Cinema and Photography Courses

222-10100 Introduction to Film Aesthetics and Analysis   LA

An analysis of the cinematic techniques utilized throughout film history to create meaning, suggest mood, develop psychology of characters, and communicate ideas. Emphasis is on classic American and foreign films, from the silent period to the present day. 3 credits. (F)

222-11000 Film Production   NLA

Study of film production techniques. Theoretical knowledge and practical skills extended through detailed study of film editing, film stock, lighting, sound techniques, and film processing. Experimentation and practical application in the laboratory. Each student writes, produces, and edits one short film and one longer creative sound film. Prerequisites for nonmajors: Sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-14100 Introduction to Photography   LA

Introduction to photography, photographic processes, and aesthetics. Fundamentals of the art as well as film processing, enlargement, printing, camera handling, exposure, lighting, and composition. 4 credits. (F-S)

222-20100 Film and Literature   LA

Analysis of relationships between literature and film focusing on the filmmaker's translation of verbal information to the screen. Topics include how the filmmaker transforms words into images and sound to establish setting and mood and convey characters' physical, emotional, and mental experiences and how the filmmaker or scriptwriter is influenced by political, sociological, and production factors in determining what aspects of the work of literature are conveyed in the new medium. Prerequisites: 222-10100. 3 credits. (IRR)

222-20310 The Photograph in Exhibition   LA

Addresses the issue of photographic exhibition --- touching on considerations of context, scale, and installation --- as it affects the experience and meaning of images. Students will attend a series of photographic exhibitions and will critically evaluate the content of each through written papers and oral presentations. Prerequisites: Open only to B.S. cinema and photography-photography concentration students. Corequisite: 222-24000. 1 credit. (S)

222-21200 Experimental Film   NLA

An intermediate-level filmmaking course that examines film as a visual art form akin to painting and sculpture. Readings, lectures, and screenings are used to develop a basic context of relevant historical and theoretical issues, with emphasis on the structural, conceptual, and formalist aesthetics and analysis that characterize 20th-century modernist and postmodernist fine arts. Both written and filmmaking assignments are related to this material. Participation in a culminating public exhibition of work from the class is required. Prerequisites: 222-11000. 3 credits. (F)

222-21400 Hollywood and American Film   LA

Focus is on the historical, economic, and social formations in the evolution of a wide range of American cinemas, including Hollywood, independent work, documentary, experimental, and hybrid forms. Survey and analysis of films of representative American directors, styles, and genres will be conducted. Prerequisites: Two liberal arts courses. 4 credits. (S-Y)

222-22100 Intermediate Filmmaking: Production   NLA

Intermediate-level study and practice of the preproduction and production phases of synchronous sound filmmaking. Utilizing 16 mm film and video materials, readings and demonstrations, hands-on practice sessions, and actual fiction and nonfiction film production assignments, students can expect to achieve technical proficiency in cinematography and lighting, sound recording, and production planning and management. Readings, screenings, and critiques encourage an environment of critical and applied aesthetic thinking within which the filmmaking activities can be both a form of intelligent inquiry and deeply felt expression. There is no prescribed sequence for 222-22100 and 222-22200; they can be taken in either order. Prerequisites: 222-10100; 222-11000; sophomore standing. 4 credits. (F-S)

222-22200 Intermediate Filmmaking: Postproduction   NLA

Intermediate-level study and practice of the postproduction and lab finishing phases of synchronous sound filmmaking. Utilizing 16 mm film and video materials, readings and demonstrations, hands-on practice sessions, and actual fiction and nonfiction film postproduction assignments, students can expect to achieve technical proficiency in picture editing, sound editing, editing assistance, and preparation of materials for sound mixing and lab finishing. Readings, screenings, and critiques encourage an environment of critical and applied aesthetic thinking within which the filmmaking activities can be both a form of intelligent inquiry and deeply felt expression. There is no prescribed sequence for 222-22100 and 222-22200; they can be taken in either order. Prerequisites: 222-10100; 222-11000; sophomore standing. 4 credits. (F-S)

222-23300 Screenwriting   NLA

Introduction to the theory and practice of screenwriting. Topics include analysis and writing of feature-length, short, and experimental screenplays; adapting literary sources for the screen; the business of screenwriting; and computer formatting of screenplays. Prerequisites: 222-10100 or 221-13100; sophomore standing. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-24000 History of Photography   LA

Study of photography from its beginning to its emergence as an important means of communication and expression. Critical examination of the growth and relationship of the contribution of photography to the visual arts. The development of the medium is seen through the eyes of past and present masters who struggled to understand and perfect it. Prerequisites: Nonmajors must have at least sophomore standing. 3 credits. (S)

