FILM 110
3 credits
Introduction to Cinema
Prerequisite(s): None
This course is an introduction to the principles of film as an art form. Through screenings and discussions, an overview of the social, aesthetic, and technical development of motion pictures will be examined. The development of analytical skills will be of primary focus as the history of the medium and formal elements of dramatic, documentary, independent, and experimental films are addressed.
FILM 120
3 credits
The History and Aesthetics of World Cinema
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will examine selected developments in cinema from the 1940s to the present. Emphasis will be placed on various film styles, cultural contexts, and critical practices of national cinematic movements. A series of foreign films will be screened during class, accompanied by lectures and discussions.
FILM 200
3 credits
Special Topics in Film
Prerequisite(s): None. FILM 101 or FILM 102 recommended
The specific topic of this course will vary as opportunity permits (consult timetable), but students will encounter aspects of cinema which examine the diversity of narrative styles and film practices. Students will be exposed to the historical context and influences in the development of film language in addition to film culture.
FILM 210
3 credits
The Woman's Film of the 1940s
Prerequisite(s): None.
This course provides an introduction to both the Hollywood woman’s film of the 1940s as well as readings in contemporary film theory. The theory will be used to examine the cinematic representation of subjectivity in the woman’s film and will include an introduction to Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis and introductory film semiotics. Films presented will include sub-genres of the woman’s film such as the medical discourse film, the maternal melodrama, and the gothic romance film.
FILM 220
3 credits
India on Film
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits
This course examines the culture and history of modern India through its films, ranging from the classic art films of Satyajit Ray to contemporary Bollywood hits. Discussion will focus on the role of film in creating a national consciousness and in preserving the cultural identity of Indians living abroad. In examining the conventions of Indian film--its heroes and heroines, its songs, dances, and plots--we will consider how they reflect changing attitudes toward gender, caste, class, and religion.
FILM 310
3 credits
Introduction to Film Theory
Prerequisite(s): FILM 110 or 120
In this course, students will learn key concepts and major theoretical perspectives in contemporary film theory. Theoretical work will include semiotics, Marxism, Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis, feminist and postmodernist film theory. Students interested in this course might also want to consider ENGL 366.
FILM 365
3 credits
Documentary Video Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits of university-level arts courses. It is also recommended that students have FILM 110 or FILM 120 and one of the following: VA 160, VA 165/ENGL 165, VA 170, or VA 272. Alternatively, students should have some other experience of working with film or video production.
This course offers students knowledge of key concepts and practical skills in documentary storytelling for digital video. Students will develop a short documentary video (of approximately ten minutes in length) from the proposal/treatment stage through pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be introduced to the work of Canadian filmmakers, who have long been considered leaders in the documentary genre.
Note: This course is offered as VA 365, FILM 365, and JRNL 365. Students may take only one of these for credit.
FILM 366
3 credits
Documentary Video Production
Prerequisite(s): VA 365/FILM 365/JRNL 365 or interview and portfolio review. One of the following is strongly recommended: VA 160, VA 161, VA 271, or VA 180.
This course offers students with previous video production experience an opportunity to develop and direct a short documentary video project from the proposal/treatment stage through pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be exposed to a range of approaches and skills for crafting compelling documentaries that say something about culture, society, history, or contemporary life.
Note: The course is offered as FILM 366 and VA 366. Students may take only one of these for credit.
