New to Douglas College? Check out our New Student Orientation program

Performing & Fine Arts

Code	Course Description
PEFA 1101	Arts and Culture in Canada This course is a study of the arts in Canada and their relationship with society. The history of the arts in Canada will be examined with an emphasis on the contemporary period. Important individuals, groups, and organizations in all artistic areas will be discussed with a concentration on current problems and issues such as independence, identity, funding, and cultural policy.
PEFA 1102	The Arts of the Modern World This course is a historical survey of the fine and performing arts from the Renaissance to the present day. We will explore painting, sculpture, architecture, theatre, music and dance. We will consider the aesthetic intent of the arts of each era and discuss the ways that political, social and economic factors have impact on style. We will also attend live arts events and current exhibits.
PEFA 1116	Introduction to Film Studies This course is designed to facilitate a fundamental understanding of film history and the development of skills for analyzing films of all genres. These goals will be achieved by the study of the techniques with which film communicates to its audiences through cinematography, dialogue, performance, art direction, editing, music and sound design. The course will feature the screening and discussion of several feature films and excerpts from many others.
PEFA 1120	Introduction to Acting This course is an exploration of the actor’s internal and external resources for the creation of character. Students participate in scenes and dramatic exercises with emphasis on awareness, prepared improvisation, speech, and movement. Students gain knowledge regarding key historical and modern acting styles with specific reference to Realism, Shakespeare, and Epic Theatre.
PEFA 1124	Introduction to Stagecraft This course explores the various career paths that exist in the technical theatre and event industry and introduces students to the basic skills required to succeed in that industry. Students will be introduced to the theatrical process and the terminology used in theatre. They will learn the basics of scenic carpentry, scenic painting, prop making, costumes, lighting, sound, and video technologies. Students will be expected to contribute 20 hours towards the ARTS department theatre productions, and some of this time will fall outside of regular class time.
PEFA 1136	Introduction to Music This course offers a global perspective on music. Students will explore music in a wide variety of cultural contexts and traditions. The course topics represent the diversity of music available in the contemporary world including world music, Western classical music, folk, jazz and rock music. The approach emphasizes the development of critical listening skills along with a vocabulary for discussing music. Attendance is required at one or more live musical events. This course is designed for students with a general interest in music and no music background is necessary.
PEFA 1139	Career Development for Musicians I This course explores the business of music with an emphasis on the skills and knowledge required for developing and maintaining a career. Topics include economics of the music industry, accounting and financial planning for small business, sales techniques, tax law, advertising and marketing skills, options for further education and training, exploring careers in music related industries, working within the wider business and cultural communities.
PEFA 1216	Canadian Film Studies This course is designed to facilitate an understanding of Canadian film history, development, themes, and possible future directions. This goal will be achieved through the viewing and discussion of the range of Canadian film production from its beginnings through the National Film Board years of documentary and animation, to the rebirth of Canadian features, and up to the contemporary auteur directors.
PEFA 1239	Career Development for Musicians II This course introduces students to real world music collaboration, contracting and income stream management. Topics include remote collaboration, recording, digital distribution, marketing channels, concert planning, touring, contracts, royalties and performing rights organizations.
PEFA 2139	Career Development for Musicians III This course builds on PEFA 1239, and explores careers connected with audio production, and the distribution and marketing of music in a range of digital environments. Topics include music promotion, publicity and marketing skills, applying for Canadian and BC grants for music, careers in music related industries, freelance work, and economic drivers in the music and audio fields.
PEFA 2220	Acting for the Stage II This course explores the actor’s internal and external resources for the creation of character, building on the foundation work of PEFA 1120. Students participate in scenes and dramatic exercises with emphasis on script analysis and acting styles appropriate to specific plays, playwrights and genres. Attendance at live theatre productions will be mandatory.
PEFA 3020	Directing for the Stage This course provides an introduction to the art of directing for the stage. Through lectures and seminars, students will learn about the elements of direction, including play selection, text analysis, venue selection, casting the play, overseeing the rehearsal process, collaborating with the design team and technical crew, and developing a working knowledge of the economics of live theatre production. Note: Students who have completed the first year of the Douglas College Theatre Program are strongly encouraged to take this course. PEFA 3020 is also open to students seeking third year credits in order to apply for the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA).
PEFA 3120	New Play Development and Production Workshop This course unites writers, apprentice directors, actors and stage designers/technicians for the purpose of developing new play scripts for production. Students will work as ensembles, in their own disciplines, and in cross-discipline roles, to simulate the operation of a small theatre company. In addition to learning how to work on a new script, students will learn other skills that make productions possible, such as leadership, teamwork, stage management, grant writing, fund raising, and house management. Mentors in various specialties will augment the instruction delivered by the primary instructor.
PEFA 3136	History of Popular Music This course traces the development of popular music styles and genres from the roots of rock ’n’ roll to the present day in both sonic and social contexts. We explore how popular music has both reflected and influenced major social changes, also identifying musical elements that define individual popular music genres, and how those elements have changed over time.
PEFA 3230	International Theatre Experience This is a field experience course, where the student prepares for, participates in, and reflects upon their experience at a major international theatre experience. Examples include Edinburgh Festival, Prague Quadrennial, Venice Biennial, USITT, LDI (Las Vegas), and World Stage Design. Typically this course is offered as a directed study course as part of a field school or study tour experience.
PEFA 3236	World Music This course builds on PEFA 1136, and explores both social and musical parameters of a diverse range of contemporary world music styles. Case studies explore ways in which distinct regional music traditions have evolved uniquely and examine ways in which world music styles have adapted to an increasingly interconnected world.