Course Descriptions

Here is the listing of core courses in Film Studies. Note that additional courses are offered each semester (check Blackboard) and also check courses offered through the Literary and Cultural Studies program.

FILM 150W. Introduction to Film Studies
(GER5) (4)
A freshman seminar in film as an independent aesthetic form, treating the formal and narrative components of film and briefly introducing students to the history of film and the comparison of films made in the United States with those made in other countries. This course satisfies the freshman writing requirement.

250. Introduction to Film Studies
(GER5) (4)
An introduction to film as an independent aesthetic form, treating the formal and narrative components of film and briefly introducing students to the history of film and the comparison of films made in the United States with those made in other countries. Shares the same course content as FILM 150W, but designed for students who have already completed their freshman seminar/writing proficiency requirements. Students must take either 150W or 250 for the Film Studies minor, and they may not take both courses for credit.

251. World Cinema before TV (1895-1955)
(GER5) (3)
An overview of the history of world cinema(s), focusing on the technological development of filmmaking; popular and narrative film forms; the social, cultural, and political frameworks of various cinemas; and non-dominant cinema. Students are strongly encouraged to take Film 150W/250 before taking Film 251.

306. Video Production
(GER6) (3) Prerequisites: FILM 150W/250, 251
Students in this workshop-style course will produce short videos, from the idea stage through editing, while experiencing the collaborative nature of production. Priority for this course is given to LCST Film Studies majors and Film Studies minors. For course pre-registration please contact Prof. Sharon Zuber at x13939.

350. Documentary
(3) Offered alternating years.
A historical survey of documentary film. This course explores the wide range of documentary impulses, from ethnographic films like Nanook of the North to Nazi propaganda like Triumph of the Will to "reality" productions like MTV's Real World.

351. Special Topics in Film Studies
(1-4)
Exploration of a particular topic in Film Studies. This course may be repeated for credit.

401. Seminar in Film Studies
(3-4)
Study in depth of a specialized topic in Film Studies. This course may be repeated for credit.

480. Independent Study
(1-3, 1-3)
A program combining (as appropriate to the topic) extensive viewing, production, writing, reading, and/or discussion in a specific area of Film Studies. The syllabus for this tutorial will be agreed upon by the student and instructor and approved in advance by the Coordinator of the Film Studies Minor. This course is open only to students who have completed at least half of the requirements for the Film Studies Minor and may ordinarily only be taken once.

498. Internship
(1-3, 1-3)
A directed readings/research course in conjunction with an internship experience. Must be approved in advance by the Coordinator of the Film Studies Minor prior to the student's participation in the internship. This course is open only to students who have completed at least half the requirements for the Film Studies Minor and may ordinarily only be taken once.