2023-24 Catalogs

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Film Studies

Christian Rozier, Program Coordinator
102 Swallow Hall
rozierc@missouri.edu
https://visualstudies.missouri.edu/film-studies/

Lee Ann Garrison, Director
School of Visual Studies, College of Arts & Science
102 Swallow Hall
(573) 882-7547
https://visualstudies.missouri.edu


School of Visual Studies general mail: muassvs@missouri.edu

Academic Advisor - See School of Visual Studies website

The School of Visual Studies' Film Studies program provides guidance to our students from accomplished researchers and from film production faculty, real world experience through hands-on internship practicums, and opportunities for professional success beyond the program. The BA offers courses in film analysis and covers the history of cinema, national and global cinemas, film theory and genres, documentary film, and contemporary visual culture. It combines an emphasis on critical thinking, research, problem-solving, written expression, and cultural literacy with the discipline's unique attention to visual analysis.

For those who choose the Emphasis in Production, this degree provides hands-on instruction in all areas of film making, including screenwriting, production management, directing, cinematography, audio, and editing. A degree in Film Studies provides a broad, comprehensive education that can lead to many different careers, especially those requiring excellent communication skills and analytical thinking. Recent graduates have gone on to careers in teaching, publishing, public relations, management, law, the TV/motion picture industry, independent film-making, advertising and other areas of digital media production.

The program offers a BA degree in film studies, a BA with an emphasis in film production, and an undergraduate minor.

Professor B. Prager*
Associate Professor R. Greene*
Assistant Professor J. Floyd*, S. C. Rozier*
Assistant Teaching Professor V. Goelkel Garcia, B. MacNeel, D. Moore*

Instructor R. Wise
Affiliated Instructor  H. Carver**, M. Hedges, V. Kaussen**, R. Tabanelli**, N. West**
Professor Emeritus R. Cook

*

Graduate Faculty Member - membership is required to teach graduate-level courses, chair master's thesis committees, and serve on doctoral examination and dissertation committees.

**

Doctoral Faculty Member - membership is required to chair doctoral examination or dissertation committees.  Graduate faculty membership is a prerequisite for Doctoral faculty membership.

Nick Potter, Director of Undergraduate Studies
102 Swallow Hall

Double and Dual Majors

A film studies major can be paired with a major in another department. Students must meet the requirements of both departments. The program for each major must be approved by the advisor in the degree-granting department.

Departmental Honors

To receive departmental honors, a student must earn a minimum overall MU GPA of 3.3 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in courses in film studies completed at the University of Missouri. In addition, with the assistance of an honors thesis advisor, the student must develop, plan and conduct research on an independent project, normally while enrolled in FILMS_VS 4995 .

For information about the School of Visual Studies Laptop Requirement see the SVS homepage.

Film Studies faculty work with students admitted to the MFA in Visual Studies offered at the graduate level.

For more information on graduate programs in Visual Studies, visit the Graduate tab of Visual Studies.  The catalog provides a complete list of degree program options.

FILMS_VS 1000: Introduction to Film for Non-Majors

Introduction to terms and concepts for film analysis, including mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound narrative, genre, and other elements. No credit for students who have completed FILM_S 1800. No credit for film majors or minors. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 1800: Introduction to Film Studies

(same as ENGLSH 1800). Introduction to terms and concepts for film analysis, including mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound narrative, genre, and other elements. No credit for students who have completed FILMS_VS 2810. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Freshmen and Sophomores only or instructor's consent


FILMS_VS 1800H: Introduction to Film Studies - Honors

(same as ENGLSH 1800). Introduction to terms and concepts for film analysis, including mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound, narrative, genre, and other elements. No credit for students who have completed FILMS_VS 2810. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Freshmen and sophomores only or instructor's consent; Honors eligibility required


FILMS_VS 1880: Introduction to Digital Media Production

(same as DST_VS 1880, ENGLSH 1880, COMMUN 1880, ART_VS 1920). Introduction to concepts and skills for film making, video art, and digital storytelling, including media literacy and forms of narrative manifested historically and currently across a range of media. This course focuses on theories and concepts that support the critical analysis and creation of contemporary narrative in digital form with particular attention to audio, visual and written communication. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to declared FILMS_VS majors during early registration


FILMS_VS 1880H: Introduction to Digital Media Production - Honors

(same as DST_VS 1880, ENGLSH 1880, COMMUN 1880, ART_VS 1920). Introduction to concepts and skills for film making, video art, and digital storytelling, including media literacy and forms of narrative manifested historically and currently across a range of media. This course focuses on theories and concepts that support the critical analysis and creation of contemporary narrative in digital form with particular attention to audio, visual and written communication. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to declared FILMS_VS majors during early registration. Honors eligibility required


FILMS_VS 2001: Topics in Film Studies-General

Organized study of selected topics. Subject may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated with consent of instructor.

