Motion Picture Arts Undergraduate Programs

College of Motion Picture Arts

Dean: Reb Braddock; Associate Dean: Dr. Andrew Syder; Assistant Dean: Tony Ciarlariello; Associate Professors: Baggott, Lee; Filmmakers in Residence: Bunch, Cawood, Cobb, Cohen, Gómez-Mouakad, Hoffman, Honn, Kaleko, Marcks, Maurer, Mendez, Meyer, Nunez, Patterson, Robkin, Schmidli, Scoon, Slade, Soares, E. Stone, J. Stone, Tripp, Vargo, Wiley, Winter

The Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at the undergraduate level, with majors in Production and in Animation and Digital Arts. The BFA programs combine schooling in motion picture production with solid grounding in CoreFSU Curriculum. The curriculum of each program directs students through a course of study that teaches the special language of motion picture storytelling through the production of a series of short, narrative projects.

Screenwriting, production, and film analysis are each viewed as part of an integrated process. The goal of the programs is to produce educated, literate, and creative artists who are prepared for careers in the motion picture industry. Core courses in the BFA majors include producing, directing, screenwriting, editing, camera and lighting, sound, production management, animation, visual effects, motion picture history, theory, and aesthetics.

The purpose of this curriculum is to furnish the conceptual framework, the professional training, and the working environment for eventual participation in a profession that is a powerful influence in our culture. The goals of the College of Motion Picture Arts are to fully educate students and to help them become integral members of the academic community of Florida State University, responsible members of the entertainment profession, and participants in a creative and artistic process.

The College funds all BFA student production expenses from “the lens back”, including but not limited to all catering, craft services, expendables, media, production vehicle fuel for the thesis projects, and an industry-standard equipment package.

The program in Motion Picture Arts is under constant review and subject to change. For further information, please refer to https://film.fsu.edu/programs/.

Facilities

The College of Motion Picture Arts operates extensive production facilities for its graduate and undergraduate programs in University Center A on Florida State University's campus in Tallahassee, and in an off-campus site in Midway, Florida, known as the Torchlight Center.

Considered one of the finest facilities in the world devoted exclusively to film education, it includes: professional sound stages, a green-screen/motion capture stage, a virtual production stage, a cinematography and set operations teaching stage, grip and electric trucks fully equipped with industry standard Grip & Electric equipment, an ADR and Foley recording studio, re-recording stages, QC and dailies screening rooms, digital animation/VFX production labs, color correction suites, a 120-seat screening room, digital animation/VFX production suites, seminar rooms, writer rooms, interactive classrooms, individual post production suites, teaching labs, and student production planning rooms.

The College is equipped for and supports industry-standard acquisition in digital formats, and digital sound recording formats.

Digital Literacy Requirement

Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:

Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically

Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.

Undergraduate majors in the College of Motion Picture Arts satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in FIL 2043r. History and Practice of Visual Effects and Animation.

FSUCore Curriculum Program

All undergraduate majors in the College of Motion Picture Arts are required to meet the FSUCore Curriculum requirements as specified in the “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Requirements for a Major in Motion Picture Arts - Production

The degree will require completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours. For a sample listing of the required curriculum plan, please refer to https://film.fsu.edu/programs/.

To fulfill the requirements of the Production major in the College of Motion Picture Arts, a student must:

Possess sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity in both hands and legs to lift, carry, and operate filmmaking equipment
Possess sufficient visual capacity to perform the functions of a film crew member without the assistance of visual aids other than contact lenses or eyeglasses
Possess sufficient aural capacity to hear and understand spoken instructions without assistance other than a hearing aid
Be able to comprehend oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures related to the College of Motion Picture Arts, filmmaking protocols, and the operation of equipment
Possess the ability to adequately communicate orally, in English, with others

Requirements for a Major in Motion Picture Arts - Animation and Digital Arts

The degree will require completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours. For a sample listing of the required curriculum plan, please refer to https://film.fsu.edu/programs/.

