Units: 3. Offered: Fall, Spring.

This course provides an introduction to creativity through discussion and project-based learning. The course provides overview and practice of creative processes (e.g. ideation, research, empathy, proto-typing, etc), in-depth discussion of the theological foundations for creativity, and practice for developing creative habits.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall, Spring.

This course offers an introduction to methods and approaches for the study of film. Students will learn film terminology and its effective application in film analysis. Students also will develop, maintain, and improve strategies for close-reading individual shots and sequences, interpreting cinematic narrative and technique, and for negotiating various critical and theoretical paradigms of film study.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course studies the development of film history from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century up to the present day. As the growth of cinema has been a global phenomenon, we will look at major films, filmmakers, and film movements in the United States and around the world. Pre- or Co- requisite: ENG 123. Recommended: FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course introduces students to the major areas and concepts of film theory and criticism, from their inception in the early twentieth century to the present. It examines how various film theories, as part of a long-standing tradition of critical reflections on life and the arts in general, evolve and interact with one another and with neighboring discourses, nationally and internationally. Knowledge and skills gained in this class will prepare students for further upper-division film courses, in which film theory and criticism will function as important analytical tools. Prerequisites: FLM 105 and 150.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

World Cinema is an advanced course focusing on films made outside of North America and their socio-historical contexts. It looks at cinematic history and practice in diverse nations and introduces students to a range of non-Hollywood film styles and forms, including popular and art cinemas, from across the globe. May be taken multiple times with change in topic. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall, Spring.

This three-unit senior capstone project serves to assess the subject matter competence of the Film Studies major. During the semester, students will compose a philosophy statement, compile a portfolio of previous work, and complete a capstone paper or film project. The class meets with its instructor one hour per week while completing the tasks of the course. Prerequisite: Permission of the Dean of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall (odd years).

With attention to theories about authorship and the auteur, this course surveys the work of one or two major directors. This course may treat a canonical auteur, such as Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, or Akira Kurosawa, or may focus upon figures historically marginalized within cinema studies, such Oscar Micheaux, Ida Lupino, or Sam Fuller. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course addresses the adaptation of literature to film. It examines diverse concepts and theories that have been applied to cinematic adaptations of literary texts as part of a larger constellation of issues, including the development of cinematic language, approaches to genre studies, and an appreciation for cinematic visions in literary texts. In addition to film screenings, course readings will include prose fiction and film criticism. Prerequisite: ENG 123.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall (even years).

Independent Film and Counter-cinema is an advanced course that studies diverse film texts considered “independent” while examining the varied and constantly evolving definition of independent film. In addition, the course investigates counter-cinema—film that actively opposes mainstream cinema, offering alternative discourses—and explores the complex relationship between independent film and counter-cinema. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (odd years).

This advanced course focuses on diverse texts and theories regarding adaptation and intertextuality as they impact film and other media. The course explores the ways in which texts are adapted from one medium into other media and the ways in which texts intersect and communicate with one another. The complex manner in which adaptation and intertextuality function in our media-saturated, global culture is investigated. Texts that might be examined in this course include films, video games, television shows, novels, comics/graphic novels, operas, and musicals. Course content will vary. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course builds on a foundational understanding of creativity’s process and purpose. The aim of the course is for students to apply these foundations to the act of completing interdisciplinary creative projects in context. Prerequisite: DES 110.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing for the screen. The elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema will be studied. Students will learn how to construct screenplays by closely examining produced films, reading film scripts, and writing their own short screenplays. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of the three-act act structure, dramatic action, character arc, the revision process, and an introduction to the business of screenwriting. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished a twenty- to thirty-page screenplay for a short film suitable for production. Prerequisite: ENG 113 and FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

An introduction to the production of visual storytelling content. Each student will write, direct, and edit a series of exploratory production exercises. The primary emphasis is on telling a compelling story by employing basic cinematography, lighting, editing, sound and on-camera talent to involve an audience emotionally with the characters on screen. This course is restricted to Film majors and minors only. Pre- or Co-Requisite: FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

A study of advanced cinematic storytelling principles as they are expressed through editing. This course analyzes examples from important films and other media that demonstrate how rhythm, timing, pace, emotion, sound, and other dramatic aesthetics affect the viewer’s perceptions and the success of the sequence. Each student will develop technical skills through weekly editing assignments and the completion of a complex editing project. Students learn skills and techniques of cinematic storytelling via the editing and post production processes. The course emphasizes proficiency using a nonlinear editing system, the history of significant achievement in editing, and the editor’s unique role in the post production process.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall (Even Years).