Credit Hour: 1-3


FILMS_VS 2005: Topics in Film Studies- Humanities

Organized study of selected topics. Subject may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated with consent of instructor.

Credit Hour: 1-3


FILMS_VS 2010: The Philosophy of Film

(same as PHIL 2010). Philosophical problems having to do with film. Topic may include the nature of films, the differences between fiction and documentary film, ethical issues with film and filmmaking.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 2020: World Cinema for Non-Majors

World Cinema introduces students to the history of international cinema. The course focuses on particular cinematic movements and national cinemas as case studies for trends and trajectories that also characterize the national and non-Hollywood cinemas not covered in the course. Examines the relationship of form and genre to individual national, or localized, cultural contexts. No credit for students who have completed FILMS_VS 2820. No credit for film majors or minors. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 2160: Film Adaptation of Shakespeare - Non Majors

This course serves as an introduction to the problems and complexities that arise when adapting William Shakespeare's plays to contemporary film. One basic task of the course is to develop students' ideas about adaptation, especially with reference to contemporary adaptation theory. This course hopes both to explain and discredit the value of "fidelity discourse," students should be liberated from the notion of "faithfulness" to the texts. No credit for film majors or minors. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 2530: Screenwriting I

(same as COMMUN 2530). Analyze various script formats and apply different writing techniques and styles to create screenplays and teleplays. Work inside a creative critique environment to craft vivid storytelling and character elements while developing viable loglines and pitches for their stories. Screenwriting concepts include the three-act structure and the timing and placement of plot points. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800; sophomore standing or higher. May be restricted to Film Studies majors and minors during early registration


FILMS_VS 2530H: Screenwriting I - Honors

(same as COMMUN 2530). Analyze various script formats and apply different writing techniques and styles to create screenplays and teleplays. Work inside a creative critique environment to craft vivid storytelling and character elements while developing viable loglines and pitches for their stories. Screenwriting concepts include the three-act structure and the timing and placement of plot points. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800; sophomore standing or higher. May be restricted to Film Studies majors and minors during early registration. Honors eligibility required


FILMS_VS 2540: Introduction to Film Management

Film Production Management is a hands-on exploration of the roles of feature film executive producers, producers and unit production managers. Creating balanced budgets, hiring personnel, creating meaningful business relationships, and managing post-production responsibilities are investigated. The feature film budget will be examined in each phase of the production; creating a sales pitch for a film, and developing a detailed approach to distribution is explored. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800


FILMS_VS 2820: Trends in World Cinema

(same as GERMAN 2820 and LG_LT_CT 2820). This course is a historical overview of the major trends in international cinema. It focuses on the intersection of aesthetics, industry, and ideological and social concerns in cinematic production.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 2830: American Film History I, 1895-1950

(same as ENGLSH 2830). Examines the development of American cinema in relation to other national cinemas, from 1895-1950. No credit for students who have completed ENGLSH 1810 or FILMS_VS 1810.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 2840: American Film History II, 1950-Present

(same as ENGLSH 2840). Examines American film history in an international context, from 1950-present. No credit for students who have completed ENGLSH 1820 or FILMS_VS 1820.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 2850: Italian Cinema

(same as ITAL 2850). It offers a historical overview of Italian Cinema from the silent era to the present. The course will provide the analytical skills necessary to read and critically analyze a film. Social and historical issues will be raised and examined for each film as appropriate. No knowledge of Italian required.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 2860: Film Themes and Genres

(same as ENGLSH 2860, DST_VS 2860) Topics (e.g. Film noir, African-American filmmakers, Food and Film, The Western) announced at time of registration. No more than six hours may be taken in Film Themes and Genres 2680.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 2865: The Art of Soviet and Russian Cinema

(Same as RUSS 2865) Topics (e.g. Distorted Picture: Post-War Cinema in a Soviet State, Cinema in the Soviet Times and Beyond, etc.) announced at time of registration. Only 6 hours may be taken toward major.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 2865W: The Art of Soviet and Russian Cinema - Writing Intensive

