Film and Media Studies
ENG 510 Intro to Film Studies
Designed for graduate students who have had no formal training in film study, this course will introduce basic skills and approaches to understanding and interpreting film through the “rhetoric” of film as it relates to the critical analysis of film (e.g., cultural criticism, genre, history, ideology).
THE 520 Film Production Elements
This course provides an understanding of the digital world of moviemaking and an overview of major production areas of film making: sound design, production design, and lighting for cinematography. The digital moviemaking segment shows the impact of digital and networked technology on cinematic narrative. Sound design involves identifying sound elements in film, acquiring sounds through external sources or self-creation, and manipulating sounds in coordination with visual elements. Production design helps students understand the artistic look of a film. The lighting component gives students experience with the technical use and aesthetic applications of lighting for digital film making.
THE 525 Film Style Production
The course is intended to give students the ability to translate the written screenplay into a narrative film using digital filmmaking techniques, while incorporating an understanding of film theory. An intensive workshop in narrative directing and film production techniques. Students apply skills and knowledge covered in other courses to implement script material into production of a short digital film using techniques of visual storytelling, production design, sound design, lighting design, basic cinematography, and the related issues of casting and rehearsals.
THE 530 Documentary Production
This course focuses on directing and producing documentaries. Beginning with a historical review of significant documentaries and types, the course helps students use this history and theory to be able to produce a semester-long, professional quality documentary project. A combination of workshops and screenings will supplement discussions and analysis to help students understand the difference in storytelling techniques of documentaries compared to narrative films, while also appreciating aspects of film structure that pertain to both documentary and narrative.
ENG 530 History of Narrative Film
An examination of the development of film from the silent era to the present. Focus may be on American film, or other national cinemas ( e.g., English, Italian, French, Soviet, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Mexican). May be repeated as topics vary to a maximum of 6 hours.
THE 541 Seminar in Directing
A section of this class that deals specifically with the study of theories and techniques of producing and directing film-style projects: style, genre, movement, business, and visual components.
THE 544 Playwriting
An individual study of dramatic theory, development of the script, and analysis of original scenes and plays.
THE 560 Acting
Intensive approach to acting styles to help the advanced student (1) sharpen technical skills; (2) gain experience in problem-solving situations for the actor; and (3) increase awareness of the complexities of the actor’s craft. Memorized scene work; exercises in language, movement and characterization.
THE 595 Research Literature and Techniques
Theatre research and/or creative work that is intended to be the culmination of the theatre or broad field theatre major. The work consists of a project proposal, outline, paper, and bibliography. Prerequisite Senior standing.
ENG 610 Studies in Film Genres
An examination of film genres, either by surveying the various genres or examining a particular genre (such as westerns, film noir, or French New Wave), through the eyes of a particular director or culture.
Note May be repeated as topics vary to a maximum of 6 hours.
ENG 620 Adaptation: Film, Literature and Other Influences
Examines the relationship between film, literature and other sources and the unique qualities of each medium. Special emphasis on film adaptations of literary works from western and non-western cultures.
ENG 710 Film Theory and Criticism
A survey of theoretical and critical approaches to analysis of film and video with an emphasis on the historical and cultural context in which these approaches emerge, examining selections from western and non-western film theory and criticism. Prerequisites English 510 or equivalent college-level course, or consent of instructor.