To fulfill the requirements of the Animation and Digital Arts major in the College of Motion Picture Arts, a student must:

Possess sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity in both hands and legs to lift, carry, and operate filmmaking equipment
Possess sufficient visual capacity to perform the functions of a film crew member without the assistance of visual aids other than contact lenses or eyeglasses
Possess sufficient aural capacity to hear and understand spoken instructions without assistance other than a hearing aid
Be able to comprehend oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures related to the College of Motion Picture Arts, filmmaking protocols, and the operation of equipment
Possess the ability to adequately communicate orally, in English, with others

Internships

After required coursework, students are encouraged to complete their program of study by enrolling in the program's internship class to apply their learning in a real-world setting in the industry. This capstone experience will position students for greater chances of success in their careers.

Honors in the Major

The College of Motion Picture Arts offers an Honors in the Major program to encourage talented seniors to write a feature-length screenplay or undertake independent and original research as part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Specific requirements for Honors in the Major are discussed with qualified students during their junior year. For requirements and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of this General Bulletin.

Admission

To succeed at our mission and continue to grow our reputation, the performance bar is set very high for our students. We therefore need to run a rigorous admissions process to ensure that students can succeed and work at our expected levels of creativity and professionalism.

Applicants must apply to Florida State University's Office of Admissions by their Fall admission deadline and must submit a separate application to the College of Motion Picture Arts by the same Fall admissions deadline used by the Florida State University Office of Admissions. As a part of the College of Motion Picture Arts application, applicants must submit a résumé, three letters of recommendation, a creative portfolio (which can include film work, photographs, animations, etc.), a writing sample adhering to the given prompt, and a 500–1000 word personal statement describing their filmmaking aspirations. Any application that does not contain all these items will be considered incomplete and will be denied automatically. All application materials must be submitted online via the application portal for the applicant to be considered for admission the following Fall semester. More information concerning the undergraduate application is available online at https://film.fsu.edu/admissions.

Freshmen majors will not enroll in major classes prior to their sophomore year in order to concentrate full-time on fulfilling their general education requirements.

Transfer Students

The College of Motion Picture Arts will accept transfer students for admission each Fall semester, and those students must have completed at least 30 semester hours of their general education requirements prior to their initial Fall semester in the College, as well as have at least a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average. Applications must be submitted separately to both the College of Motion Picture Arts and the Florida State University Office of Admissions. The College of Motion Picture Arts application is available online at https://film.fsu.edu/admissions/. Transfer students are subject to the same application requirements and must submit the same application materials as those applying as a freshman applicant.

Grade Requirements

All Motion Picture Arts majors must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all coursework, including general education requirements taken during their freshman year at the University. Any student who falls below that 3.0 cumulative grade point average at any point in their studies will be placed on academic probation. Failure to bring the grade point average above a 3.0 may result in dismissal from the College of Motion Picture Arts.

Retention

All students must meet the University's minimum retention standards as well as the College of Motion Picture Arts Professional Code of Conduct. In addition, continuation as a major will depend on the development of each student's talents, skills, professional discipline, and academic record. A student's work and commitment are under continuous review, and any candidate who fails to maintain high standards will be dismissed from the program.

Probation and Dismissal

Motion Picture Arts majors will adhere to the University Academic Honor System, Student Conduct Code, Summons to Responsible Freedom, and the College of Motion Picture Arts Professional Code of Conduct.

Each semester, the faculty will meet to discuss the work, behavior, grades, and progress of students in the major. At any point in the semester, if the faculty determines that a student's behavior fails to adhere to the College's Professional Code of Conduct, the student may be issued a verbal warning or a written remediation plan. Failing to satisfy the terms of a remediation plan may result in dismissal from the program.

Behavior so negative, disruptive, or destructive as to compromise the work of fellow students or the effectiveness of the faculty may constitute grounds for immediate dismissal without any prior period of warning or remediation. Peer evaluations may be considered in this evaluation process.

Any unauthorized use, possession, or willful destruction of College of Motion Picture Arts equipment, facilities, media, or finished film will result in immediate notification to the proper authorities. The outcome of their decisions will determine the actions of the College of Motion Picture Arts with respect to the student(s) involved.

If the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, it will result in academic probation. Students will be reinstated in good standing if the cumulative major GPA rises to 3.0 by the end of the following semester. Failure to raise the GPA may result in dismissal from the program.

Financing and Ownership of Student Films

The College of Motion Picture Arts pays for virtually all student laboratory, workshop, and thesis project production expenses at the graduate and undergraduate level. So far as it is known, it is the only film school in the United States to do so.