(Same as RUSS 2865) Topics (e.g. Distorted Picture: Post-War Cinema in a Soviet State, Cinema in the Soviet Times and Beyond, etc.) announced at time of registration. Only 6 hours may be taken toward major.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 2870W: Film and Literature - Writing Intensive

(same as ENGLSH 2870W). Explores the complex interplay between film and literature in order to gain an understanding of the possibilities - and problems - involved in the transposition from literature to film. Graded A-F basis only

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 3005: Topics in Film Studies - Humanities

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 3005W: Topics in Film Studies - Humanities - Writing Intensive

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 3450: Transnational and Migrant Cinema

(same as ITAL 3450, PEA_ST 3450). This course aims to introduce students to the concept of transnational cinema by discussing international circulation and reception of films and by analyzing issues of migration and ethnicity in contemporary films, media, and culture. The course may be focused on the transnational production of one national cinema and/or discuss films from a variety of countries. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 3490: Indian Cinema

(same as S_A_ST 3490, ANTHRO 3490, ARH_VS 3790).Overview of key genres and themes of Indian film, including Bollywood, art cinema/parallel cinema, Indian regional cinemas, and diaspora cinema. The course combines film studies, anthropological, historical, and visual culture analyses to provide a holistic view of Indian culture and society through cinema.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or higher


FILMS_VS 3520: Post Production

Editing above all else is about feeling and rhythm. This course immerses students in the complete filmmaking editorial process from ingesting the footage to final delivery. Using non-linear editing software students will sharpen their sensibilities through hands on learning and practice. While editing scenes from both fiction and non-fiction cinema - students can expect to learn the ins and outs of media management and organization, the language of the edit, basic toolset navigation and color correction. Graded A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800; sophomore standing or higher


FILMS_VS 3530: Screenwriting II

Builds upon principles of story arc and screenwriting techniques, while providing an in-depth study of character psyche and unique voice. Students will maser the skills necessary to create vibrant, memorable characters through the exploration and development of unique character traits, physical imagery development and distinctive voice. Students will analyze dialog traits of scripts and films of industry professionals, and will craft their own characters using industry standard technology, adhering to the principles of industry standard formatting. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 and FILMS_VS 2530 or FILMS_VS 3930 or THEATR 3930


FILMS_VS 3540: Cinematography I

An exploration of the principles and techniques of cinematography that includes shot composition lighting styles, and storytelling, using the moving image. Students will examine historical and contemporary approaches to cinematography used in Hollywood, foreign and independent films. Analyzing cinematographic approaches of a wide range of work will help the students discriminate the quality of their own creative work. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800, and FILMS_VS 1880, DST_VS 1880, ENGLSH 1880 or ARTGE_VS 1920, or JOURN 2150 or JOURN 1400. Sophomore standing or higher. May be restricted to Film Studies majors and minors during early registration


FILMS_VS 3550: Field Production I

Collaborating in crews of five, students are exposed to a broad range of production techniques through practical production experience and in class discussion. During the semester students will produce 3 short projects, and in class workshops. As a group member, each student may serve in rotation as Director, Producer, Camera, Sound recordist and AC/Gaffer. Students will also be developing their own short scripts and are expected to pitch the projects (for production in Field Production II) in front of faculty and industry professionals in the final weeks of the semester. Graded A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800, FILMS_VS 1880 or DST_VS 1880 or ART_VS 1920, and FILMS_VS 3540


FILMS_VS 3555: Directing for the Screen

Directing for the Screen combines previous knowledge of the cinematic frame with the power of communication. This course focuses on developing the student's ability to effectively communicate to actors, cinematographers, and art departments, while also commanding a film crew and managing relationships with producers. Students develop concise personal vision and aesthetics with respect to scripts, and will work directly with actors to achieve performances that suit the project.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 3560: Audio Engineering for the Screen

This course is an intensive study of the techniques and science behind the use of audio in today's cinema. The course will focus on four major areas of study: sound in cinema, sound creation, sound manipulation, and environmental sound layering.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800, Sophomore standing. May be restricted to Film Studies majors and minors during early registration


FILMS_VS 3775: The Ancient World on Film

(same as AMS 3775). This course explores how classical antiquity has been represented in twentieth and twenty-first-century film, with particular emphasis on the ways in which ancient narratives and iconography have been appropriated by filmmakers to address contemporary cultural issues.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Prior 2000 level coursework in AMS, ARH_VS or FILMS_VS. Instructors consent required


