FILM - Film & Photography

FILM 101IH  Understanding Film and Media: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

(F, Sp, Su) This course provides students with the tools of film and media analysis as a foundation for future cinema study and practice. Close analysis of films from different countries and time periods will be used to recognize the formal elements of film production, principally style and narrative.

FILM 112  Aesthetics of Film Production I: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

(F, Sp) An understanding of motion pictures, video art and television practice through study of principles of concept and production. Will include assignments to view and critique selected examples and the completion of short exercises.

FILM 122IA  Acting for Non-Majors: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F, Sp) Introduction to the craft of acting. By utilizing a variety of acting exercises and techniques, students will cultivate a deeper understanding of actors’ skills and how to better communicate as storytellers. In workshop format, students will have the opportunity to perform a diverse collection of dramatic literature while connecting to their creative side through performance.

FILM 191  Special Topics: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

On demand. One-time offerings of current topics, experimental offerings of new courses, or experimental offerings of visiting professors.
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

FILM 201D  Film History I: Origins to the 1960s: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH. (F) A survey of major developments in international film history from the 1890s to the 1960s, examining the aesthetic, social, cultural and technological dimensions of cinema

FILM 202D  Film History II: 1960s to the Present: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH. (Sp) A survey of major developments in international film and media history from the 1960s to the present, examining the aesthetic, economic, cultural and technological dimensions of moving images

FILM 212  Aesthetics Film Production II: 4 Credits (4 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH, FILM 112 and PHOT 113RA or consent of instructor. (F, Sp) An intensive intermediate course in the fundamental aspects of film production. Students learn to use professional filmmaking tools and apply these skills to short productions. The course emphasizes the language of visual/aural storytelling and the development of directorial vision

FILM 215IH  American Popular Television: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Sp) Exploration of one of the most influential forms of media in the American cultural landscape. Television and the evolution of its programming has reinforced and challenged cultural and social norms, racial divides, sexism, gender roles, and what we understand as entertainment and news. The shifts in how we watch television have disrupted traditional economic, technological, and policy media models, and ask us to re-imagine the medium.

FILM 251  Scriptwriting: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH, FILM 112 and PHOT 113RA or consent of instructor. (Sp) Experience in techniques and concepts of writing for film and other media

FILM 253  Television Production: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH, FILM 112 and PHOT 113RA or consent of instructor. (Sp) Introduces students to live television production and multi-camera studio operations, and the technologies used in the production and delivery of live TV. Explores the group production process using hands-on exercises in a working studio environment

FILM 254  Acting for Film: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 101IH, FILM 112 and PHOT 113RA or consent of instructor. (F) An introduction to the basic skills of acting through acting exercises and individual projects, including a unit for acting for the camera

FILM 259  Multimedia Audio Production: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: MTEC Majors ONLY, MUST 220, All Other Majors: Consent of Instructor. The study of theoretical and practical approaches to audio production for multimedia, to include ADR/Dialog replacement, Foley, sound effects, field/location recording, studio recording, music integration and editing, surround sound techniques/encoding, delivery paradigms, and aesthetics of audio for multimedia

FILM 290R  Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor. () On demand. Directed undergraduate research which may culminate in a written work or other creative project. Course will address responsible conduct of research
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 291  Special Topics: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: None required but some may be determined necessary by the department. On demand. One-time offerings of current topics, experimental offerings of new courses, or experimental offerings of visiting professors
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

FILM 295  Practicum: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor. () On demand. Practical experience associated with production and research project in motion pictures, television/video, photography, and theatre. May include rehearsal or performance activity. Credit will be offered to students doing basic work on faculty members' productions or on student productions under direct faculty supervision. Credit will be offered to students giving basic technical support to: a)faculty teaching courses, b)faculty engaged in creative activities, or c)advanced students' productions (while supervised by an SFP faculty member)
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 304  Live Production and Camera: 4 Credits (4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (Sp) This course is designed to provide student filmmakers an opportunity to create a fully realized live theatrical performance captured on video through a multi-camera recording. Students explore the crafts and responsibilities involved in the execution of theatrical design and performance as well as capturing this live event through the lens of the video camera. The delivery of material happens through lectures, exercises, hands-on workshops, and production assignments, which prepare designated production teams for the final presentation and video recording

