FLM 108 - Film Theory and Criticism 1

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
In this course students sharpen their analytical and critical thinking skills about films by closely analyzing films and applying theory and criticism. Students evaluate and develop understanding of the significance of cinema’s relationship to time, space and culture as well as mise-en-scene, framing, sound, animation and editing. Additionally, students apply their critical thinking, creativity and knowledge of film history and theory to create a final film analysis. Focused classroom workshops build discussion of choices made in these creative-critical productions, illuminating the complex relationship between production and interpretation/criticism through application.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Analyze framing, staging, lighting and editing in cinema by forming a thesis statement.
Outline how cinema-specific choices shape and create meaning, tone and style through the screening of global films.
Identify key cinema movements and debates through assigned readings of film theory and criticism.
Apply concepts in film theory and criticism to analyses of shots, scenes and sequences.
Compose short analyses of clips and scenes from films, noting details about specific shots, lines of dialogue, staging, image composition, sound, etc.
Design a final analysis using the principles of film theory and criticism.

Listed Topics

Film analysis terms
Mise-en-scene
Cinema movements and debates
Sound in film
The essay film
Research methods for film analysis
Realism in cinema
Motif
Diegesis
Film spectatorship

Reference Materials
Film, video, media, lecture, internet and textbooks

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Information Literacy

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 3/1/2023
Last Reviewed: 3/1/2023

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FLM 108 - Film Theory and Criticism 1