FILMS_VS 3775W: The Ancient World on Film - Writing Intensive

(same as AMS 3775W). This course explores how classical antiquity has been represented in twentieth and twenty-first-century film, with particular emphasis on the ways in which ancient narratives and iconography have been appropriated by filmmakers to address contemporary cultural issues.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Prior 2000 level coursework in AMS, ARH_VS or FILMS_VS. Instructors consent required


FILMS_VS 3780: Architecture in Film

(same as ARH_VS 3780) Filmmakers use architecture to convey meaning on symbolic, psychological, and ideological levels. Using architectural history and theory, in conjunction with weekly film screenings from a variety of genres, this course explores how architecture operates within film.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 3785: Art and Artists on Film

(same as ARH_VS 3785) This course explores representations of art and artists in film, including documentary films, fictionalized films, and films made by artists.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 3820: Major Directors

(same as ENGLSH 3820 and RM_LAN 3820). Topics (e.g. Hitchcock, Kubrick, Fellini, Allen, Kurosawa, Wilder) announced at time of registration. Only 6 hours may be taken for credit toward major. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 3830: History of German Film

(same as GERMAN 3830). Introduction to the development of the German film. Old and recent films are viewed and discussed in terms of techniques, artistry, psychology and social impact. English dubbing or subtitles. No foreign language credit.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or instructor's consent


FILMS_VS 3845: Modern Israeli Film

(same as HEBREW 3845). Examines the modern film of developing Israel. Discusses complex social relationships. Introduces concepts of Hebrew language and its use in the arts world-wide. Discusses varied communities in Israel, and universal themes such as democracy and social justice. Provides introduction to Israeli culture.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor required


FILMS_VS 3850: Studies in Film History

(same as ENGLSH 3850). Topics (e.g. Classical Period of Hollywood cinema, silent era, Post-WWII American film, German Weimar cinema, French New Wave) announced at time of registration. Only 6 hours count as credit toward major.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 3855: Documentary Film

(same as ENGLSH 3855; DST_VS 3855). Surveys the history of documentary film including the development of subgenres, sound and voice over in documentary, re-enactment, ethical issues in documentary film production, and more. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000


FILMS_VS 3861: Film Themes and Genres

Topics (e.g. Film noir, African-American filmmakers, Food and Film, The Western) announced at time of registration. No more than six hours may be taken in Film Themes and Genres 3861.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 or ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 3865: The Holocaust on Screen

(same as GERMAN 3865). This course explores how the Holocaust has been depicted on film in a variety of national and historical contexts. Drawing on films from 1945 to the present, from the U.S., Germany, Poland, France, and Italy, we will consider to what end images of the Holocaust have been used. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 3875: Brazilian Cinema

(same as PORT 3875). An introduction to Brazilian cinema, culture, and society through the study of contemporary cinematic productions. Topics include: Hollywood perceptions of Brazil; redefinition of national identity and history, representations of race and gender.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000


FILMS_VS 3880: Contemporary Chinese Film

(same as CHINSE 3880). Introduces development of 20th century Chinese film and popular genres, including review of earlier times. Explores how present day Chinese understand their own history, and issues they face in drive toward modernization in a global context. Films and readings in English or with English subtitles. No previous knowledge of the culture or language required.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or instructor's consent


FILMS_VS 3885: Twenty-First Century South American Cinema

(same as SPAN 3885, PORT 3885). Broad overview of the major national cinemas of the 21st century in South America. Approximately 14 feature films screened from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and other nations of the region. Instructor provides a thematic framework for films within the context of film theory, Latin American cinematic history and cultural studies. Course taught in English. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 or ENGLSH 1000H


FILMS_VS 3890: Russian and Soviet Film

(same as RUSS 3890). Introduces three significant genres of Russian cinema: comedy, literary adaptations, and films that explore issues of identity and autobiography. Includes examples from different epochs. Considers Soviet and post-Soviet films. Russia and Russian culture. Course conducted in English; films have English subtitles.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or instructor's consent


FILMS_VS 3930: Screenwriting for Television and Film

(same as THEATR 3930). Fundamentals of storytelling utilizing tools and structure used by television and film.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000


FILMS_VS 3930W: Screenwriting for Television and Film - Writing Intensive

(same as THEATR 3930W). Fundamentals of storytelling utilizing tools and structure used by television and film.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000