Under State of Florida law, regulations, and rules, all films and videos produced by Motion Picture Arts students become the property of Florida State University and are copyrighted in the name of Florida State University. The same regulations and rules provide that in the event of the commercial exploitation of these films, any net revenues derived from a particular film will be split in a proportion to be determined by Florida State University between the College of Motion Picture Arts and all of the graduating student workers on the film including, but not limited to, the writer, director, producer/production manager, sound designer, editor, cinematographer, art director, and musical score composer.

State law provides that any stand-alone screenplays created by students will remain the student's property and may be exploited commercially by them; however, screenplays, script, and story ideas that are proposed and incorporated by students into their workshop courses or thesis films become the property of Florida State University and will be copyrighted with the University's name.

State law requires that all entering students be provided with a copy of the relevant regulatory rule and that applicants for admission to the College of Motion Picture Arts sign a statement acknowledging their receipt and understanding of the rule prior to official admission and enrollment.

Health Insurance

Students seeking degrees in certain majors, including film, assume any exposure to the particular hazards associated with that major. As protection for our students, the College of Motion Picture Arts requires that majors present proof of health and accident insurance (name of insurer and policy number) prior to registration in the Fall semester of each year. Students are expected to maintain this insurance throughout their enrollment in the program and keep the information updated with the Associate Dean's Office.

Film Studies Minor in the College of Motion Picture Arts

The film studies minor will give students the opportunity to select a program of study that examines the many facets of American and international cinema. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to experience different approaches to film study: film and cultural differences, basic film vocabulary, film history, film and social forces, film genres, film theories, film directors, and film aesthetics. No production or animation classes are offered as part of the film studies minor.

Requirements for a Minor in Film Studies

The interdisciplinary minor requires the completion of fifteen semester hours in courses approved for film studies. All students are required to take FIL 2001, Introduction to Cinema Studies. The remaining hours may be selected from the approved film studies offerings. Courses counted toward the film studies minor cannot be counted toward a student's major. All film minor hours must be taken at Florida State University.

For additional information on a film minor and to view the most up-to-date course listings, please visit https://film.fsu.edu/programs/film-studies-minor.

Definition of Prefix

FIL—Film

IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies

Undergraduate Courses

FIL 2001. Introduction to Cinema Studies: Analysis and Practice (3). This course introduces students to Cinema Studies theories and techniques, e.g., narrative structure, cinematic language, formal analysis, cultural analysis). Through formal screenings, discussions, and film analysis exercises, students compare and interpret films representing a variety of genres, aesthetic traditions, and cultural contexts.

FIL 2030. History of Motion Pictures (3). This course provides a historical and critical survey of the development of narrative motion pictures.

FIL 2043r. History and Practice of Visual Effects and Animation (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course introduces computer graphics in the context of historical approaches to visual effects and animation. Students apply historical techniques to create original animations and visual effects.

FIL 2090r. Professional Communication (1). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides instruction in oral presentation and communication skills for professional settings in the motion picture industry. May be repeated to a maximum of three semester hours.

FIL 2110r. Story Development and Screenwriting I (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course introduces the basic techniques of story development and screenwriting through exercises in story structure, dialogue, and character development.

FIL 2113Lr. Screenwriting Workshop (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides a story room workshop in which students develop original story concepts and scripts for motion picture shorts. Through a variety of weekly activities and writing assignments, students examine and practice a variety of story development techniques as well as industry standard screenwriting practices. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

FIL 2423. Filmmaking I (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides a basic understanding of film production technology, equipment operation, terminology, and techniques.

FIL 2441Lr. Practicum in Technical Support (1-6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course introduces students to the technical skills and protocols employed in below-the-line (BTL) positions in the motion picture industry. The course stresses the protocols observed by below-the-line crew to ensure the effective and safe operation of production equipment and adherence to workflows through all stages of production. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

FIL 2481Lr. Acting for Filmmakers (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course instructs students in a variety of actor training techniques that can be used to enhance on-camera performances and directing actors. Students apply course concepts through practical acting exercises. Special focus is given to learning the language of actors and experiencing first-hand the actor approach to a role, the challenges of acting for the camera, the rehearsal process, and script analysis. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

FIL 2533r. Motion Picture Sound (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course teaches the principles and aesthetics of sound and the basic practices involved in creating a motion picture soundtrack. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

FIL 2557r. Motion Picture Editing (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course teaches introductory principles, aesthetics, and theory of motion picture editing and their application in editing narrative shorts. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

FIL 2710. Visualization I (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides an introduction to the visual communication skills and techniques required for the development and previsualization of narrative motion pictures.

