Course Descriptions
Film Course Descriptions
(Prerequisites are shown in parentheses and may vary for Certificate students. Please note where classes should be taken concurrently.)
FLM 103
Elements of Film Art
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
An overview of the narrative filmmaking process comprised of lecture sessions exploring the different crafts, simple techniques, and tools of filmmaking. This course prepares the student for the collaborative filmmaking process and Production I.
Required for Film Majors; may be taken for credit in other majors.
FLM 112
Tech I
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
A hands-on introduction to grip, lighting, video camera operation, sound, and editing. Students are introduced to the team approach to filmmaking, a key element of the film production process. Students are required to build a complete grip ditty bag and have a pair of professional headphones. (Approximately $500 for all materials and books.)
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 103)
FLM 201
The Early Development of Cinema
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
An historical survey of American and international film and film industries, covering such areas as development of technique, film styles and genres, national cinemas, major directors and film theory from the invention of the motion picture through the early 1940s.
Required for Film Majors; may be taken for credit in other majors.
FLM 202
Modern International Cinema
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
A study of American and international cinema from the early 1940s through the present day.
Required for Film Majors; may be taken for credit in other majors.
FLM 204
Introduction to Screenwriting
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
The basics of story structure, character development, dialogue, plot development, and format. Emphasis is on the conflict-driven narrative story. Students write short scripts in preparation for Film Production courses.
Required for Film Majors. (ENG 102, FLM 103)
FLM 210
Film Production I
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
A hands-on introduction to narrative filmmaking. Students write and prepare to direct and edit projects using the basics of film language and the collaborative art of filmmaking.
Required for Film Majors. (ENG 102, FLM 103, 112)
FLM 211
Film Production II
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students apply the basics of the filmmaking process by producing and directing their own narrative script. By collaborating with other film students to create a production team, they will take their story concepts from script to a final sync-sound, edited digital project.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 210, 299 co-requisite)
FLM 250
Production Design
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the production designer’s function on motion picture, beginning with the relationship between the designer, director, cinematographer, and producer. Students learn basic design techniques and practice designing sets that successfully interpret a director’s cinematic vision.
FLM 261
Directing Workshop
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
An introductory course designed to provide an understanding and hands-on experience in the most commonly used directing languages: the fluid master and shot-by-shot technique. Students will be required to prep scenes and rotate through crew positions. Students will also study basic leadership models and cultivate an appreciation for the importance of teamwork.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 103, 112)
FLM 262
Acting for Directors
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
By learning how and why actors do what they do, directors can better communicate their vision. Students study basic acting technique and work through a series of exercises that culminate in the performance of scenes and monologues. This course focuses on understanding truthfulness in performance as well as the steps to creating believable characterizations. Students improve their imagination, increase their instincts for honest interaction, and develop a useful vocabulary for communicating with actors.
Film Elective.
FLM 2XX-Series
Special Topics in Film
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
Courses that explore specific areas of filmmaking that may serve as electives for all film concentrations.
Film Elective; may be taken for credit in other majors.
(prerequisites may vary)
FLM 263
The Horror Film
From its undead, Old World roots in ancient European folklore and 19th century high culture, to its high Modernist transmigration to the pre-Noir Hollywood of the 1930s; from the atomic mutations of the 1950s to the suburban zombies and Manson Family-esque blood feasts of the 1960s and 1970s; from 80s super-splatter to 21st-century super-remake — from Hell to Eternity!
FLM 270
Story Structure in Film Noir
An examination of the unique nature of the film noir protagonist and the distinctive story content of the films of this critical period.
FLM 271
Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Film
This course examines Hitchcock’s career, from his early work in Britain through his evolution as one of the most successful Hollywood directors of all time.
FLM 272
Adaptations and Interpretations
This course seeks to establish in the student’s understanding the important relationship between the literary analogues and their cinematic offspring. Through study of scripts, foreign language films, plays, short fiction, novels, biography, reporting, and humor writing, students will discern several principles governing the acts of adaptation and remake.
FLM 273
Hollywood Genres
An overview of Hollywood genres, their significance in the history of cinema, and how the emergence of different genres reflected the ever-changing social and political climate of American society.
FLM 276
Issues in Documentary
An overview of the history of documentary film from its origins to present day. It will examine various documentary styles, social and political issues, the significance of the documentary in filmmaking and to our culture, and the subsequent influences documentary style has had on other forms of entertainment.
FLM 281
The World of Doc and Edutainment
The world of documentary/edutainment style programming and the networks on which they air is considerably different from the world of narrative filmmaking. Do you want to work for or with The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, The Travel Channel, orThe History Channel? With documentary-style programming, you must be not only a good filmmaker/writer/videographer, but also a great journalist as well….constantly digging for information about what makes your subject tick. This class concentrates on the documentary/edutaiment process from concept to completion, including producing a short-form doc/edutainment program during class.
