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Film and Video Studies Minor

This minor focuses on theoretical, analytical, historical and critical aspects of film and video.

¶¡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.

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.

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

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 various styles of artistic expression in film. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Breadth-Humanities.

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.

and two 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: 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: 3 units in film studies 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. The course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 3 units in film studies or 30 units. Breadth-Humanities.

FPA 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 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.

* these courses may include studies in film and video analysis, national cinemas, genre, political cinema, etc. and may be repeated for credit when a different topic is offered

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 17 units including 11 or 12 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: 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 in film addressing a variety of topics. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 6 credits in film studies or 9 credits in FPA courses including FPA 136 or 137.

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 436 - Advanced Seminar in Film and Video 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 for credit. Prerequisite: FPA 335 or 337.

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: 45 units.

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: FPA 167, 186, 210.

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: 45 units including one history/theory course within the School for the Contemporary Arts. 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. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: FPA 167, 186, FPA 210 and 45 units.

* these courses may include studies in film and video analysis, national cinemas, genre, political cinema, etc. and may be repeated for credit when a different topic is offered

** recommended

*** students who received credit for FPA 313 may also complete FPA 317