FIL 2726. Compositing I (1–3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course introduces layer-based compositing concepts and techniques, including their application in visual effects for motion pictures.

FIL 2727r. Compositing II (1–3). Prerequisites: FIL 2726 and major status. This course introduces node-based compositing theory and practice with an emphasis on best practices and professional standards used in the visual effects industry. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

FIL 2730r. Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides instruction in using industry-standard 3D tools to generate assets, light scenes, and render images. Students apply course concepts to create an original vfx scene extension shot. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 2731r. Introduction to 3D Computer Animation (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides instruction in the foundation principles of animation. Students apply course concepts to create original animation that conveys emotion and demonstrates basic understanding of body mechanics. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3132r. Screenwriting II (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides conceptual and practical approaches to developing stories intended for intermediate-level short films. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3363r. Documentary Filmmaking (3–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course allows students to view and discuss documentary films from various eras, countries, and points of view as a means of understanding personal aesthetic as a documentary filmmaker. Students plan, script, budget, shoot, edit, and mix documentaries. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3433r. Filmmaking II (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course emphasizes visual storytelling and directing techniques. Students apply concepts by developing and creating motion pictures. Special focus is given to script analysis and interpretation, directing actors, blocking techniques, and methods of visual storytelling. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3490. Acting for the Camera (1–6). Prerequisite: TPP 2100. This course combines fundamental acting technique with the special needs of acting for the camera. The course explores how actors prepare, rehearse, audition, and preform differently in front of the camera as compared to an onstage production. Students engage in acting exercises and scene work, working with film school student directors under the guidance of the instructor. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen (15) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.

FIL 3516r. Film Camera and Lighting (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspects of cinematography: cameras and lenses, exposure, lights, lighting, and composition. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3641Lr. Motion Picture Production Management (1–6). Prerequisite: BFA Status. This course provides instruction in motion picture production management roles and chain-of-title responsibilities in pre-production, production, and post-production such as script breakdowns, scheduling, budgeting, daily production protocols, post-production supervision and final delivery. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3690r. Digital Studio Department Leadership (1–12). Prerequisites: Major status and instructor permission. This course provides instruction and practice in the leadership and management of departments within the field of visual effects and animation. The course also addresses positions such as digital effects producer, supervisor, as well as modeling, animation, and compositing leads. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

FIL 3702Lr. Lighting, Texturing, and Rendering I (1–6). Prerequisites: FIL 2730 and major status. This course introduces concepts of CG lighting and rendering to enhance original animations and visual effects. The course also addresses basic lighting theory needed to create virtual lighting effects. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

FIL 3711. Visualization II (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides an intermediary-level instruction in the visual development skills required for the preproduction and previsualization of narrative motion pictures.

FIL 3725r. Stop Motion Animation (1–6). Prerequisites: FIL 2043, FIL 2726 and major status. This course teaches principles of stop-motion and forward-animation. Through the creation of original animations, it also explores stop-motion cinematography, Claymation armature and set-construction.

FIL 3736r. Character Animation I (1–6). Prerequisites: FIL 2730, FIL 2731 and major status. This course provides instruction in developing and creating believable and compelling animated characters. Topics and skills covered include body mechanics, facial animation, lip synching, conveying human emotion, acting theory for animators, and production processes from planning shots to final polishing.

FIL 3791r. Light, Texture, and Rendering II (1–4). Prerequisite: BFA Admission. This course provides an in-depth look at the construction of nodal based texturing networks and their implementation in current industry lighting and rendering pipelines. Through demonstrations, lectures and assignments, students learn the process and pipeline of lighting, texturing, and rendering for CG. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credit hours; may be repeated in the same term.

