FILM-181 Introduction to Film

Credits 3 / 3 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD-090, ACRD-091 or ACRD-092, completion of ELAP-110 with a minimum grade of 2.0, or successful completion of ACRD-080; Placement into ENGL-101 or satisfactory completion of ENGL-099 with a course grade of “S”.
A survey of film history and production, introducing students to films from a spectrum of styles, genres, historical periods, and filmmakers. Students will consider the role of film in shaping cultural identities, reflecting social issues, and influencing popular culture.

Course Outcomes
1. Generate film terminology that enhances the “reading” of a film.
2. Identify the characteristics of specific genres for both fiction and non-fiction film.
3. Examine how narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound work together to convey meaning and evoke specific emotional responses.
4. Explore the historical, technological, economic and political factors that have shaped film production and reception.
5. Examine the ways in which films reflect and cultural values or challenge societal norms.
6. Analyze how race, gender, class, and geography influence who gets to make films and the kinds of stories that are told.
7. Write a critical film analysis.