222-24200 Intermediate Photography   NLA

Instruction in the use of large format view cameras and advanced black and white printing techniques; introduction to color photographic materials. Also introduces different modes of working and genres in the medium of photography. Students are asked to employ the various techniques to solve a variety of conceptual and aesthetic problems in photography. 4 credits. (F-S)

222-24600 Digital Photography   NLA

Students explore the technical, creative, and conceptual challenges of computer-based image production and manipulation. Prerequisites: 222-14100, 222-24200. 4 credits. (F-S)

222-25500 Survey of Critical Methodologies in Mass Media   LA

Introductory overview of methodologies and approaches for the study of mass communications. Critical, historical, and social science methods are examined in terms of their framing of mass media, their philosophical approaches, their method of research, and their history and usage within the field of mass communications. Emphasis is on using these methods as analytical tools. Prerequisites: 221-12100 or 222-10100. 3 credits. (IRR)

222-30000 Fiction Film Theory   LA

Close visual analysis of film, focusing on cinematographic and directorial aspects of film style. Detailed examination of specific films and various theories. Prerequisites: 222-10100 and at least two level-2 liberal arts courses; permission of instructor. 3 credits. (F)

222-30100 Nonfiction Film Theory   LA

Investigation of the social, historical, cultural, and aesthetic implications of nonfiction film through historical overview of various films. This course uses social theory, economic theory, ethnography, historiography, and documentary theory to explore the intersection of historical contexts and film movements. Prerequisites: 222-10100 and at least two level-2 liberal arts courses; permission of instructor. 3 credits. (F)

222-30200 Selected Topics   LA/NLA

Intensive exploration and analysis of a specific area of film study, allowing students to concentrate their study in an upper-level course. Depending on faculty research interests and student demand, this course may cover genres, periods, directors, and other cinematic conceptual frameworks. Prerequisites depend on topic; consult department. 3 credits. (S)

222-30300 Images of Men and Women in Mass Media   LA

Investigation and assessment of the social construction of gender representations in mass media: feminist films, television, pornography, art photography, popular music, and fashion. As a survey of contemporary feminist cultural theory, social history, and criticism, this course analyzes mass culture as the site of mediation and articulation of discourses on women, men, and gender difference. Prerequisites: 222-23300 or 222-24000 or at least three level-2 courses in television-radio, art history, politics, or sociology. 3 credits. (IRR)

222-30400 Photography: Selected Topics   NLA

Exploration and analysis of a specific area of photography. Topics vary based on student demand and on faculty expertise and research interest. Prerequisites may vary depending on the topic --- refer to Course Offerings each semester, 222-14100, 222-24200. 4 credits. (F-S)

222-30500 Contemporary Film Criticism   LA

Analysis and evaluation of contemporary films and criticism. Students trace current feature films to their artistic and cinematic roots and assess the value of the new offerings. At the same time they evaluate national criticism (not reviews) of the new offerings. Prerequisites: 222-10100; 222-11000 or 221-13100; 222-23300; 222-30000. 3 credits. (IRR)

222-31000 Fiction Film Production   NLA

Individualized experience in producing and directing a narrative film project, designed to fit the student's specific background and interests. Students must complete one fiction film of their own and participate in the production of other students' work. Prerequisites: 222-11000; 222-22100; 222-22200; 222-23300; 222-30000. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-31100 Nonfiction Film Production   NLA

Intensive exploration of the relationship between the theory and practice of nonfiction filmmaking from conception to proposal to final production. Through short exercises and a final film, this course critically probes conceptual and production issues related to nonfiction theory. The course culminates with a student-designed exhibition of work. Prerequisites: 222-11000; 222-22100; 222-22200; 222-23300; 222-30100. 3 credits. (S)

222-31500 Film Directing   NLA

Examines the total concept of the director through lectures, film viewings, lab practice, critiques, and a directed project. Also examines the director's relationship to the producer, scenarist, cinematographer, gaffer, sound person, actors, editor, and musicians. Prerequisites, cinema majors: 222-11000 or 221-13100; 222-23300. Prerequisites, others: At least one television or drama directing course. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-31900 Film Sound Postproduction   NLA

Through intensive practical film sound mixing experience, reading, and written papers, the student is enabled to do an individualized film sound postproduction project. Concepts and theory of sound design are covered. The skills and knowledge gained are portable to other postproduction media such as video, digital, and MIDI interface. Prerequisites: 222-10100, 222-11000, 222-22200; or 221-10100, 221-27100, 221-37100. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-33300 Advanced Screenwriting   NLA

