Degrees and Requirements
Film
The film program provides students with a well-rounded education emphasizing the aesthetic, social and cultural aspects of film. Students will apply theoretical and comparative concepts of film analysis as they create their own films throughout the program, moving through training in all stages of film production and exploring the most recent technological advances in visual media. In line with the University’s Mission, utmost importance is placed on an education that will ultimately empower graduates to effectively use film and visual storytelling as a means to shape culture and affect positive change in society.
Students are encouraged to add a minor in one of several related disciplines, including Photography, Game Studies, Marketing, or further concentrate their interests in film analysis or through innovative approaches to filmmaking
REQUIREMENTS: To successfully complete the Film Studies major, the following coursework is required:
- 47-49 credits as listed under “Major Component/Requirements”
- 15 credits as listed under Major Electives
- 37 CORE credits
- 19-21 General Electives
- A minimum number of 120 credits are required for degree, the last 30 of which must be earned at La Roche University. (Developmental course work does not count toward the minimum number of required credits for graduation.)
Summary of Requirements
Film Major Course Requirements: 47-49 credits
CMET1001HUMAN COMMUNICATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course the student examines human, verbal, non-verbal and visual communication. Through an interactive classroom the student will combine the theory and definitions of the text with their experience to clarify and understand the concepts that make up human communication. In the classroom, writing, making presentations, working in groups, solving problems and applying creativity to the concepts of communication will be some of the ways the students learn and reinforce the subject matter. Written papers, research and computer-mediated-communication further reinforce the concepts of the course and serve as a means of evaluation of the student's understanding and absorption of the material.
ENGL2040CREATIVE WRITING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
A course designed to stimulate writing in prose and poetry, with emphasis on readings and exercises in craft.
FILM1020FILM PRODUCTION I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This introductory production class gives students the foundation for creating films. We will cover the basic use of a digital camera (Sony a6000), camera exposure for filmmaking along with the basics of camera shots, angles, and movement. Additionally, the course covers introductory levels of filmmaking for lights (3-point lighting set-ups, C-stands, clamps, flags, cutters, color temperature/gels),sound (portable recording; single & double system recording), and editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, including titles and basic effects and color tools). Students will learn chroma keying/green screen production and lighting for green screen. In the class, we create short films to demonstrate how these basic filmmaking tools are used to tell stories, influence emotions and connect to people through sound and images. Students will draw upon their experiences in Intro to Film & Visual Storytelling to craft a short individual film project (2-3 minutes). They will also work in small groups to produce a short film of any type (3-5 minutes).
FILM1025FILM AND VISUAL STORYTELLING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
The course provides a basic introduction to the world of film, including a brief history and the technology and tools that have made film possible. The course though is focused primarily on film as the arrangement of images into something we call a story. Together we examine the process of telling stories with moving images - that is how to craft a story in relation to composition, color, sound, and editing. We explore two main film genres, narrative and documentary, and discuss how storytelling is fundamental to them. For narrative film we examine dramatic storytelling aspects such as mise-en-scène, concept, character, theme, plot, and dialog. In documentary film we explore how filmmakers can incorporate strong, often character-driven stories that also have a beginning, middle and end. We look at how they can raise issues with much at stake, offer rising tensions, and still utilize a narrative arc that keeps viewers actively engaged. We look also at experimental/avant-garde films, that is non-narrative forms of filmmaking, which focus on movement, rhythm, and composition, because ideas and techniques from this genre have and continue to influence story-based filmmaking.
FILM2010INTERNATIONAL FILM HISTORY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course we analyze film style across a selection of international films from diverse regional, national and local contexts. We connect the threads of world cinema, asking students to compare and contrast a work from one time and place to any number of its geographically distant offspring. Major international films encourage us to reconsider what cinema is and how new ideas, feelings, and worlds come into being. As such, we study and analyze films from India, Canada, Sweden, Nigeria, South Korea, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, China and more. We compare and contrast styles along the way. We also explore broader questions about the usefulness of working in a globally-identifiable film style.
