Academic Catalog

Film Studies (FILM)

FILM-250  Video Production  (4 Credits)  

Introduction to basic filmmaking technique, structure, and aesthetics through production of video projects. Students gain skills in filmmaking through emphasis on story, cinematography, editing, and directing. Students use DSLR cameras and non-linear editing systems. This course is not available to students who have taken IAFILM-150.

Prerequisite(s): For Film majors and minors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-270  Introduction to Film Analysis  (4 Credits)  

This course is designed to equip students with the tools necessary to become critically aware and capable film viewers by introducing elements of film form, process of textual analysis, a variety of cinematic techniques used in narrative and nonnarrative cinema, and other models of critical analysis used in film criticism. Not open to students who have completed IHFILM-260.

Prerequisite(s): For Film majors and minors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-271  Introduction to Film History  (4 Credits)  

Examines the history of film's technical, aesthetic, industrial, and social development within an international context, particularly in relation to wider cultural and political movements. Screenings and frequent writing assignments encourage critical thinking skills in terms of cinema aesthetics and cultural criticism. Not open to students who have completed IHFILM-261.

Prerequisite(s): For Film majors and minors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-280  Topics in Production I  (4 Credits)  

Exploration of intermediate level film production areas not usually addressed through the regular curriculum. Specific topics and techniques covered vary. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-250, Film majors and Animation microcredential students only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-290  Special Topics  (4 Credits)  

An exploration of areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Content depends on available faculty and resident artists. May be repeated for credit.

FILM-294  Cooperative Education  (1-8 Credits)  

Introductory work-learning experience related to career interests, for which compensation may be received. Positions arranged by students with sponsorship, approval and evaluation by full-time faculty. Elective credit only (normally 120 hours per credit) for a total of 12 credits per degree program. Graded Pass/Fail.

Prerequisite(s): 24 total credits earned, 2.0 cumulative GPA, and permission of instructor  
FILM-298  Independent Study  (1-8 Credits)  

An opportunity for a qualified student to explore work in an area of individual interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty member. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study. Repeatable to a total of 8 credits.

FILM-350  16mm Film Production  (4 Credits)  

This course will introduce students to 16mm analog film stock, Bolex and/or other 16mm cameras, and post-production. Students gain a better understanding of film-making by working within the parameters of 16mm film and non-sync sound.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-250 and FILM majors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-351  Sound  (4 Credits)  

In this course, students will gain knowledge in sound recording, editing and mixing, as well as explore the creative potential of sound design in film and video. Students will be introduced to working with microphones, recording equipment, and sound editing software.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-250 and FILM majors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-352  Topics in Film Studies  (4 Credits)  

Examines a body of narrative and/or non-narrative films related by virtue of style, theme, director(s), or region of origin, from historical and theoretical perspectives. Recent topics: Documentary Cinema, Post New-Wave French Cinema, Film and the Holocaust. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

Prerequisite(s): Take FILM-270 and FILM-271 OR IHFILM-260 and IHFILM-261  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-353  Cinema and Diversity  (4 Credits)  

This course invites students to consider films in their social, economic, and historical contexts of production and reception. By surveying key critical ideas, students will recognize political issues in filmatic representations and gain an understanding of how power functions in the reproduction of social boundaries and cultural differences through cinema.

Prerequisite(s): TAKE FILM-270 and FILM-271 OR IHFILM-260 and IHFILM-261  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
FILM-355  Film Theory  (4 Credits)  

The study of major film theories and their application to specific films. Formalist, structural, and ideological theories are covered.

Prerequisite(s): Take FILM-270 and FILM-271 OR IHFILM-260 and IHFILM-261  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-380  Career Development in Film and Media  (4 Credits)  

This course provides information about internships and career opportunities in film and media and teaches students how to develop the necessary skills to pursue them. Students will meet with a number of film and media professionals. Activities include creating online profiles, resumes, cover letters and demo reels.

Prerequisite(s): FILM majors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-400  Collaborative Production  (4 Credits)  

Collaborative Production is an advanced video production course focused on the collaborative process. Students will work in teams to produce short works throughout the semester. This course builds upon the DSLR filmmaking knowledge of Video Production, using digital cinema cameras and the relevant workflow.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-351 and FILM majors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-480  Topics in Production II  (4 Credits)  

Exploration of advanced level film production areas not usually addressed through the regular curriculum. Specific topics and techniques covered vary. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-280 and Film majors only  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-485  Production Capstone I  (4 Credits)  

First semester of a year-long course that will result in the development of film and video projects that synthesize student knowledge and practice. Students have the choice to work on individual or collaborative film and/or video projects. This semester focuses on project development, pre-production and production.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-400 and Film majors only  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
FILM-486  Production Capstone II  (4 Credits)  

Second semester of a year-long course that will result in the completion of individual and/or collaborative film projects, as well as a written reflection essay. The spring semester emphasizes production, post-production, and distribution.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-485 & Film majors only  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
FILM-490  Advanced Special Topics  (4 Credits)  

An exploration of areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Content and prerequisites depend on available faculty and resident artists. May be repeated for credit.

