video project or installation; an interview; plus FPA 290 or equivalent video experience.

FPA 430 - Filmmaking IV (6)

The first half of a two term project in advanced film and/or video production. Students are expected to participate in the realization of one or more projects during the two terms. Students seeking entry into this course are required to present a completed script (for a drama) or detailed proposal (for a documentary or experimental film) prior to enrolment. The exact nature of each student's participation will be determined in consultation with the instructor. This course is open only to approved film majors. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant financial costs in addition to required lab fees. Prerequisite: FPA 231 and 10 units in film or video studies plus prior approval.

FPA 432 - Filmmaking V (6)

This course is intended for completion of film and video projects begun in FPA 430. Particular emphasis will be given to advanced film craft in the post-production phase. The exact nature of each student's participation will be determined in consultation with the instructor. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Prerequisite: FPA 430.

and one of

FPA 312 - Selected Topics in Art and Culture Studies (3) †

Investigates a selected thematic topic in art and culture studies, for example, postcolonial theory and the arts; perception and embodiment; art activism and resistance; or urban art and culture. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.

FPA 314 - Readings in the History of Art and Culture (3)

Investigates a selected historical topic in art and culture. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.

FPA 317 - Introduction to Performance Studies (4) †

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: Minimum of 45 units, including FPA 111 or another critical or history course within the School for Contemporary Arts; or by prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 311 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

FPA 412 - Advanced Seminar in Art and Culture Studies (4) †

Provides an in-depth investigation of a selected theoretical, historical or thematic topic in art and culture 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 when different topics are offered. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units and FPA 210.

FPA 414 - Advanced Topic in the History of Art and Culture (3) †

An in-depth investigation of a selected topic in the history of art and culture. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.

another upper division FPA history or critical course outside the major

and six upper division units in FPA film courses

and the remaining four required units chosen from FPA upper division courses (placement in courses is based on prerequisites and/or permission of the instructor). See advisor for course options.

* with prior approval, students may substitute upper division courses devoted to a film or video studies topic in other departments, or in directed study in film studies, to fulfil this requirement

** recommended

*** may be repeated under another topic

† may not be completed more than once for credit

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See 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 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.

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