FILM2015FILM THEORY AND ANALYSIS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course provides an introductory overview to film theory and methods of film analysis. We explore the interaction between a film’s subject and style to reach an informed analysis of cinematic aesthetics. We explore how cinema functions as a medium, art form and practice, institution, and how cinema signifies (e.g. communicates, produces meanings, and constructs itself as a language). There are a range of critical methods for the study of media texts: realism, formalism, auteur theory, theories of spectatorship and reception, feminism, queer theory, Marxist film theory, cultural studies, postcolonialism, among many others. Through analysis and examination of major areas of film theory and criticism, this course helps students become informed, critically engaged readers/viewers of global media texts and practices. Preg: FILM1025
FILM2020FILMMAKING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course, we will explore how filmmakers across time and place have chosen to create films for social change. We will link to this and discuss as part of the Mission of La Roche University. Documentary films, immersive virtual and augmented reality, participatory filmmaking, installation films, and other creative media experiences will be explored and analyzed in this context - with special consideration of their strategic communication campaigns and in recent eras an online presence. The class will also explore important concepts relative to these products such as advocacy, bias and manipulation. Students will work in teams to create a film proposal for a documentary that advocates for positive social change, and identify relevant film festivals for submission.
FILM2030FILM PRODUCTION II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course students learn more in-depth aspects of digital camera operations, including using an advanced digital camera (Sony a7iii) and learning how to produce specialty camera movements with training on a DJI-Ronin S. Students are also introduced to more advanced levels of lighting (light meters, Flex-Fill, Bounce Boards, high-key and low-key lighting), sync sound (with lavalier, camera mounted, and shotgun microphones), basics of sound design and audio mixing (in Adobe Audition), and more advanced digital editing (e.g., special effects, color correcting). Students will work in groups to create a short documentary (5-8 minutes) focused on an issue related to positive social change (applying what they learned in the previous semester in Filmmaking for Social Change). Students will also draw upon all technical skills from Film Production I for films produced this semester. Some hours will be required of students to join productions in the Film Production IV course (offered same semester). Prereq: FILM1020
FILM2045INTRO TO SCREENWRITING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to introduce basic screenplay structure and formatting and prepare students to thoughtfully embark on their own writing practice. Students will read, view, and discuss examples of great screenwriting from contemporary and classic films. This course will also touch on the basics of character development and plot structure and is appropriate for writers of various levels. An original full length screenplay will be completed by the end of the semester, in addition to other writing exercises and assignments.
FILM3015FILM PRODUCTION III
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this class students will increase the production value of their filmmaking skills. Students will work more in-depth with advanced lighting (such as light a moving subject, utilize negative fill, color) and sound (including how to design atmospheric sound to enhance their storytelling). The class will also advance student editing skills with training in Adobe After Effects and include a focus on color grading. The class emphasizes the role of a Director and students will begin working with actors and produce a short narrative film (8-12 minutes) by further developing and applying skills they have learned from Film Production I & II. We will apply what they learned about film aesthetics in Film Theory & Analysis and incorporate Creative Writing both taken in the previous semester. Basics in screenwriting will be covered so we can produce a short narrative screenplay early in the semester.
FILM4010FILM PRODUCTION IV
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this class students will learn production skills at an advanced level with an emphasis on learning how to be a film producer. Additionally, students will produce short films in collaboration with a non-profit partner. We will also examine dealing with stock footage and music rights, legal and ethical considerations, and distribution options. Students will draw upon all skills from Film Production 1-3 for films produced this semester.
FILM4045FILM CAPSTONE PRE-PRODUCTION
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
In this course, students will conceive, research, and plan their senior capstone film projects. Students take this 1-credit course prior to the 3-credit Film Capstone Project taken the following semester. Students will develop and revise narrative scripts or documentary treatments, receiving feedback from the professor and students in the class. Students will also seek input on their project from at least 2 other film professionals. Students will plan and prepare all aspects of pre-production for a comprehensive film project.
FILM4051INTERNSHIP I @
Credits (Min/Max): 1/6
A practical work experience in a field setting. The student receives credits for work performed.
FILM4055FILM CAPSTONE PROJECT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course allows students to design and complete a film project in an area of their choice. The film project should bring multiple elements into a substantial film and draw upon all of their courses and experiences to date at La Roche University. Film requires faculty approval and regular meetings with the film capstone committee (made up of 2 La Roche University faculty/staff and a local film professional/scholar). All graduating film major seniors will take this course together. This will allow for a workshop and critique environment, helping students further move their filmmaking forward.