FILM-495  Seminar I  (4 Credits)  

Intensive study of a particular theme or topic relating to film or film production. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and FILM-270, FILM-271, and FILM-353, or permission of instructor  
Offered: All, Every Year  
FILM-498  Independent Study  (1-8 Credits)  

Intensive study of an issue, problem, or topic related to film or film production. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or permission of instructor  
FILM-499  Senior Research Project  (4 Credits)  

Culminating course for critical studies in film. Under the guidance of a faculty member, students develop, research, and present an individualized project on a chosen historical or critical topic.

Prerequisite(s): FILM-355 and FILM-495, or permission of instructor  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
IAFILM-150  Introduction to Digital Video Production  (4 Credits)  

This course provides an introduction to basic filmmaking technique, aesthetics, and skills in digital media management through production of digital video projects. Students gain an understanding of the art of narrative filmmaking through emphasis on story development, cinematography, editing, directing and sound design. Course participation demands outside class production time.

IAFILM-330  Screenwriting  (4 Credits)  

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of writing a feature length film narrative in a proper screenplay form. Class is conducted as a series of workshops in which students study several different types of screenplays, and then do a series of projects that prepares students to write original scripts.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP courses including ITW-101 and QL  
Offered: All, Every Year  
IAFILM-331  Storytelling in Video  (4 Credits)  

This course teaches techniques of video production in relation to developing and creating stories. Students will focus on concepts, aesthetics, and techniques as they produce visual narratives. Course participation demands outside class production time. Not open to Film majors except by permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP including ITW-101 and QL  
IAFILM-332  Creative Digital Non-Fiction  (4 Credits)  

This course provides perspective on techniques of video production as students investigate and create documentary film. Students will focus on research, techniques, and sequencing as they create documentaries. Course participation demands outside class production time. Not open to Film majors except by permission of instructor.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP including ITW-101 and QL  
IHFILM-110  How to Watch Films  (4 Credits)  

This course introduces film studies through contemporary Hollywood-style entertainment cinema. Students learn that movies create sites for dynamic conversations and writing about meaningful cultural issues from a variety of perspectives. Offered each semester as theme- or genre-based topic. Students may repeat this course for credit as topics change.

Offered: All, Even Years  
IHFILM-260  Introduction to Film Analysis  (4 Credits)  

This course will equip students with tools to become critically aware, capable film viewers by introducing elements of film form, processes of textual analysis, cinematic techniques used in narrative and non-narrative cinema, and other models of critical analysis used in film criticism. Not open to students who have completed FILM-270.

Offered: All, Every Year  
IHFILM-261  Introduction to Film History  (4 Credits)  

Examines the history of film's technical, aesthetic, industrial, and social development within an international context, particularly in relation to wider cultural and political movements. Screenings and frequent writing assignments encourage critical thinking skills in terms of cinema aesthics and cultural criticism. Not open to students who have completed FILM-271.

IHFILM-310  Women and Cinema  (4 Credits)  

Presenting the works of women film and video makers in the social, economic, and historical contexts of their production and reception, this course develops a critical understanding of women's concerns in a transitional world.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP courses including ITW-101 and QL  
Offered: Spring, Every Year  
IHFILM-320  Movements in World Cinema  (4 Credits)  

Addresses major issues in thinking about both national and international cinema in the context of globalization. By examining Global Hollywood movies and international art cinema as well as transnational film genres, the course explores critical approaches to the intensifying flows of ideas and influences in world film culture.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP courses including ITW-101 and QL  
Offered: Fall, Every Year  
IHFILM-330  Digital Cinema and Media Studies  (4 Credits)  

This course explores how digital technologies and the rise of media conglomerates are blurring boundaries between cinema, television, video, and games. Students critically analyze the aesthetic and cultural impact of new media on moving images.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP including ITW-101 and QL  
IHFILM-342  Topics & Genres  (4 Credits)  

Examines a body of narrative and/or non-narrative films related by virtue of style, theme, director(s), or region of origin, from historical and theoretical perspectives. Recent topics: Road Movies; Apocalypse Cinema; Iranian Cinema. May be repeated as topics change.

Prerequisite(s): 24 credits of ISP, including ITW-101 and QL  
IIFILM-362  Interdisciplinary Approaches to Film  (4 Credits)  

This course explores cinema through interdisciplinary approaches that cross multiple fields of study, drawing upon academic disciplines that include literary studies, women's studies, media studies, cultural studies, and history. May be repeated as topics change.

Prerequisite(s): Take 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL