Courses

This is an introduction to the essential computer software tools used in the modern production of information society, with a focus on the workflow and productions native to design-oriented tasks utilized in design and allied design professions. Students will build on a knowledge of graphic design production software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) to consider time-based graphic production through the introduction of software applications - including, but not limited to, Adobe After Effects, Premiere, C4D, and Midjourney. Project-based learning activities will provide hands-on experiences for students to practice and apply skills to real-world situations. (3 Units)

This course provides an introduction to creativity through discussion and project-based learning. The course provides overview and practice of creative processes (e.g. ideation, research, empathy, proto-typing, etc), in-depth discussion of the theological foundations for creativity, and practice for developing creative habits. (3 Units)

This course offers an introduction to methods and approaches for the study of film. Students will learn film terminology and its effective application in film analysis. Students also will develop, maintain, and improve strategies for close-reading individual shots and sequences, interpreting cinematic narrative and technique, and for negotiating various critical and theoretical paradigms of film study. (3 Units)

This course studies the development of film history from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century up to the present day. As the growth of cinema has been a global phenomenon, we will look at major films, filmmakers, and film movements in the United States and around the world. (3 Units)

This course introduces students to the major areas and concepts of film theory and criticism, from their inception in the early twentieth century to the present. It examines how various film theories, as part of a long-standing tradition of critical reflections on life and the arts in general, evolve and interact with one another and with neighboring discourses, nationally and internationally. Knowledge and skills gained in this class will prepare students for further upper-division film courses, in which film theory and criticism will function as important analytical tools. Prerequisite: (FLM105,FLM150) (3 Units)

An introduction to the production of visual storytelling content. Each student will write, direct, and edit a series of exploratory production exercises. The primary emphasis is on telling a compelling story by employing basic cinematography, lighting, editing, sound, and on-camera talent to involve an audience emotionally with the characters on screen. This course is restricted to Film majors and minors only. (3 Units)

A study of advanced cinematic storytelling principles as they are expressed through editing. This course analyzes examples from important films and other media that demonstrate how rhythm, timing, pace, emotion, sound, and other dramatic aesthetics affect the viewer's perceptions and the success of the sequence. Each student will develop technical skills through weekly editing assignments and the completion of a complex editing project. Students learn skills and techniques of cinematic storytelling via the editing and post production processes. The course emphasizes proficiency using a nonlinear editing system, the history of significant achievement in editing, and the editor's unique role in the post production process. (3 Units)

This course builds on a foundational understanding of creativity's process and purpose. The aim of the course is for students to apply these foundations to the act of completing interdisciplinary creative projects in context. Prerequisite: DES110 (3 Units)

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing for the screen. The elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for cinema will be studied. Students will learn how to construct screenplays by closely examining produced films, reading film scripts, and writing their own short screenplays. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of the three-act act structure, dramatic action, character arc, the revision process, and an introduction to the business of screenwriting. By the end of the semester, students will have produced and polished a twenty- to thirty-page screenplay for a short film suitable for production. Prerequisite: (ENG113E,FLM105,ENG113) (3 Units)

This three-unit senior capstone project serves to assess the subject matter competence of the Film Studies major. During the semester, students will compose a philosophy statement, compile a portfolio of previous work, and complete a capstone paper or film project. The class meets with its instructor one hour per week while completing the tasks of the course. (3 Units)

This class will approach production from prep to post from the perspective of the independent creative producer, with each student producing and directing two short films in addition to introductory workshops on all the different departments, including technical areas such as grip, electric, and camera. Students will learn how to break down and budget a script, schedule a shoot, create and fill out paperwork, such as deal memos, call sheets, contracts, location scouting, and holding auditions. Prerequisite: FLP170 (3 Units)

Comprehensively addressing the importance of the auditory component of film and cinematic arts, this advanced course teaches students the art and science of production and post-production sound recording, including studio and field recording, equipment operations, digital editing, mixing, and sound design using digital workstations, as well as the theories and techniques that support quality sound production and post production. (3 Units)

An introduction to the fundamental tools and principles used by cinematographers to create digital or film images generated from the context of the story. Curriculum covers visualization, digital manipulation, sensitometry, filters and lenses, lighting, color, processing procedures, camera systems, special effects, and image control. Prerequisite: FLP306 (3 Units)

This course explores a range of ideas, methods, and theories of directing. While helping students understand the director's complex functions in the creative process of directing, the course mainly focuses on the study of and practice in two areas: directing the camera and directing actors. Significant time is devoted to the understanding of acting and working with actors (casting, rehearsal, character development, and performing for the camera). Students will work in groups on a series of focused short projects to build the creative experience step by step. Prerequisite: FLP360 (3 Units)

A comprehensive study and advanced practice of cinematography as a means of aesthetic expression and communication in the cinematic arts and commercial projects. Includes lectures, demonstrations and practical applications of the methods, tools, techniques and communications of professional cinematographers, including camera and lens selection and operation, lighting and grip equipment uses, working with directors, location and studio techniques, and camera to screen workflows. (3 Units)

An advanced course in which each student will be responsible for producing and directing a complex narrative, documentary or experimental short film that engages the hearts and minds of audiences through compelling cinematic storytelling. In addition to a festival worthy short film, students will be required to produce professional level production and marketing materials and master the distribution process. (3 Units)

An introduction to philosophical aesthetics, which has been marginalized and often ignored in philosophical discourse during the past four hundred years. During the last few decades the questions posted by aesthetics have moved back into the center of the philosophical discussion, including the use of the concept by "post-modern" thinkers. The course seeks to bring the student into the longer conversation concerning beauty, "retrieve" important elements that have been lost, and provide a basis for further study. Prerequisite: ARC210 or ART242 or DES310 or FLM250 or GDM310 or ILL210 or PHI213 or PHO330 or WLD181 or HON101 (3 Units)