FILMS_VS 4001: Topics in Film-General

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 4005: Topics in Film Studies - Humanities

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 4005W: Topics in Film Studies - Humanities - Writing Intensive

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: sophomore standing


FILMS_VS 4030: Video Art and the Moving Image

(same as ART_VS 4030; cross-leveled with ART_VS 7030). Video as a fine art form intersecting with sculpture, experimental filmmaking, DIY and Internet culture. Theoretical and historical knowledge is integrated with studio practice. Students create video works in Adobe Premiere Pro, demonstrating technical ability and aesthetic vision. May be repeated up to 9 hours maximum.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 4370: Film Studies: The Intersection of Documentary Film and Journalism

(same as JOURN 4370; cross-leveled with FILMS_VS 7370, JOURN 7370). The popularity of documentary film in the past ten years has skyrocketed, and recent award-winning documentaries such as Inside Job (2010), Blackfish (2013), and The Invisible War (2012) are simultaneously entertaining audiences and investigating serious issues like the financial collapse, killer whale captivity, and sex crimes in the military--issues that in the past might have been covered exclusively by investigative journalism. What explains the public's growing fascination with documentary? How is documentary film reacting to recent transformations in the media landscape? Is it filling a critical need that journalism is no longer willing or able to meet? This course will explore the intersection of these two nonfiction storytelling forms--documentary film and journalism--and examine the role played by advocacy in both modes, as well as the cultural and ethical implications of the convergence between journalism and documentary film. In that it is centered on contemporary documentary film culture, the course also takes advantage of the True/ False Film Festival, and will be host to a conference during Week 6, featuring a number of major visiting filmmakers and film critics. Attendance at some sessions is required. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: C- or better in JOURN 1000 or C- or better in JOURN 1100


FILMS_VS 4370W: Film Studies: The Intersection of Documentary Film and Journalism-Writing Intensive

(same as JOURN 4370; cross-leveled with FILMS_VS 7370, JOURN 7370). The popularity of documentary film in the past ten years has skyrocketed, and recent award-winning documentaries such as Inside Job (2010), Blackfish (2013), and The Invisible War (2012) are simultaneously entertaining audiences and investigating serious issues like the financial collapse, killer whale captivity, and sex crimes in the military--issues that in the past might have been covered exclusively by investigative journalism. What explains the public's growing fascination with documentary? How is documentary film reacting to recent transformations in the media landscape? Is it filling a critical need that journalism is no longer willing or able to meet? This course will explore the intersection of these two nonfiction storytelling forms--documentary film and journalism--and examine the role played by advocacy in both modes, as well as the cultural and ethical implications of the convergence between journalism and documentary film. In that it is centered on contemporary documentary film culture, the course also takes advantage of the True/ False Film Festival, and will be host to a conference during Week 6, featuring a number of major visiting filmmakers and film critics. Attendance at some sessions is required. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: C- or better in JOURN 1000 or C- or better in JOURN 1100


FILMS_VS 4540: Cinematography II

This workshop explores advanced cinema camera systems, lighting techniques, cine lenses and rigging equipment. We will view examples of camera and lighting work, both historical and contemporary, and develop scenes with complex blocking and camera movement. Expect to spend time outside of class working to ensure a successful semester. Graded A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 4
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800 or ENGLSH 1800; FILMS_VS 3540; sophomore standing or higher


FILMS_VS 4560: Field Production II

This workshop is a senior level course that serves as the capstone of our production emphasis curriculum. Students entering the class must be prepared to submit a short script (no longer than 15 minutes) at the first class of the term, and complete the entire filmmaking process by close of the semester. Participants are required to assist fellow students in the production of their films. Expect to spend a significant amount of time outside of class to ensure a successful semester. Works will be screened in our senior showcase. Graded A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 1800, FILMS_VS 1880, FILMS_VS 3540, and FILMS_VS 3550


FILMS_VS 4580: Production Practicum

Provides an intensive, comprehensive experience in film production. Students will receiver hands-on experience in lightning and set design, camera operation, grip/electrical and sound capture. The course pits students against a rigorous industry standard shooting schedule - long hours are to be expected each day. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: FILMS_VS 3540


FILMS_VS 4810: Film Theory

(same as ENGLSH 4810, DST_VS 4810). This course explores contemporary trends in film theory. Topics may include: psychoanalysis, feminism, Marxism, cultural studies, queer theory, audience and star studies, postcolonialism, among others.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800. Junior standing or above required


