The complete Winter Term 2017 Course List is now available! Winter term registration begins November 14, 2016
Take a look at a few of the Cinema Studies courses offered winter term:
CINE 270–Introduction to Narrative Cinema Production (4 credits)
Monday/Wednesday 10:00-11:50 a.m.
Masami Kawai
This class focuses on learning the basics of film production. We will explore the processes of pre-production, production, and post-production. The first part of the course will introduce film grammar, equipment, set protocol, and editing. In the second part of the class, we will put the concepts we learned in the first few weeks into practice by rotating different crew positions on multiple film shoots. Throughout the course, students will develop the relationship between theory and practice by viewing selected film clips as case studies, practicing film grammar and techniques, and critiquing the exercises of peers. All the film shooting will be done in class, but there’s significant work required outside of class. Previously taught as ENG 270 Intro Narrat Cine Prod; not repeatable.
CINE 320–Beginning Screenwriting (4 credits)
Monday/Wednesday 2:00-3:50 p.m.
Masami Kawai
This course examines screenwriting for short films. In order to learn the craft of writing for film, we will explore visual storytelling, structure, characterization, dramatization, dialogue, and screenplay formatting. The class will combine analytical and practical approaches. Through the analysis of internationally acclaimed short films and published screenplays, we will identify the elements that make a successful script. Building upon these insights, students will develop their own screenplays through writing exercises and the process of generating multiple revisions that will be critiqued by peers. By the end of the course, students will complete a polished script for a short film, develop the skills to give and receive productive feedback, and acquire an understanding of the scriptwriting process. Previously taught as CINE 399 & ENG 411 Begin Screenwriting; not repeatable.
CINE 399–African Cinema (4 credits)
Monday/Wednesday 12:00-1:50 p.m.
Allison McGuffie
Are you interested in other countries and cultures? Curious about media production in Africa? Are you a cinephile hungry for new and interesting directors and filmmaking styles? African cinemas provide a wealth of diverse, fascinating, politically engaging, and beautiful films to watch and discuss. In this introductory course, students will learn about the history, aesthetics, and politics of films made in Africa. Diverse modes of production and styles will be addressed, including documentary, art, popular, and educational films. No previous knowledge of African history or filmmaking required.
CINE 399–Music Television (4 credits)
Monday/Wednesday 4:00-5:50 p.m.
Andre Sirois
Music video has changed how we make and consume moving images, as well as frame how we see the world through them. In this class we will look at the history of music video, from the Beatles’ promotional films to MTV’s heyday in the 1980s to the current era of democratized production/distribution. In that review we will explore conventions of genres, the work of auteur directors, and influential music videos that helped shaped popular culture and cinema (as well as looking at how they were made and received). We will deconstruct music videos to reveal the meanings and consequences of stories told in 3-5 minutes and ask: what do these videos say about race, about gender, about sexuality, about class, about our identities and ourselves? Students will not only gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the genre, but also further build their skills in applying theory to moving images.
CINE 399–Production Studies (4 credits)
Tuesday/Thursday 4:00-5:50 p.m.
Daniel Steinhart
This course examines the lived realities of film and television production workers. Our particular focus is not on the production of culture but rather on the culture of production and the ways that production work itself is a meaningful cultural practice. Special emphasis will be placed on analyzing the imagery and rhetoric of production found in making- of documentaries and trade stories. Using various case studies, students will consider not only “above-the-line” personnel, namely film directors and TV showrunners, but also “below-the-line” workers, such as casting agents, camera crews, and interns. Throughout, we will take up a range of issues that impact production work, including labor, gender, and technological change.
CINE 408–Workshop: Avid Post Production (4 credits)
Thursday 6:00-8:50 p.m.
Kevin May
This course, taught by one of our Avid Certified Instructors, will train students in the industry standard non-linear editing software, Avid Media Composer. The course follows Avid’s curriculum along with additional content focusing on editing theory and practice to give students a complete understanding of the software’s workflow and operations. The class will also strengthen students’ overall editing technique and help them to become proficient in the art form of non- linear editing. In this course we will focus on media organization, beginning and refining an edit using a variety of tools, and also on numerous effects, including tracking, color correcting, and multilayer effects. Additionally, at the end of the term students will take Avid’s Certification Exam with the opportunity to become Avid Certified Users. Previously taught as CINE 425 CINE Prod AVID, CINE 399 Cine Prod AVID, and CINE 408 Wrk Avid; not repeatable.