GCDN2016DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will explore digital capture and handling of photographs enabling the student to master the technical aspects of digital image capture. Students will learn techniques for editing and enhancing photographs, become familiar with photography's various roles: art form, journalism, advertising and will produce a portfolio of quality color and black and white prints from digital files. This course is for design majors only.
GCDN4028DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IV - PORTFOLIO
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN3012, GCDN2042, GCDN2016, GCDN3040, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course will provide students with an opportunity to self-author a large body of photographic work building upon one or more of the concepts previously studied in the minor. In addition students will also learn about important professional practice skills such as publishing work both on personal and professional stock sites,continued self-evaluation skills, and how to earn freelance opportunities. This class will culminate in the students producing and presenting a collective body of work for showcase. Prereq: GCDN3012
SASUxxxx
Credits (Min/Max): /
SOCL2070CULTURE AND HUMAN SOCIETIES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Sociological study of what we mean by culture is taken and critically applied to the discussion of global-historical transformations in human social development, from the period of simple societies to the present age of complex, industrial, and globalized societies.
Film Major Electives: 15 credits
CMET1002MASS MEDIA AND DIGITAL
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: CMET1001 The subject matter of this course is the history and development of mass communication. The course will include examining the origin, economics, technology, mode of communication, communication effectiveness, social role and future of a variety of communication media including: newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film and computer-mediated-communication.
PREREQUISITES:
CMET1001 or SLSO1008
CMET2001COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course provides an overview of the interaction of structure, culture, technology, and communication in organizations. Classes will focus on case studies of the structures and culture of new technology organizations and the dynamic encountered when new technology meets old economy culture. Within this course the student will also practice specific communication skills such as preparation for job interviews, performance appraisals, professional presentations, and negotiation.
CMET2003COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CULTURES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course begins with a focus study on communication factors which affect any cross-cultural interpersonal interaction. The students then survey specific differences between U.S. cultural customs and other of countries. Finally, the role of the media in intercultural relations is discussed.
CMET2005COMMUNICATION THEORY, RESEARCH
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: CMET1001 This course is an introduction to the application of theory and research to mass communication including Internet communication. In addition, the course provides a starting point for students in understanding and creating a critical perspective on mass communication through the lens of specific theoretical perspectives.
PREREQUISITES:
CMET1001 or SLSO1008
CMET3002NEW MEDIA AND DIGITAL
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course deals with the evolution of technology and the use of communications technology for business, entertainment and information. Through readings, discussion, group work and hands-on experience the class examines the social, cultural and economic aspects of communication technology.
CMET4001LEGAL ISSUES OF MEDIA AND
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will examine the of laws and rules affecting various types of mass communication industries in the United States, i.e., broadcasting, cable communication, the Internet, advertising and journalism. The roles of the public, political leaders, research groups, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the First Amendment and the Supreme Court will be examined.
CMET4005GAMIFICATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: INQU3007 This course will provide the student with a deep understanding of how a wide variety of games are produced by collaborative teams for purposes as varied as entertainment, training, marketing, sales, business and education. Students will be exposed to game logic, games for learning and training, and gamification concepts for a range of activities. Individual and group projects, research, surveys and simulations will all be major parts of the class learning activities. The social, cultural and economic implications and roles of games today and in the future will be examined.
PREREQUISITES:
CMET3007 or INQU3007
ENGL3034WRITING FOR ADVERTISING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is designed to teach students how to write advertising copy that targets various audiences and employs multiple venues: print, radio, TV, and the internet.
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
ENGL3035WRITING FOR BROADCAST AND SOCIAL
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: ENGL1011 OR ENGL1011H A course designed to give students practice in the writing of copy for the broadcast media. Included is the writing of news and sports reports, commercials, features and documentaries, interview techniques, and mini-dramas.
FILM2025WRITING THE TELEVISION PILOT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course provides a foundational understanding of the key elements of TV pilot writing, from the establishment of theme and tone, to the utilization of five-act structure and effective use of scene transitions. Through the process of story breaking, beat sheet creation, and outline writing, each participant will develop their own original pilot, culminating in the completion of a first working draft. Emphasis will be placed on character development, effective dialogue, world building, story conflict, and plot reversal.