Provides students with an intensive hands-on experience editing under the supervision of the professor while further developing their skills and techniques of cinematic storytelling via the editing and post production processes, with an emphasis on the role of editing on cinematic and artistic masterpieces from every genre while students work on creating their own film festival ready short film from already existing film and sound elements.  Pre-Req FLP 180.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course builds a foundation for advanced 3D environmental modeling, photorealistic rendering, stylistic shading, and effects processes. Students will build upon fundamental techniques to create professional quality imagery and motion with industry standard software such as Cinema 4D and Element 3D. Working is a typical design studio pipeline, students will work with NURBS modeling and mesh editing for hard surface and organic objects; texture mapping, special effects including effectors, dynamics, and multiple emitters; optimization techniques; and a variety of compositing methods to create both artistic works and commercial products. Pre-requisite: GDM 215 OR EGR 121

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course teaches students the primary skills and processes used in the visual effects (VFX) industry. Students will learn basic compositing and how to integrate computer graphics and 3D components with live action in a methodology that simulates standard VFX production pipelines. Pre-requisite: GDM 215 or FLP 170 or EGR 121

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

Introduction to analog and digital audio recording and ProTools recording software. Topics covered will include microphone techniques, signal flow, recording consoles, sound capture and basic sound editing. Recording of vocal and instruments will be covered. Practicum hours required.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

Integration of audio and studio technology in post-production. Topics include dialogue replacement, sound effects design and editing, Foley, surround sound mixing and music score production. Practicum hours required.  Pre-Req. MUS 386.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course builds on a foundational understanding of creativity’s process and purpose. The aim of the course is for students to apply these foundations to the act of completing interdisciplinary creative projects in context. Prerequisite: DES 110.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing for the screen. The elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema will be studied. Students will learn how to construct screenplays by closely examining produced films, reading film scripts, and writing their own short screenplays. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of the three-act act structure, dramatic action, character arc, the revision process, and an introduction to the business of screenwriting. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished a twenty- to thirty-page screenplay for a short film suitable for production. Prerequisite: ENG 113 and FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course addresses the adaptation of literature to film. It examines diverse concepts and theories that have been applied to cinematic adaptations of literary texts as part of a larger constellation of issues, including the development of cinematic language, approaches to genre studies, and an appreciation for cinematic visions in literary texts. In addition to film screenings, course readings will include prose fiction and film criticism. Prerequisite: ENG 123.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course introduces students to an overview of the film industry broadly and examines the evolving structures of development, production, and distribution for a worldwide market.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

An introduction to the production of visual storytelling content. Each student will write, direct, and edit a series of exploratory production exercises. The primary emphasis is on telling a compelling story by employing basic cinematography, lighting, editing, sound and on-camera talent to involve an audience emotionally with the characters on screen. This course is restricted to Film majors and minors only. Pre- or Co-Requisite: FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

A study of advanced cinematic storytelling principles as they are expressed through editing. This course analyzes examples from important films and other media that demonstrate how rhythm, timing, pace, emotion, sound, and other dramatic aesthetics affect the viewer’s perceptions and the success of the sequence. Each student will develop technical skills through weekly editing assignments and the completion of a complex editing project. Students learn skills and techniques of cinematic storytelling via the editing and post production processes. The course emphasizes proficiency using a nonlinear editing system, the history of significant achievement in editing, and the editor’s unique role in the post production process.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This class will approach film production from prep to post from the perspective of the independent film creative producer, with each student producing and directing two short films in addition to introductory workshops on all the different departments, including technical areas such as grip, electric, and camera. Students will learn how to break down and budget a script, schedule a shoot, create and fill out paperwork, such as deal memos, call sheets, contracts, location scouting, and holding auditions.Pre-Co Requisite FLM 301

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

An introduction to the fundamental tools and principles used by cinematographers to create digital or film images generated from the context of the story. Curriculum covers visualization, digital manipulation, sensitometry, filters and lenses, lighting, color, processing procedures, camera systems, special effects, and image control. Prerequisite: FLP 306.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course explores a range of ideas, methods, and theories of narrative film directing. While helping students understand the director’s complex functions in the creative process of directing, the course mainly focuses on the study of and practice in two areas: directing the camera and directing actors. Significant time is devoted to the understanding of acting and working with actors (casting, rehearsal, character development, and performing for the camera). Students will work in groups on a series of focused short projects to build the creative experience step by step. Prerequisite: FLP 360.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

Introduction to analog and digital audio recording and ProTools recording software. Topics covered will include microphone techniques, signal flow, recording consoles, sound capture and basic sound editing. Recording of vocal and instruments will be covered. Practicum hours required.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall, Spring.