FILM 333  Production Management: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212, FILM 251 and FILM 254 or consent of instructor. (F) A comprehensive approach to managing the personnel, creative, and financial resources of media production in both fiction and nonfiction productions. Learn script breakdown, budgeting, scheduling, financing, legal requirements, paperwork, and exhibition options. Study how, in the new production environment of digital and streaming, the five stages of production – development, preproduction, principal photography, post production, and distribution - work with one another

FILM 341  Special Effects Makeup for Film: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (Sp) In-depth study and execution of makeup design techniques for filmmakers. Costume and character design theory and process will be covered including rendering techniques, history, research and project presentation

FILM 351  Advanced Script Writing: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212, FILM 251 and FILM 254 or consent of instructor. (F) Advanced training in the techniques of writing for film, television, and new media projects. This class requires students to author a long-form screenplay

FILM 352  Editing: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (Sp) History and techniques of motion picture and video editing. The course will combine lectures with hands-on exercises in editing

FILM 354  Lighting: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. () Alternate year Spring. An introduction to the aesthetics and technical principles of lighting for film and theatre with attention to familiarity with basic instruments and a lighting board. The opportunity for an exercise in lighting design will be provided

FILM 355  Cinematography: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (F) An examination of the aesthetics and practice of cinematography

FILM 356  Production Design: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. () Alternate year Spring. Introductory course in production design for theatre, film and video

FILM 357  Directing: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212, FILM 251 and FILM 254 or consent of instructor. (Sp) An examination of the theory and practice of directing for film

FILM 359  Sound Design: 3 Credits (3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (F) Theoretical and practical approaches to the motion picture soundtrack. Topics and exercises will include location recording, post-production, sound design, and the musical score

FILM 370  Color Grading for Film & TV: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212. (Sp) Color grading is a necessary stage in the post-production of narrative and documentary films. This course fits within our existing film production curriculum that emphasizes project-based hands-on learning

FILM 371  Non-Fiction Film Production: 4 Credits (4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (Sp) Exploration of the aesthetics and practice of creating documentary films. The course will use a variety of teaching modes to develop the understanding of documentary production. Students enrolled will produce short documentary films

FILM 372  Fiction Film Production: 4 Credits (4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212, FILM 251, and FILM 254 or consent of instructor. (F) Projects pursued under faculty supervision, emphasizing fiction productions using traditional and non-traditional approaches from pre-production through post-production. Details of individual sections and the supervising faculty will be posted by the department prior to pre-registration

FILM 373  Experimental Film Production: 4 Credits (4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 212 or consent of instructor. (F) This course will provide an overview of some of the major artistic and critical trends in experimental/avant-garde film history as a foundation for developing an informed personal experimental filmmaking practice that is free from established conventions. Class time will be spent viewing and discussing films, discussing assigned readings, and workshopping production assignments

FILM 381  Studies in Film: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 201D or FILM 202D or consent of instructor. (F, Sp) Studies in topics in film history, theory, genre, and national cinemas
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 394  Seminar/Workshop: 2-4 Credits (2-4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor. () On demand. Seminar/Workshop devoted to a specific topic in Film Production or Film Studies. Topics vary
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 395  Practicum: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior Standing in Film and consent of instructor. () On demand. Practical experience associated with production and research projects in motion pictures, television/video, photography, and theatre. May include rehearsal or performance activity. Credit will be offered to students doing advanced work on faculty members' productions or on student productions under direct faculty supervision
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 481  Advanced Studies in Film: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 201D or FILM 202D or consent of instructor. (F, Sp) Seminars in special historical, theoretical and critical studies topics designed for advanced majors in film
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 490R  Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of Instructor. () On demand. Directed undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 492  Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor and approval of department head. () On demand. Directed research and study on an individual basis for advanced students
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

FILM 494  Seminar/Workshop: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor. () On demand. Advanced topics in film and related media production practices. Topics Vary
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 498  Career Internship: 2-12 Credits (2-12 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing. () On demand. An individualized assignment arranged with an outside agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience in the field
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 499  Senior Production: 5 Credits (5 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: Senior standing and two of FILM 371 or FILM 372 or FILM 373 or THTR 304. (F, Sp) Senior capstone course. Direction or major production role on a short film or approved alternative production
Repeatable up to 10 credits.