FILM2035DRONES FOR PHOTO AND FILM
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or "drone" technology is radically expanding the range and mobility of the camera for photography and video. In this course, the student will learn how to assemble and set up a UAV for flight, learn how to fly a multi-copter type UAV, and practice shooting effective moving and still images. Topics covered will include: specific components of the UAV, cameras and camera stabilization systems. In addition to the equipment used, subject matter will include legal requirements and ramifications, flying to get the shot, and proper protocol for flying in public. Safety will be stressed throughout the semester.
FILM2040DIGITAL CONENT CREATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course prepares students to utilize the tools of storytelling and visual structure to create digital content across media platforms. Looking for and creating an audience, using creative and quality means of expression, using social media for promotion, monetizing content, and evaluating products will be covered as part of the class. Students will explore different social media platforms, and analyze how to produce content for them, and pivot to new emerging mediums. Students will create a complementary platform of social media, including Instagram and a YouTube Channel as part of the class experience. Students will develop skills in media production, behavioral studies, and digital storytelling so they can develop engaging digital content for a range of platforms.
FILM2050INTRODUCTION TO SOUND
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: FILM1020 In this course, students learn audio skills in order to create and capture audio for film and the visual image. Students will additionally learn sound theory, and are introduced to sound characteristics, microphone types and usage, basic acoustical principles, basic sound design objectives. Class focuses on the elements of sound: dialog, voice-over, sound effects and music and their impact on the visual image. Through industry standard location and studio recording techniques, students are responsible for acquiring, editing, enhancing, processing, mixing, and synchronizing sound for production and post-production sound.
FILM2055ACTING FOR DIRECTORS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course students will uncover the essentials they need to know and understand to confidently work with or as actors in the film industry. Students will gain a basic understanding of how actors interact with other film professionals in the industry as well as how to pursue a career in acting. They will also learn some fundamentals of acting. Industry professionals will join class throughout the semester to bring relevant real-world knowledge, perspective, and mentoring to the course. Students can expect a highly interactive environment of open discussion and role-playing to help them step into their first professional film set with confidence about how to interact with actors or as an actor themselves.
GCDN1070DIGITAL IMAGE MAKING I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Introducton to digital image making. Students will explore industry software and apply foundational design concepts and vocabulary to a range of visual communication projects. Course content and project work will introduce both vector and raster image creation. Studio practice/projects will concentrate on exploring, understanding and applying the design process (research, brainstorming, design, critique, technical, execution.) Emphasis will be placed on concept development and the integration of fundamental design concepts (the elements and principles of design, heirarchy, composition, etc.) into studio design projects.
GCDN1071DIGITAL IMAGE MAKING II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN1070 AND DSGN2005, GRADE OF C OR BETTER Advanced digital image making. The course will provide advanced practice of digital image creation, manipulation and production using professional, industry- standard software. Course content and project work will build upon foundational knowledge of the design process, industry software, (both vector and raster) and methods attained in Image Making I. Assignments will require in-depth inquiry into the design process, methods, visual communication and technical design solutions. Studio practice will emphasize visual communication strategies as they combine with other elements of graphic design such as heirarchy, typography, color, layout and composition. Students will develop their ability to apply vocabulary and the the design process through research, critique and the iterative design process. This course runs in tandem with Foundation Design II.
GCDN2012TYPOGRAPHY I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN1060, GCDN1071, IDSN1060, GCDN1062, GCDN1070, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course introduces students to the basics of typography as the backbone of Graphic Design. By studying the anatomy of a letterform, typographic history, classifications, typeface recognition, hierarchy and terminology, students learn to organize typographic compositions and systems in order to communicate intellectual and expressive meaning. Students explore the typographic form through both hand-rendered and digital mediums using industry standard software.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1060 & GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN2029USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Introduction to user experience design. This course will Introduce students to foundational theories for visual design and accessibility, information architecture, user interface design, prototyping techniques, and various publishing requirements. Students will be introduced to a range of digital media formats and applications in order to establish familiarity with UX design problems. Students will learn and apply the theory and application of UX design including research, problem identification, concept building and prototyping.