This course introduces students to an overview of the film industry broadly and examines the evolving structures of development, production, and distribution for a worldwide market. (3 Units)

World Cinema is an advanced course focusing on films made outside of North America and their socio-historical contexts. It looks at cinematic history and practice in diverse nations and introduces students to a range of non-Hollywood film styles and forms, including popular and art cinemas, from across the globe. Prerequisite: FLM250 (3 Units)

National Cinema is an advanced course focusing on the most significant films and filmmakers of one country. It looks at cinematic history and practice in the nation being covered and may include a consideration of popular, independent, and/or art film. The course may cover the entire history of cinema in one nation or focus on a particular type of film or cinematic movement in one country. Special attention will be paid to the socio-historical contexts of the films assigned during the course. Prerequisite: FLM150 (3 Units)

This is a course centers on the legendary Sundance Film Festival, including attendance of the festival in Park City, Utah, in conjunction with Fuller Seminary's Windrider Forum, which brings together students from Christian universities all over the US for a colloquium on the relationship between Christianity (and spirituality more generally) and cinema. (3 Units)

With attention to theories about authorship and the auteur, this course surveys the work of one or two major directors. This course may treat a canonical auteur, such as Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, or Akira Kurosawa, or may focus upon figures historically marginalized within cinema studies, such Oscar Micheaux, Ida Lupino, or Sam Fuller. Prerequisite: FLM150 (3 Units)

This course addresses the adaptation of literature to film. It examines diverse concepts and theories that have been applied to cinematic adaptations of literary texts as part of a larger constellation of issues, including the development of cinematic language, approaches to genre studies, and an appreciation for cinematic visions in literary texts. In addition to film screenings, course readings will include prose fiction and film criticism. Prerequisite: ENG123 (3 Units)

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of writing for streaming media. Students will be immersed in what makes for a successful series comedy or drama script: premise, character, story, scene writing, and dialogue. Several past and current series from broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms will be analyzed throughout the semester. The course will provide a foundation in the basics of writing the scripted series and an introduction to the business of scripted series writing and production. By the end of the semester, students will have written a polished pilot episode script suitable for production. Prerequisite: ENG113 or FLM105 (3 Units)

This course focuses on a different subject in the field of cinema studies each time it is offered. Designed to reflect both our rapidly changing culture and the technologically progressive nature of the film industry, this course is devoted to a critical examination of film with regard to, for example, time period, genre, theme, etc. Prerequisite: FLM250 (3 Units)

Independent Film and Counter-cinema is an advanced course that studies diverse film texts considered "independent" while examining the varied and constantly evolving definition of independent film. In addition, the course investigates counter-cinema -- film that actively opposes mainstream cinema, offering alternative discourses -- and explores the complex relationship between independent film and counter-cinema. Prerequisite: FLM250 (3 Units)

This advanced course focuses on diverse texts and theories regarding adaptation and intertextuality as they impact film and other media. The course explores the ways in which texts are adapted from one medium into other media and the ways in which texts intersect and communicate with one another. The complex manner in which adaptation and intertextuality function in our media-saturated, global culture is investigated. Texts that might be examined in this course include films, video games, television shows, novels, comics/graphic novels, operas, and musicals. Course content will vary. Prerequisite: FLM250 (3 Units)

This course teaches students the primary skills and processes used in the visual effects (VFX) industry. Students will learn basic compositing and how to integrate computer graphics and 3D components with live action in a methodology that simulates standard VFX production pipelines. Prerequisite: EGR121 or FLP170 or GDM215 (3 Units)

This course bridges the gap between creative practices and business principles, empowering students to navigate their careers as filmmakers, illustrators, designers, and other creative professionals. It provides essential knowledge and skills for freelancing, entrepreneurship, and thriving within organizations. Topics include business strategy, financial management, marketing, intellectual property, client relations, and contract negotiation, all tailored to the diverse needs of creatives across disciplines. (3 Units)

A study of the marketing functions, channels of distribution, selling, advertising, distribution, and marketing management for both retail and industrial businesses. (3 Units)

This course teaches students the fundamental skills and processes used in the motion design industry. Students will learn about storyboards, style frames, sound development, and rendering and they will use industry-standard time-based software such as Adobe After Effects to learn 2D animation principles. Prerequisite: DES102 (3 Units)

Online communication platforms are constantly changing. Due to this dynamic environment, communicators must understand the strategies behind online media. This course gives students an immersive experience in analyzing, creating, and developing communication plans to effectively reach a digital audience. In addition, students will analyze and produce content for current and emerging social media platforms. By the end of the course, students will have learned how to curate and develop a social media presence for both themselves as individuals and for corporate entities or small businesses. (3 Units)

This course teaches the core principles of digital marketing and the digital marketing process. Students will learn to utilize digital strategies, social tools and tactics to gain insights into the audience, competitors and industry on a variety of social media platforms. Industry examples will be analyzed and utilized in class. At the end of the course, students will have gained practical experience in creating, launching, and maintaining digital marketing campaigns. Class project and assignments will build students' applied portfolios. Prerequisite: MKT333 (3 Units)

Students will learn how to use social media and content marketing to communicate an organization's message and engage with customers. Additionally, students will learn how to manage an organization's social media presence. Prerequisite: MKT333 (3 Units)

This course teaches the core components of an effective digital marketing strategy. Students will learn how to use the Buyer's Journey model to influence purchase decisions over digital platforms using digital content and tools. This course also explains how to choose the right content for your customers - and how to develop a creative strategy to deliver on key business goals. The class project is applied and adds to students' portfolios. Prerequisite: (MKT333,MKT360) (3 Units)