FILM AS ART

This course introduces the appreciation of film and covers the elements and principles
of cinema with historical and contemporary examples.

FILMMAKING FUNDAMENTALS
This course is an introduction to film technology and theory. Students will learn
technical, conceptual, and procedural skills necessary to successfully complete a
short film.

FILM PRODUCTION 1 (pre requisite filmmaking fundamentals)

This course covers general film production, including the mechanics of a screenplay,
scheduling and scouting locations, and the operation of motion picture equipment.

FILM PRODUCTION PRACTICUM

This course provides an environment for students to work with industry professionals
on a short film project. Students are involved in every aspect of the film production
process, from pre-production through production.

Film Production II (pre requisite film prod 1 and film prod practicum)
This course covers film production emphasizing post-production techniques and
equipment.

SET CONSTRUCTION – PROPS – ART

This course introduces set construction and prop building for motion pictures as well
as the workings of the art department from design to set dressing.

AUDIO TECHNIQUES I
This course covers an introduction to the tools and processes involved in audio
production, including basic training in the operation of sound recording and playback
systems. It is recommended that students enrolling in MAP 101 be familiar with
basic computer functions and computer file management.

LOCATION SOUND RECORDING (pre requisite Audio Techniques 1)

This course introduces the setup, operation and application of portable sound recording
equipment.

EDITING I
This course is an introduction to basic digital editing. Logical sequencing, technical
correctness and creative storytelling will be emphasized. It is recommended that
students enrolling in this subject be familiar with basic computer functions and
computer file management.
IMAGE PRODUCTION I
This course is the study of the basic skills and knowledge required to use a moving
image camera. Camera controls and compositional elements are emphasized.

MEDIA ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

This course covers the fundamentals of camera operation and image composition as
it applies to media arts.

LIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS
This course introduces students to the equipment, safety requirements, protocol and
aesthetic techniques used in lighting digital and film productions.

FILM LIGHTING (pre requisite Lighting Fundamentals)

This course is an introduction to film lighting techniques and equipment. This course
will also include advanced techniques used to light sets for feature films and
commercials.

WRITING FOR MEDIA PRODUCTION

This course is designed to teach writing techniques for radio, television, and other
electronic media.

PRE - PRODUCTION
This course is an introductory overview of the filmmaking process.

MEDIA ARTS BUSINESS PROCEDURES

This course is a study of professional practices involved in the organization and
operation of businesses involved in media production as well as professional practices
of independent, freelance contractors.

MEDIA ARTS EXIT PORTFOLIO

This course is a study of the development of strategies for entering the media arts
industry. Students will refine portfolio demo reels and resumes to meet professional
standards.

FILM EQUIPMENT
This course is an introduction to motion picture film and equipment. Course
emphasizes use of motion picture cameras and support equipment.

[ CITATION Tri \l 1033 ]

References
LWTech. (Fall 2013). Course Syllabus. Retrieved from LWTech.edu:
https://lwtech.instructure.com/courses/880300/assignments/syllabus

Swarthmore College. (2016). Introduction To Film And Media Studies. Retrieved from Swarthmore
College Works: https://works.swarthmore.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=fac-
german

Trident Technical College. (n.d.). 2018-2019 Catalog. Retrieved from Trident Technical College:
https://www.tridenttech.edu/coursecatalog2018/Course%20Descriptions/ART/ART
%20105%20Film%20as%20Art.html

Film as Art
Course Description
Survey of the art of cinema from the silent period to the present; examines film techniques and
theories; explores film styles and genres, focusing on elements such as lighting, editing, and
cinematography; establishes a basis by which students can make aesthetic judgments.

Learning Outcomes
 Demonstrate a working knowledge of the technical aspects of film. Students will be able to
assess the various roles of the film makers, i.e. director, cinematographer, musical director,
scenic designer, etc.
 Understand that stylistic and thematic elements will be analyzed: montage, point of view,
recurring motifs, plot, structure, characterization, narrative devices, and social values.
 View films as texts to be interpreted.
 Make comparisons/contrasts between films of different cultures.
 Identify this course is designed to help students become more aware and confident in their
ability to respond to a film’s meaning, to encourage the student to explore films that illustrate
different techniques and styles, and to help them develop the language and skills necessary to
evaluate the various elements which define a film as a work of art.
 Provide concrete descriptions and in-depth analyses of the cinematic techniques encountered in
the movies. We will explore the filmmakers’; attempts to impact us artistically as well as expand
our cultural awareness.
 Write a substantive critical essay demonstrating the student’s ability to read films as texts to be
interpreted.

GRADE 7
Introduction to Film and Media Studies [ CITATION Swa16 \l 1033 ]

Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 Principles of Film Form
Week 3 Genres
Week 4 Elements of Narrative
Week 5 Thinking about Images: Mise-en-Scène
Week 6 Thinking about Moving Images: Cinematography
Week 7 Acting and Performance
Week 8 Editing: Continuity and Disjunction
Week 9 Sounding out the Image
Week 10 Documentary Deconstructed – Group Projects I
Week 11 Live Broadcasts, Reality Television, and YouTube –Group Projects II
Week 12 Feminist and Queer Film Theory: Authorship, Image, Spectatorship – Group Projects III
Week 13 Postclassical Cinemas – Homage, Re-Appropriation and New Directions

Introduction to Film [ CITATION LWT13 \l 1033 ]

Course Outcomes/Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to: 

 Demonstrate a basic understanding of the historical development of the medium 

 Relate films to their cultural heritage and historic context
 Analyze and express a comprehension of how aesthetic elements, including mise-en-scene,
genre, narrative structure, directing, editing, and cinematography, etc., contribute to
creating film meaning 
 Write thought-provoking critical analyses about films using accurate and appropriate
vocabulary of cinematic terms and acknowledging recognized approaches to film study

Outcomes Assessment:

To demonstrate proficiency of the course outcomes, students will:

 Demonstrate acquisition and comprehension of lecture materials through quizzes

 Write responses to weekly film screenings in which students will analyze film language
components (editing, shot composition, narrative structure, etc.), styles, and concepts
 Create a final presentation about a particular director, editor, film movement, or genre
 Create weekly blog posts reviewing additional film screenings