GCDN2042DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY II: EXTERIOR
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2016, GRADE OF C OR BETTER Effective execution of exterior photography work. Through exploring a variety of exterior shooting conditions such as lighting, concept, compositional strategy, technical requirements, and advanced editing technique, students will learn to integrate core photography concepts into successful and effective skillset specializing in exterior photography. This course will require off campus travel. Prereq: GCDN2016
GCDN3012DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY III - INTERIOR
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2016, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course will study concepts, processes, and techniques related to the effective execution of interior photography work. Through exploring a variety of interior shooting conditions such as types of lighting, concept, compositional strategy, technical requirements, and advanced editing technique, students will learn to integrate core photography concepts into successful and effective skillset specializing in interior related photography. This course will require off campus travel. Prereq: GCDN2042
GCDN3040PHOTOGRAPHY - SPECIAL TOPICS:
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2016, GRADE OF C OR BETTER The goal of this course is to offer an ever-changing topic of for specialized study in photography. Each time it runs it will feature a special topics class that will have its own course description and objectives based upon the topic(s) being covered. This elective will continue to rotate special topics classes for the first few years of its sequence upon which time the department may consider a permanent series of electives that can compliment the minor. Prereq: GCDN2016
GCDN3045USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2029, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course is an advanced study in user experience design which builds upon the foundation and application of UX design and theory from User Experience Design I. Students will further develop skills in research, problem identification, concept building and prototyping with an emphasis towards solving complicated 'user-centric' design problems. Studio work will require solutions that demonstrate advanced consideration to information architecture strategy, design patterns, responsive screen design, and high-fidelity prototyping.
GCDN4060PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Credits (Min/Max): 1/1
INQU3007GAME STUDIES
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: ENGL1012 The course is an introduction to the significance of games through human history and their evolving role in the digital age. The course will include examining how games are made, logical progressions of play, how games can teach as well as create narrative structures similar to film, television and literature.
MRKT2007ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: MRKT2021 AND ADMG2021 A comprehensive study of advertising, detailing its relationship to marketing practice. Topics such as advertising preparation, media evaluation, market research, pricing and retailing problems are included. The role of public relations in an organizational communication program is also explained.Cross-listed with ADMG2007
PREREQUISITES:
ADMG2021 or MRKT2021
MRKT3012BUYER BEHAVIOR
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: MRKT2021 AND ADMG2021 This course focuses on the role of buyers in the marketing process. Buyer behavior in the consumer marketplace as well as the organizational buying process is examined. The study of buying behaviors enhances understanding of what marketing strategies are likely to be effective, how humans operate in the marketplace, and what kind of affective, cognitive, and social mechanisms enter into the purchasing decision. A sampling of specific topics addressed includes the role of attitudes, learning and memory, and lifestyles and culture in the buying decision.
PREREQUISITES:
ADMG2021 or MRKT2021
MRKT3033MARKETING RESEARCH
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: MRKT2021, MRKT3012, ADMG2021 Explores the function which links the consumer, customer, and public to the marketer through information -- information used to identify and define marketing opportunities and problems; generate, refine, and evaluate marketing actions; and, monitor marketing performance. This course deals with the planning for, collection, and analysis of data relevant to marketing decision-making and the communication of the results of this analysis to management.
MRKT3050INTERNET MARKETING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: ADMG2021 AND MRKT2021 Marketers have been using electronic tools for many years, but the Internet and other new electronic technologies have created a flood of interesting and innovative ways to provide customer value. Internet Marketing is traditional marketing using electronic methods. It affects traditional marketing in two ways. First, it increases efficiency in established marketing functions. Secondly, the technology of E-marketing transforms many marketing strategies. The transformation results in new business models that add customer value and may increase company profitability. These new opportunities create many questions that are addressed in this course. How can firms leverage new technologies to maximum benefit? How much commitment should marketers make to Internet marketing programs?
PREREQUISITES:
ADMG2021 or MRKT2021
MRKT4014MARKETING STRATEGY
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: MRKT3012, MRKT3033, MRKT2021, ADMG2021 A capstone course in marketing that emphasizes planning at the management level. Examines key concepts and issues that impact planning decisions, such as analysis of the marketing environment; formulation of marketing strategies; and development, implementation, and control of the marketing program. Using case studies, students are expected to develop comprehensive marketing plans and recommended solutions to specific situations encountered by marketing professionals operating in a wide variety of organizations.