An intensive study of literary terminology and the major genres of American, British, European, and multicultural literature. Focuses on critical reading and intelligent appreciation of literature, and ways of writing about literature. Majors and minors should take this introduction course during their sophomore year as soon as they successfully complete ENG 123. Prerequisite: ENG 123.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing for the screen. The elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema will be studied. Students will learn how to construct screenplays by closely examining produced films, reading film scripts, and writing their own short screenplays. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of the three-act act structure, dramatic action, character arc, the revision process, and an introduction to the business of screenwriting. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished a twenty- to thirty-page screenplay for a short film suitable for production. Prerequisite: ENG 113 and FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (Odd Years).

This course is an intermediate level treatment of the principles of writing for the screen. It expands on the concepts covered in Basic Screenwriting, deepening the students’ knowledge of the elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema while building the students’ skills in the development of these elements in their own writing. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished screenplay for a 1-hour film. Prerequisite: ENG 113 or FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course addresses the adaptation of literature to film. It examines diverse concepts and theories that have been applied to cinematic adaptations of literary texts as part of a larger constellation of issues, including the development of cinematic language, approaches to genre studies, and an appreciation for cinematic visions in literary texts. In addition to film screenings, course readings will include prose fiction and film criticism. Prerequisite: ENG 123.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing the for streaming media. Students will be immersed in what makes for a successful series comedy or drama script: premise, character, story, scene writing, and dialogue. Several past and current series from broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms will be analyzed throughout the semester. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of writing the scripted series and an introduction to the business of scripted series writing and production. By the end of the semester, students will have written a polished pilot episode script suitable for production. Pre-Req. ENG 113 or FLM 105

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (Even Years).

This is a course in the art of writing a feature-length film script based on a piece of literature or other literary material. Contemporary feature film structure paradigms will be reviewed as the student (individually or in pairs) crafts their own feature-length screenplay from a self-selected literary source. The art of the studio “pitch” used to sell a screenplay also will be reviewed and practiced. Prerequisite: ENG 113 or FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (odd years).

This advanced course focuses on diverse texts and theories regarding adaptation and intertextuality as they impact film and other media. The course explores the ways in which texts are adapted from one medium into other media and the ways in which texts intersect and communicate with one another. The complex manner in which adaptation and intertextuality function in our media-saturated, global culture is investigated. Texts that might be examined in this course include films, video games, television shows, novels, comics/graphic novels, operas, and musicals. Course content will vary. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall, Spring.

This course offers an introduction to methods and approaches for the study of film. Students will learn film terminology and its effective application in film analysis. Students also will develop, maintain, and improve strategies for close-reading individual shots and sequences, interpreting cinematic narrative and technique, and for negotiating various critical and theoretical paradigms of film study.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course studies the development of film history from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century up to the present day. As the growth of cinema has been a global phenomenon, we will look at major films, filmmakers, and film movements in the United States and around the world. Pre- or Co- requisite: ENG 123. Recommended: FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course introduces students to the major areas and concepts of film theory and criticism, from their inception in the early twentieth century to the present. It examines how various film theories, as part of a long-standing tradition of critical reflections on life and the arts in general, evolve and interact with one another and with neighboring discourses, nationally and internationally. Knowledge and skills gained in this class will prepare students for further upper-division film courses, in which film theory and criticism will function as important analytical tools. Prerequisites: FLM 105 and 150.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (even years).

National Cinema is an advanced course focusing on the most significant films and filmmakers of one country. It looks at cinematic history and practice in the nation being covered and may include a consideration of popular, independent, and/or art film. The course may cover the entire history of cinema in one nation or focus on a particular type of film or cinematic movement in one country. Special attention will be paid to the socio-historical contexts of the films assigned during the course. May be taken multiple times with change in topic. Prerequisite: FLM 150.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing for the screen. The elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema will be studied. Students will learn how to construct screenplays by closely examining produced films, reading film scripts, and writing their own short screenplays. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of the three-act act structure, dramatic action, character arc, the revision process, and an introduction to the business of screenwriting. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished a twenty- to thirty-page screenplay for a short film suitable for production. Prerequisite: ENG 113 and FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (Odd Years).

This course is an intermediate level treatment of the principles of writing for the screen. It expands on the concepts covered in Basic Screenwriting, deepening the students’ knowledge of the elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema while building the students’ skills in the development of these elements in their own writing. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished screenplay for a 1-hour film. Prerequisite: ENG 113 or FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (odd years).

This survey course offers a unique opportunity to screen and study technically innovative and culturally significant feature films from China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Special attention will be given to the diverse genres in Asian cinema and the dynamic interactions between filmmaking and socio-historical transformation. An East-West comparative approach will be encouraged. Prerequisites: FLM 105 and 150.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course centers on the close reading of both religious and secular filmic texts in order to better understand the ideology that is wrapped within these artifacts of culture. Students will describe and analyze how these cinematic texts communicate both Christian and anti-Christian philosophical and theological arguments, which have the power to shape the horizons of the mind and impact culture. Prerequisite: ENG 123.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall (odd years).