FILMS_VS 4820: Studies in Film Genre

(same as ENGLSH 4820). Topics (e.g. The Western, film noir) announced at time of registration. No more than six hours may be taken toward the major.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800; Junior Standing or instructor's consent


FILMS_VS 4840: Culture and Media

(same as ENGLSH 4840, DST_VS 4840; cross-leveled with FILMS_VS 7840, ENGLSH 7840). Topics (e.g. Cinema and Imperialism, Indigenous Media, Ethnographic Documentary) announced at time of registration. No more than six hours may be taken for credit toward the major.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800. Junior standing or instructor's consent required


FILMS_VS 4860: Film Themes and Genres

Topics (e.g. Film noir, African-American filmmakers, Food and Film., The Western) announced at time of registration. No more than six hours may be taken in Film Themes and Genres 4860.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800


FILMS_VS 4880: Capstone Experience

This course is for Film Studies students who have completed their concentration requirements. The main objective is to help students independently create and complete a capstone project. The project should allow you to conceptualize and enter professional life after commencement.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Film Studies majors only. Consent of instructor required


FILMS_VS 4935: Adaptation of Literature for Film

(same as ENGLSH 4935 and THEATR 4935; cross-leveled with FILMS_VS 7935, ENGLSH 7580 and THEATR 7935). This upper-divison course will explore adaptation principles and practices with a variety of forms of literature that were not originally written for film.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 4940: Internship

This course is for Film Studies students who have the opportunity to work in an internship position in a related industry or at a government agency where they can gain valuable on the job experience and knowledge. The student must register for the Internship course in the semester in which the work takes place. Graded S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800. Must have at least 15 hours of Films Studies credit. Online courses do not count for the 15 hours of Film Credit


FILMS_VS 4960: Special Readings in Film Studies

Arranged. Individual work with conferences adjusted to needs of student.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000 and ENGLSH 1800 or FILMS_VS 1800. Consent of instructor required. Restricted to Film Studies majors in their final year


FILMS_VS 4963: Latin American Cinema (in Spanish)

(same as SPAN 4960). Subject varies according to instructor.

Credit Hour: 2-3
Prerequisites: SPAN 3420 and SPAN 3430


FILMS_VS 4995: Senior Honors Thesis

Independent honors research under direction of faculty. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: Senior standing required, consent of instructor required, Honors eligibility required


FILMS_VS 7001: Topics in Film Studies-General

Topics in Film Studies-General

Credit Hour: 1-3


FILMS_VS 7370: The Intersections of Documentary Film and Journalism

(same as JOURN 7370; cross-leveled with JOURN 4370 and FILMS_VS 4370). The popularity of documentary film in the past ten years has skyrocketed, and recent award-winning documentaries such as Inside Job (2010), Blackfish (2013), and The Invisible War (2012) are simultaneously entertaining audiences and investigating serious issues like the financial collapse, killer whale captivity, and sex crimes in the military--issues that in the past might have been covered exclusively by investigative journalism. What explains the public's growing fascination with documentary? How is documentary film reacting to recent transformations in the media landscape? Is it filling a critical need that journalism is no longer willing or able to meet? This course will explore the intersection of these two nonfiction storytelling forms--documentary film and journalism--and examine the role played by advocacy in both modes, as well as the cultural and ethical implications of the convergence between journalism and documentary film. In that it is centered on contemporary documentary film culture, the course also takes advantage of the True/ False Film Festival, and will be host to a conference during Week 6, featuring a number of major visiting filmmakers and film critics. Attendance at some sessions is required. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: C- or better in JOURN 1000 or C- or better in JOURN 1100


FILMS_VS 7840: Culture and Media

(same as ENGLSH 7840; cross-leveled with ENGLSH 4840, DST_VS 4840, FILMS_VS 4840). Topics (e.g. Cinema and Imperialism, Indigenous Media, Ethnographic Documentary) announced at time of registration. No more than six hours may be taken for credit toward the major.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 7935: Adaptation of Literature for Film

(same as THEATR 7935 and ENGLSH 7580; cross-leveled with FILMS_VS 4935, ENGLSH 4935 and THEATR 4935). This upper-division course will explore adaptation principles and practices with a variety of forms of literature that were not originally written for film.

Credit Hours: 3


FILMS_VS 8005: Topics in Film Studies - Humanities

Organized study of selected topics. Subjects and earnable credit may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours with departmental consent.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent