Introduction to Surrealism

Course Code: CA 150 NE (online-English)

Course Dates: January 2011-March 2011

Instructor: Amy Hale

Objectives and course description:

This course will provide an introduction to the history of Surrealism as an artistic, intellectual and sometimes political movement. We will explore some of the major characters associated with the movement and examine the ways in which Surrealism continues to impact the world of thought and popular culture. Although Surrealism is popularly associated with a particular visual style or the incorporation of fantastic, dreamlike elements, in fact, Surrealism is more dependent on technique and philosophy, and incorporates literature, film, theater, and wider elements of performance. This course will provide a foundation of the primary stylistic and philosophical foundations for this intellectual movement as well as identification of its key figures and personalities.

The course will begin historically, looking at the roots of Surrealism in nineteenth and early twentieth century writing and art, and then we will progress into the work of André Breton and the foundations of Surrealism in France in the 1920s. From there, we will explore Surrealism more thematically, considering politics, gender , the esoteric , performance and style. Finally we will look at the impact of Surrealism on other art movements and popular culture, visionary art and Neosurrealism.

Texts (to be confirmed):

May include Surrealism, Mary Ann Caws London: Phaidon Press 2010, essays from Papers of Surrealism (journal) and Journal of Surrealism in the Americas as well as primary textual analysis.

Prerequisites: None . This course is a prerequisite for several of our other courses.

Languages: English only. Our English language requirements do apply to this course.

Delivery: Online only. A substantial amount of reading material will be made available to students through our online learning centre.

Scholarships apply for this course.
This course may be audited.

Week 1	Proto Surrealism and Dada
Week 2	Breton and the First Surrealist Manifesto
Week 3	The International Surrealist Movement
Week 4	Surrealism and Politics
Week 5 Response paper due	Surrealism and Gender
Week 6	Surrealism and the Esoteric
Week 7	Surrealism and Performance
Week 8	The Impact of Surrealism: The 1960s Forward
Week 9	Research Paper Due Learning Journal Due Oral Presentation