FLM 283
History of the American Film Musical
Film musicals have been around since the birth of sound in cinema and have been one of the most popular forms of entertainment. This class will examine the evolution of the American film musical from the 1920s up to the present day. We will look at different categories of musicals (the show musical, the folk musical, the fantasy musical, etc.), examine the generic motifs of film musicals, and discuss how musicals reflected what was going on socially, politically and economically throughout each decade. Screenings, readings, weekly reaction papers, a midterm and final will all be included in the class work.
FLM 284
New German Cinema of the 1970s
While the New Hollywood directors like Scorsese and Coppola were brutally reinventing old Hollywood genres, the New German Cinema of the 1970s was reconsidering both the glories of German film culture’s Expressionist past, and the political compromises that had left it, by the 1960s, in a state of complete disarray. Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders — these are some of the names. Sex, madness, subversion, Sirk-ian melodrama, and armed revolution — these are some of the games. Kings of the Road, Even Dwarves Started Small, Fox and his Friends, Ali: Fear Eats the Soul — these are but a few of the films that revitalized German cinema in the 1970s, and forever changed the rules of film culture for the rest of world.
FLM 285
American Independent Cinema
The course will examine the term Independent Cinema from a perspective of history, artistry, economy and narrative content. Low budget vs. high art will be discussed, as well as the influence of European Art House Cinema upon American Independent filmmakers. Cinema from the time frame of the 1960’s to present day will be covered. Film as a tool of expression for political and social change will be studied, as well as strategies by independent filmmakers for changing the aesthetic, content and moral center of the Hollywood genre.
FLM 286
Introduction to French Film
A historical survey of French film: key movements (Surrealism, Poetic Realism, New Wave, Cinéma du look), filmmakers, and stars. Both short and feature length films will be considered. How can you make a difference if you’re a director/screenwriter/actor/artist interested in social, political, ethnic, class, and gender issues?
FLM 287
Introduction to French Film
This course provides an understanding of the French New Wave movement (1959-1964…or 1968 [depends on critical definitions]). We’ll also discuss how the French New Wave has impacted global cinematic practices, and trace connections to contemporary French (and Francophone) filmmakers who have been influenced by New Wave greats such as Godard, Truffaut, Rivette, Chabrol, Rohmer, Varda.
FLM 288
History of TV Drama
Students will investigate a view of American life in the 20th Century by viewing and discussing the wide range of drama which began on television in the early 1950’s with “live” 90 minute original dramas by writers such as Rod Serling (Patterns, Requiem for a Heavyweight) and Paddy Chayevsky (Marty, A Catered Affair). From these anthologies, students will either revisit or be introduced to seminally popular one hour series such as The Waltons and Family to ground-breaking franchise ranging from Hill Street Blues to The Wire, from Marcus Welby, MD to ER, and from Law & Order to The Sopranos and beyond.
FLM 289
History of TV Drama
This course will use feminist and gender studies criticism to explore representations of women in cinema and the roles women play in film industry production. The course will examine how depictions of female gender fluctuate with social movements, historical periods and popular culture trends. The feminist movement, avant-guard and independent cinema, and film criticism will be investigated. Changes in social attitudes toward race, class and gender, as exemplified by particular films, will be emphasized.
FLM 291
Introduction to Editing
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
An overview of the complete post-production process and an introduction to the principles of editing conventions, techniques, and aesthetics. Hands-on editing and additional exercises are designed to provide the opportunity for the student to master the practical, organizational, and analytical skills of editing.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 103, 112)
FLM 292
Film Sound I
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
An introduction to audio workflow for film and video. Students gain proficiency in basic audio theory, as well as proper location audio techniques such as booming, lavaliere microphones, proper use of field recorders, and troubleshooting audio problems. In addition, students learn basic stereo film mixing techniques, signal flow, spectral and dynamic processing, and automation using Pro Tools audio software. Students are required to record sound on two upper-division productions as well as complete a stereo mix for one project of their choosing. Students are also required to have a set of professional headphones ($100+) as well as a FireWire 800 hard drive.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 210)
FLM 299
Portfolio Review
Does Not Earn Academic Credit
Student work in FLM 210 and 211 will be reviewed by the Film Faculty. Students will not be allowed to register for upper level Film School courses until they pass this review. Students must take this course concurrently with FLM 211.
FLM 301
Production Fundamentals
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
A study of the creative, organizational and managerial aspects of producing a feature film. A step-by-step analysis of each stage of production is provided, including concept development, formulation of production plan, script breakdown, production boarding, budgeting, assembling cast, crew, locations and facilities, and post production.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 299)
FLM 310
Film Production III
Studio, 6 Credit Hours
A study of the principles and practices of making a sync-sound 16mm film through the collaborative process of utilizing production teams. Students begin working in their specialization.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 301, 332, 370)
FLM 330
Advanced Screenwriting
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students continue their study of story by concentrating on the feature-length film script. This course takes a more detailed, in-depth approach to dramatic storytelling that involves a study of Campbellian myth and Jungian psychology. Includes a lab.