Advanced theory and practice of screenwriting; analysis of both classic and contemporary screenplays. Students complete a substantial portfolio of work in short and/or feature-length forms, and participate in written and oral critiques of each other's work. With the permission of the instructor, students may rewrite and polish a script begun elsewhere. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisites: 222-23300. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-40200 Photographers' Forum   LA

Addresses the continuities and disparities between photographic images and the intent of their makers. Students attend a series of photographers' presentations and critically evaluate each through written and oral presentations. Prerequisites: 222-24000; one level-3 course in cinema, photography, or art history; senior standing. Open only to B.S. cinema and photography students in the photography concentration. Corequisite: 222-44000. 1 credit. (F)

222-40901-222-40999 Seminar in Film Studies   LA

Capstone course in film studies that provides an intensive experience in cinema research. Designed as a seminar to allow students to engage actively in their own research and critical thinking in this area, the course revolves around an intensive schedule of screenings and key readings on a particular topic in film studies. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Prerequisites: 222-30000 or 222-30100 or permission of instructor. 4 credits. (Y)

222-41000 Film Workshop   NLA

Individual experience preparatory to graduate study and to careers in film. Designed to fit the individual's background and interests. May include research projects, advanced film production, scenarios, or multimedia projects. Students may take a second semester of this course with permission of instructor and department chair. Prerequisites for cinema and photography majors: 222-11000, 222-22100, 222-22200, 222-23300, and 222-31000; or 222-10100 or 222-10200, 222-11000, 222-22100, 222-22200, 222-23300, 222-30100, and 222-31100. Prerequisites, others: 222-11000 or 221-13100; 222-23300; 222-31500. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-43201 through 222-43299 Selected Topics in Screenwriting   NLA

Exploration and analysis of a specific genre or type of screenwriting. Topics vary based on faculty interests and student demand. May be repeated once for credit under a different topic. Prerequisites: 222-33300; junior standing; screenwriting concentration; permission of instructor. 3 credits. (Y)

222-43300 Screenwriting Workshop   NLA

A workshop in writing feature-length scripts for narrative film, preparatory for graduate study or a career in screenwriting, film, or television. Students complete a new feature-length script or, in rare instances with permission of instructor, rewrite and polish a script begun elsewhere. Prerequisites: At least two semesters of 222-33300 or one semester of 222-33300; one semester of 221-43100; senior standing. 3 credits. (S-Y)

222-44000 Contemporary Photographic Issues   LA

Through lectures and discussions, the student is exposed to the changes and growth of the photographic medium. Photographic theories, criticism, classification, and aesthetics, as well as individual photographers are explored to develop an understanding of contemporary photography. Students may consider this study as an end in itself or take 222-44100 concurrently as a means to the production of more progressive photographs. Prerequisites: 222-24000; one level-3 course in cinema, photography, or art history; senior standing. 3 credits. (F)

222-44100 Photography: Advanced Studio   NLA

Students bring together technical and conceptual competencies mastered in previous photo courses for the purpose of assembling a unified portfolio of work. Prerequisites:222-14100; 222-24000; 222-44000; senior standing. 4 credits. (F)

222-44300 Photo Workshop   NLA

Individual experience preparatory to graduate study and to careers in photography. Designed to fit the individual's background and interests. May include research projects or advanced photography. Course participants are expected to complete an artist's essay that situates their work within the history of the medium and contextualizes its relationship to current intellectual and creative debates. Students may take a second semester of this course with permission of instructor. Prerequisites: 222-14100; 222-24200; junior standing. 4 credits. (S)

222-49000 Internship   NLA

Jointly supervised work experience with a cooperating institution in the field of cinema or photography, intended to motivate the intern toward professional growth through observation and participation, to provide opportunities to meet active professionals, and to stimulate career planning. Skill and academic knowledge put into practice. May be repeated. Prerequisites: Junior cinema and photography or film, photography, and visual arts majors or minors; completion of the Park School internship procedures. 1-6 credits. Total may not exceed 12 credits, including London and Los Angeles internships. (F-S)

222-49800 London Communications Internship   NLA

See p. 655. 3 credits. (F-S)

222-49900 Independent Study   LA

Intensive study of one of the following problems under the supervision of a faculty adviser: program evaluation; scriptwriting; production; programming; film and cinema studies; or contemporary issues in communications. Comprehensive research paper (and/or project) is required. Prerequisites: Junior cinema and photography or film, photography, and visual arts majors. 3 credits. (F-S)