FILM 504  Film and Documentary Theory: 4 Credits (4 Lec)

(F) An introduction to the genealogy of nonfiction filmmaking and the interdisciplinary field of documentary film studies from its inception to the present. This reading seminar will consider the diverse history of the form and how scholars and filmmakers have debated what documentary is and what it should do in different historical contexts.

FILM 505  Critical Approaches to Science and Natural History Filmmaking: 4 Credits (4 Other)

(Sp) Analysis and interpretation of the ethics, cultural value, social function, and communication issues related to science and natural history media. Emphasis is on communication practices, scientific method, and information dissemination as well as economic, social, gender, and equality issues.

FILM 510  Fundamentals of Filmmaking: 3 Credits (1 Lec, 2 Lab)

COREQUISITE: FILM 519. (F) This course introduces students to documentary filmmaking techniques. Students will gain experience in all aspects of production work through a series of production exercises and the creation of a short film

FILM 513  Advanced Cinematography: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 510. (F) This course focuses on advanced cinematography for documentary film, including the history, theory, social and political dynamics, ethics, artistry, and technical competency of the craft

FILM 515  Science and Natural History Film Production: 4 Credits (4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 510, FILM 519, FILM 504. (Sp) This course will teach production techniques used by professional science and natural history filmmakers

FILM 517  Production Management: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 510
COREQUISITE: FILM 515. (Sp) This graduate seminar will cover a broad overview of production management in documentary filmmaking. The course will include defining the different roles of a producer and the key aspects of managing the personnel, intellectual content, and financial resources from early research and fundraising through production to post production, distribution planning, impact strategy. The course will also ask students to engage in life planning to succeed as professional filmmakers
.

FILM 518  Writing for Documentary and Non-Fiction Film: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 510. (Sp) This graduate seminar will focus on the various writing skills needed to develop a documentary film project. This includes developing a topic into a documentary story, analysis of short and long form documentary structure and storytelling strategies, writing original film treatments and proposals and developing skills to write about yourself as a professional film artist

FILM 519  Post Production Workflow: 3 Credits (3 Other)

COREQUISITE: FILM 510. (F) This course will examine post-production workflows and approaches for contemporary documentary film editing

FILM 523  Second Year Film Prep: 2 Credits (2 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Second year standing. (F) This course will prepare second year SNHF MFA students to create their required second year film

FILM 525  Second Year Film Prod: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Second year standing. (Sp) The objective of this course is to provide faculty support and supervision of second year MFA film projects

FILM 526  Alternative Nonfiction: 3 Credits (3 Other)

(F) Graduate students will study a range of contemporary documentary and experimental documentary filmmakers. Each student will then develop and produce their own original short documentary works utilizing some aspect(s) of the contemporary works studied.

FILM 528  Non-Fiction Film Performance: 3 Credits (3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: 2nd year grad student. (Sp) A graduate level course designed for non-fiction filmmakers to explore the performance aspects of documentary filmmaking. The course explores close observation of human behavior through acting and improvisation exercises as tools to broaden students’ capacity for human connection

FILM 560  Advanced Post Production: Info Design: 3 Credits (3 Other)

(Sp) This course will teach advanced post-production and information design skills to Graduate MFA students.

FILM 581  Special Professional Proj: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

() Special topics ranging from film screenings to acting for scientists that provide instructor-directed training in knowledge or skills related to science and natural history filmmaking.
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 590  Master's Thesis: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Master's candidate standing following successful passing of the Comprehensive Examination. () On demand. This course involves supervised advanced work on a student’s required MFA thesis film and written paper
Repeatable up to 15 credits.

FILM 591  Special Topics: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor. On demand. Courses not required in a curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

FILM 592  Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor, approval of department head and Dean of Graduate Studies. () On demand. Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

FILM 598  Professional Internship: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

PREREQUISITE: FILM 510 and FILM 515. () On demand. This course allows the student to spend a semester working in a professional environment under the guidance of a mentor
Repeatable up to 6 credits.