Film Elective. (FLM 204)
FLM 332
Writing The Short Screenplay
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
A workshop class designed for students who anticipate enrolling in either Film Production III or Film Production IV within one year. This class is designed as a working writers “group”, with the goal of the semester being the rewriting, polishing, and final preparation of two scripts appropriate for Film Production III and two scripts appropriate for Film Production IV.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 204)
FLM 362
Advanced Directing
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
This course focuses on two main areas: directing the actor and cultivating a unique voice. Through scene work, students refine their skills in casting, characterization, script analysis, communication with actors, exploration of the rehearsal process, scene pacing and working in different genres. In addition, students embark upon a detailed study of a mentor director, and research and present the varied elements that comprise that individual’s style.
Film Elective. (FLM 211, 261)
FLM 364
Storyboard Design
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students learn the various types of storyboards from concept boards to film production sketches. By learning to storyboard shot sequences and camera movement, students learn to communicate their directorial vision.
Film Elective.
(ART 162 or advisor’s approval)
FLM 370
Cinematography I
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Explores the creative and technical role of the cinematographer from pre-production to post production. Basics principles of cinematography are examined including filtration, balancing light and color, lens selection, and metering techniques. Students apply these principles in class exercises, and screen and study relevant feature films.
Required for Film Majors.
(FLM 112,210)
FLM 371
Advanced Cinematography
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
An in-depth study of the capturing of a specific look, style or mood for a dramatic narrative script. Students solve both technical and creative problems as they shoot dramatic scenes and explore various film stocks, processing procedures, and techniques.
Film Elective. (FLM 370)
FLM 391
Intermediate Editing
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
The second of three courses in motion picture editing. Provides further discussion and practice in the craft of editing and the role of the editor in the filmmaking process. The class will include at least four diverse editing projects. Provides extensive practice in editorial techniques, using mostly the Avid editing system. Closely examines the art of sound effects and music editing as it occurs in the picture’s cutting room, the sound designer’s studio, and the music editing facility. Looks at preparation for turnover to MX & FX, working with the composer and his editor, and assisting the director in supervision the final mix. In addition, there will be time given to an examination of the basic tools of After Effects, titling (as it is done both inside and outside the cutting room), and film finishing. Finally, there will be practice in “group editing”, that is, two or three editors assigned to a single project.
Film Elective. (FLM 291)
FLM 392
Film Sound II
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
An advanced class in audio postproduction for film. Students work in a post-production recording studio learning Foley, dialogue replacement, advanced signal processing, advanced microphone techniques, and 5.1 surround sound mixing techniques using Pro Tools audio software. Students also work in teams to complete a final surround audio mix on completed upper-division productions.
Film Elective. (FLM 292, 391 or advisor approval)
FLM 411
Film Production IV-A
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students work on a production team in their area of concentration to create a short 16mm or digital film, maximum length fifteen minutes. This project is a senior final thesis project and should demonstrate expertise in their chosen area of concentration.
Film Elective. (FLM 310, advisor approval).
FLM 412
Film Production IV-B
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students complete principal photography, pick-ups, and all post-production, including rights and clearances, for their senior final thesis film. Students work on a production team in their area of concentration to create a short 16mm or digital film, maximum length fifteen minutes.
Film Elective.
(FLM 411, advisor approval).
FLM 420
Internship I
1.5 Credit Hours
Students apprentice with a professional filmmaker in their area of concentration. May not always be available in every concentration every semester.
(advisor approval)
FLM 421
Internship II
1.5 Credit Hours
Continuation of Internship I.
(advisor approval)
FLM 423
Advanced Internship
1.5 Credit Hours
Continuation of Internship I & II.
(advisor approval)
FLM 430
Writing For Television
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
The special requirements and needs of television as a medium are explored, including formatting, style, and business practices. Students study both episodic television and long-form TV (movie-of-week).
Film Elective. (FLM 204)
FLM 431
Screenwriting Workshop
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
In the culmination of screenwriting study, students write, read, critique, and revise scripts for features, television, and short films.
Film Elective. (FLM 330)
FLM 451
Film Industry, Business, and Finance
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
A thorough overview of the film industry covering finance, production, distribution, exhibition for Hollywood, independent, and international filmmaking. Particular emphasis is placed on the American independent feature film.
Required for Film Majors. (FLM 301)
FLM 490
Advanced Editing
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
Students learn to cut on an Avid digital editing system. Editing students take an upper level short narrative project (from FLM 310 or 410) from a rough cut to a fine cut, prepped for sound editing.
Film Elective.
(consent of instructor)
FLM 491
Final Edit
Studio, 3 Credit Hours
In the culmination of editing study, students take an upper level short narrative project (from FLM 310 or 410) from a rough cut to a fine cut, prepped for sound editing.
Film Elective.
(FLM392, 490, advisor approval verifying 12 hours or less remaining for BFA completion)