Given the growing pervasiveness and significance of cinematic arts in the new millennium, the film studies minor satisfies an increasing need to assist students in the development of critical skills useful for interpretation, analysis, and creation of narrative and non-narrative digital films, as called for in the Church documents Inter Mirifica and Communio et Progressio.  The minor draws on courses offered by multiple departments and is designed to complement a broad range of degree programs. 

The minor complements both liberal arts and professional programs. Courses focus on the knowledge and skills necessary for effective analysis and production of cinematic works in a variety of applied settings.  The core consists of courses in three foundational subject areas:  film history, theory and criticism, and digital production.  Students then select three additional courses to match personal areas of interest.

Course requirements:  FLM 222 or 328, 325, and 345, and three additional upper-level film courses, including FRN 326.

 
Course Descriptions:

FLM 222 – Critical Television Viewing -- surveys contemporary methods of visual analysis. Using a model of criticism based on Aristotle’s Rhetoric, four general areas are examined: programming genres, cultural significance of content, social viewing habits, and visual literacy. This course helps the individual develop active viewing skills that can be used by media producers, critics, or consumers. (Communications Core)  3 credit hours.  (crosslisted with COM 222)

FLM 328 – Film Analysis and Theory – surveys the major theories and tools utilized in the analysis of narrative, experimental, and documentary cinema, including formal analysis, semiotics, phenomenology, genre studies, and related approaches.  Includes screenings of significant films and application of analytical techniques.  (Humanities Core)  3 credit hours.  (crosslisted with COM 328)

FLM 325 – Cinema Studies  -- traces the history of cinema from 1895 to the present in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, focusing on significant directors, movements, influences, films, and terminology. Special attention is paid to the tension between film as art and/or as commerce. The course helps students identify important moral and philosophical issues raised by serious as well as entertainment films. It will also help students develop an appreciation of the artistry involved in film production. This course includes weekly screenings of significant films.   (Humanities Core)  3 credit hours (2 credits lecture; 1 credit lab). (crosslisted with COM 325)

FLM 345 – Independent Digital Filmmaking  -- focuses on the skills needed to create short independent digital films, including budgeting, scripting, location scouting, rehearsing, lighting, filming, editing, scoring, mixing, and marketing.  Students will explore the relationship between cinema, culture, and society by producing a short film that makes an important statement about our world today.  Students will also explore opportunities to market their films via digital technologies, contests, and the like (Communications Core)  3 credit hours.  (crosslisted with COM 345)

FLM 326 – French Cinema -- introduces some of the major themes, techniques, movements and directors of this most important art form of the 20th century. The course teaches the critical skills required for making informed judgments on the artistic merits and deficiencies of cinematic works. Open to all students, with lectures, discussions and readings in English.   (Humanities Core)  3 credit hours. (crosslisted with FRN 326)

FLM 329 – Cinema of India -- covers the historical development of the world’s largest film industry from 1896 to the present, focusing on significant directors, movements, films, terminology, and the influence of socio-cultural factors. The course highlights the tension between popular (musical) and artistic (non-musical) film.  It also assists students in developing a deeper understanding of non-western modes of cinematic storytelling and culture. Includes weekly screenings. All lectures, readings, and discussions are in English. (Humanities Core)  3 credit hours (2 credits lecture; 1 credit lab).    (crosslisted with COM 329)

FLM 331– Mysteries, Justice, and Film -- compares and contrasts filmic and literary versions of major mystery stories written by various authors, focusing on how they approach a popular fiction genre from a variety of perspectives.  Representative works, critical analysis and biographical information will be included in the course. (Humanities Core)  3 credit hours.  (crosslisted with COM 331)

FLM 444 – Advanced Digital Media Production -- provides practical experience in producing a major digital project from pre-production planning through post production.  It is designed for students seeking to review, apply and refine production skills at an advanced level.  Individual and group activities are included. Lab fee.  (Communications Core) 3 credit hours (crosslisted with COM 444)