With attention to theories about authorship and the auteur, this course surveys the work of one or two major directors. This course may treat a canonical auteur, such as Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, or Akira Kurosawa, or may focus upon figures historically marginalized within cinema studies, such Oscar Micheaux, Ida Lupino, or Sam Fuller. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course addresses the adaptation of literature to film. It examines diverse concepts and theories that have been applied to cinematic adaptations of literary texts as part of a larger constellation of issues, including the development of cinematic language, approaches to genre studies, and an appreciation for cinematic visions in literary texts. In addition to film screenings, course readings will include prose fiction and film criticism. Prerequisite: ENG 123.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing the for streaming media. Students will be immersed in what makes for a successful series comedy or drama script: premise, character, story, scene writing, and dialogue. Several past and current series from broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms will be analyzed throughout the semester. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of writing the scripted series and an introduction to the business of scripted series writing and production. By the end of the semester, students will have written a polished pilot episode script suitable for production. Pre-Req. ENG 113 or FLM 105

Units: 3. Offered: As offered.

This course focuses on a different subject in the field of cinema studies each time it is offered. Designed to reflect both our rapidly changing culture and the technologically progressive nature of the film industry, this course is devoted to a critical examination of film with regard to, for example, time period, genre, theme, etc. May be taken multiple times with change in topic. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (Even Years).

This is a course in the art of writing a feature-length film script based on a piece of literature or other literary material. Contemporary feature film structure paradigms will be reviewed as the student (individually or in pairs) crafts their own feature-length screenplay from a self-selected literary source. The art of the studio “pitch” used to sell a screenplay also will be reviewed and practiced. Prerequisite: ENG 113 or FLM 105.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall (even years).

Independent Film and Counter-cinema is an advanced course that studies diverse film texts considered “independent” while examining the varied and constantly evolving definition of independent film. In addition, the course investigates counter-cinema—film that actively opposes mainstream cinema, offering alternative discourses—and explores the complex relationship between independent film and counter-cinema. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

World Cinema is an advanced course focusing on films made outside of North America and their socio-historical contexts. It looks at cinematic history and practice in diverse nations and introduces students to a range of non-Hollywood film styles and forms, including popular and art cinemas, from across the globe. May be taken multiple times with change in topic. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 3. Offered: Spring (odd years).

This advanced course focuses on diverse texts and theories regarding adaptation and intertextuality as they impact film and other media. The course explores the ways in which texts are adapted from one medium into other media and the ways in which texts intersect and communicate with one another. The complex manner in which adaptation and intertextuality function in our media-saturated, global culture is investigated. Texts that might be examined in this course include films, video games, television shows, novels, comics/graphic novels, operas, and musicals. Course content will vary. Prerequisite: FLM 250.

Units: 1-15. Offered: As Offered.

Students participate in an internship experience in some aspect of the Hollywood film or television industry. These are non-paying positions that may be part of an actual Hollywood film or television production, or similar entertainment industry experience with development companies, agencies, producers, etc. Unit value will vary in relation to time commitment and the individual’s learning contract. Students will be supervised by a member of the Film Studies faculty. Prerequisite: FLM 250 and junior status.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This class will approach film production from prep to post from the perspective of the independent film creative producer, with each student producing and directing two short films in addition to introductory workshops on all the different departments, including technical areas such as grip, electric, and camera. Students will learn how to break down and budget a script, schedule a shoot, create and fill out paperwork, such as deal memos, call sheets, contracts, location scouting, and holding auditions.Pre-Co Requisite FLM 301

Units: 3. Offered: Spring.

An introduction to the fundamental tools and principles used by cinematographers to create digital or film images generated from the context of the story. Curriculum covers visualization, digital manipulation, sensitometry, filters and lenses, lighting, color, processing procedures, camera systems, special effects, and image control. Prerequisite: FLP 306.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall (Even Years).

Provides students with an intensive hands-on experience editing under the supervision of the professor while further developing their skills and techniques of cinematic storytelling via the editing and post production processes, with an emphasis on the role of editing on cinematic and artistic masterpieces from every genre while students work on creating their own film festival ready short film from already existing film and sound elements.  Pre-Req FLP 180.

Units: 3. Offered: Fall.

This course explores a range of ideas, methods, and theories of narrative film directing. While helping students understand the director’s complex functions in the creative process of directing, the course mainly focuses on the study of and practice in two areas: directing the camera and directing actors. Significant time is devoted to the understanding of acting and working with actors (casting, rehearsal, character development, and performing for the camera). Students will work in groups on a series of focused short projects to build the creative experience step by step. Prerequisite: FLP 360.