FAMS 101: Introduction to Film & Media Studies
This is a foundational course that introduces students to basic concepts, theories, and methods that are central to film and media studies. We will study the histories and genres of cinema and formal techniques such as lighting, editing, and sound to develop a critical understanding of film as a dominant mode of representation. We will also study other forms of electronic media to gain a better understanding of the perspectives and practices of emerging technologies and forms of distribution. Through required weekly screenings, readings, writing, and regular discussion, we will analyze these various kinds of screen medias as they influence our world. No prerequisites. Andy Smith. TR 2:45-4:00 PM & T 7:00-10:00 PM
FAMS 201: Making Media I
This hands-on course introduces students to the creative and technical aspects of media production, and models foundational practices in productive collaboration and ethical media making. The course provides a basic understanding of framing, composition, and storytelling through the use of sound and images. Students work with lighting, audio recording, digital video cameras, and non-linear editing through a series of hands-on assignments, readings, screenings, discussion of assigned exercises, and workshops with digital equipment. Prerequisite: FAMS 101 or permission of instructor. Nandini Sikand. MW 1:10-4:00 PM
FAMS 202: Making Media 2
This hands-on production course is the second course in the media production sequence begun in FAMS 201 and builds on the fundamentals of lighting, sound, camera, and editing. Students will further develop their digital filmmaking techniques through increasingly complex projects. They will work on individual and collaborative media assignments that will culminate in a public screening at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: FAMS 201 or permission of instructor. Adam MacHose. TR 1:10-4:00 PM
FAMS 255: Women Make Movies/Movies Make Women
This non-production course examines the work of women filmmakers and how women have historically been constructed (and not constructed) in cinema. We will examine issues of gender, spectatorship, sexuality, race, representation and authorship as they intersect with images of women such as savior, victim, femme fatale, mother and artist. (W) Prerequisite: FAMS 101 or WGS 101 or permission of instructor. Nandini Sikand. MF 11:00-12:15 PM & W 11:00-12:50 PM
FAMS 270: World Cinemas—Russian Film (*course topic subject to change)
From the early years of the Soviet avant-garde to the post-Stalinist era of covert critique, Russian film offers an intriguing perspective on Soviet life and the art of film. English subtitles. Staff. MWF 10:00-10:50 AM & W 7:00-10:00 PM
FAMS 274: Music in Film
This course is designed to expand students’ knowledge of film music in its many varieties including how it is created, how it functions, and its historical traditions. Students will examine how the music contributes to the narrative and dramatic goals of the film in order to see the connections of how music helps to strengthen the drama, and how that is communicated to the audience. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of film music by recognizing its formal connections to the technical apparatus of the film medium. Jorge Torres. TR 1:15-2:30 PM
FAMS 420: Capstone
This required course for FAMS majors is a chance for students to synthesize their course of study into one major individual project. The capstone is a workshop-based experience where students design and complete either a critical or creative (or some combination of the two) media project that results in a public presentation of their most advanced work as FAMS majors. Open to Senior FAMS majors only. Andy Smith. TR 9:30 AM -12:15 PM
ADDITIONAL FAMS ELECTIVE COURSES FOR FALL 2015
AMS 362: Photography and Memory (K. Skvirsky) – MW 11:00-12:15 PM
ART 155: Digital Photography (G. Brubaker) – TR 7:00-9:50 PM
ART 155: Digital Photography (K. Skvirsky) – MW 1:10-4:00 PM
ENG 231: Journalistic Writing (K. Parrish) – W 7:00-9:50 PM
ENG 251: Screenwriting (A. Ohlin) – TR 11:00-12:15 PM
FRE 425: French Cinema (R. Lalande) – MWF 11:00-12:50 PM
GER 424: Lit & Film in 20th C (M. Lamb-Faffelberger) – MW 7:00-8:15 PM
SPA 315: Intro to Visual Cultures Span (K. Stafford) – MWF 2:10-3:00 PM
FAMS COURSES FOR SUMMER 2015
FAMS 120: Filmmakers—Martin Scorsese’s America
This course is an examination of the films of Martin Scorsese, one of the most prolific, successful, and distinctive filmmakers in American Cinema. As we explore both the breadth and depth of Scorsese’ body of work, we will use his films as windows through which to understand 1) cinema as a complex art form, and 2) cultural complexities around issues such as family, ethnicity, class, masculinity, deviance, salvation, and violence. No prerequisite. Andy Smith. Session 1: MW 9:00 AM-12:30 PM
FAMS 201: Making Media 1
This hands-on course introduces students to the creative and technical aspects of media production, providing a basic understanding of framing, composition, and storytelling through the use of sound and images. Students work with lighting, audio recording, digital video cameras, and non-linear editing through a series of hands-on assignments. Prerequisite: FAMS 101 or permission of instructor. Andy Smith. Session 1: TR 9:00 AM-12:30 PM