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CINE 110

I. Course Title: Introduction to Cinema and Screen Studies (WI) (GE)

II. Course Number: CINE 110

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

This course develops a basic understanding of form, including visual and aural aesthetics and narrative structures, that relate to film and other screen media (television, video games, etc.). It introduces common genres and the cultural impact of screen media. Students will learn how various screen media borrow and inform each other. The course involves lectures, screenings, and discussion/participation.

Note(s): General Education and Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.  Students are expected to watch films outside of class time.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

The majority of the content for this course will be based on an introductory cinema studies textbook. The course will focus primarily on teaching students vocabulary and concepts related to formal elements of screen media (narrative, cinematography, mise-en-scéne, editing, and sound). The course will also comprise of viewing films/television episodes/etc. during lecture as well as outside of class. Screened material may include, but is not limited to, Citizen Kane, Stagecoach, In the Mood for Love, The Simpsons, Do the Right Thing, and Winter’s Bone. Screened material is selected based on at least one of the following criteria: visual and aesthetic qualities; status in the screen studies “canon;” produced outside of Hollywood and/or the United States; includes work by minority groups. To highlight special topics, readings may be drawn from academic texts and articles.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The course will be taught in a hybrid fashion. Students will attend lecture and watch films in class, but they will also be expected to watch materials outside of class in preparation for online and/or in-class discussion. Students will be expected to do the following:

  • Attend lectures/screenings;
  • Watch films/television episodes/etc. outside of class;
  • Write critiques and provide discussion questions to be used in class;
  • Lead in-class discussion;
  • Complete quizzes; and
  • Take exams.

The preceding list is not meant to be all-inclusive and other activities may be involved. 

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Throughout the semester, students will gain an understanding of cinematic form. Specifically, students will be able to:

  • Identify cinematic and screen media conventions;
  • Recognize and analyze different narrative structures;
  • Recognize and analyze different choices in cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, and sound;
  • Discuss and write about cinema and other forms of screen media;
  • Identify and discuss various genres found in screen media;
  • Explain the basic cultural impact of cinema and other screen media.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Knowledge of the material in this course will be shown through:

  • Quizzes to prepare for or review material covered in lectures;
  • Online or in-person discussions to practice use of concepts/vocabulary and to engage in meaningful analysis of screen media;
  • Exams to test retention of concepts and vocabulary and the student’s ability to think critically about cinema and other screen media.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021

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