FIL 3792r. Visual Effects Aesthetics (1–3). Prerequisites: FIL 2730 and major status. This course provides continuing theory and practice in modeling, texturing, and lighting to create visual effects that are believable and fit the aesthetic style of a given cinematic world. May be repeated to a maximum of nine credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3793. Visual Effects Cinematography (3). Prerequisites: FIL 2043, FIL 3516, and major status. This course surveys techniques used in both practical and digital effects cinematography through the hands-on planning and execution of visual effects cinematography projects.

FIL 3803. The Contemporary Cinema: Theory and Practice (3). This course is a review and analysis of post-1950 motion pictures with emphasis on technique and industrial evolutions.

FIL 3833r. Film Styles (3–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course allows 38333students to analyze motion picture form and content through the styles of selected filmmakers with emphasis on genres, national movements, and other topics of interest. May be repeated to a maximum of six credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3884. International Human Rights and Film (3). This course explores issues concerning international human rights using film as the key medium. Course lectures and weekly film viewings will examine how film directors have explored human rights themes through commercial Hollywood films, independent films, and documentary films.

FIL 3922r. Film Genres and Filmmakers (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides students the opportunity to view historical and current films followed by discussions in an academic forum. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3932r. Special Topics (1–12). Prerequisite: Major status. This course analyzes specialized topics in motion pictures. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 3963. BFA Qualifying Exam (0). Prerequisite: Major status. This course evaluates the progress of the student and recommends continuance in the film school or directs the student toward other areas of study.

FIL 3965r. BFA Comprehensive Exam (0). (S/U grade only.) May be repeated up to eight times.

FIL 3971r. Thesis Film Support (1–12). Prerequisite: BFA Admission. This course covers the principles and responsibilities of below-the-line filmmaking roles, as well as the performance of these responsibilities on the set of BFA thesis films. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.

FIL 4135. Thesis Development (3). Prerequisite: FIL 2110 and major status. This course teaches conceptual and practical approaches to developing stories intended for short films. Students develop an original screenplay through multiple drafts and iterations.

FIL 4160. Feature Screenwriting (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course teaches aspects of feature screenwriting format, pitching ideas, creating and developing character, story, and dialogue.

FIL 4164. Feature Screenwriting: Development (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course teaches the various techniques of scene breakdown, setting up, sequencing, character development, and dialogue development. Also teaches rewriting techniques to strengthen first drafts.

FIL 4434r. Advanced Filmmaking (1–9). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides instruction in the creative aspects of film making through the hands-on production of a short film. Students work in a variety of creative roles, including directing, cinematography, art direction, and editing. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4474r. Production: Advanced Cinematography (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course introduces advanced lighting techniques and allows hands-on exercises emphasizing the creative use of lighting for mood and storytelling.

FIL 4539. Production: Advanced Sound (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides students with a thorough understanding of digital sound recording, sound mixing, and various stages of sound post-production as it applies to 16mm filmmaking.

FIL 4567. Production: Advanced Editing (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course offers advanced study in film editing techniques and styles.

FIL 4602. Film Business Planning (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course exposes students to current business trends and issues in the film industry; introduces case studies that examine all business aspects surrounding a feature film; introduces current readings on the film industry.

FIL 4613r. Motion Picture Marketing and Exhibition (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course introduces the marketing and exhibition of motion pictures, with an emphasis on current methods and practical techniques for promoting, publicizing, and distributing short films. Throughout the course, students develop original marketing materials to be used primarily for film festival submissions. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4712r. Visualization III (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course provides an advanced-level instruction in the visual development skills required for the preproduction and previsualization of narrative motion pictures. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.

FIL 4713r. Character Art (1–6). Prerequisites: FIL 2730 and major status. This course provides theory and practice in developing digital characters and figures including concept art, modeling sheets, digital sculpture, texture, and preparation for rigging and animation. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4737r. Character Animation II (1–3). Prerequisites: FIL 2731, FIL 3736, and major status. This course provides continuing theory and practice in character and creature animation with an emphasis on animating believable multi-character dialogue and combat scenes and on implementing professional workflow standards. May be repeated to a maximum of nine credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4872. Film Aesthetics (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course allows students to analyze film with regard to three basic questions: 1) What is film? 2) How do we perceive film? 3) How is an aesthetic developed?

FIL 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status and junior standing. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4910r. Application of Research and Creative Methods (1–3). (S/U grade only.) In this course, students participate in a faculty or graduate student research and/or creative project. May be repeated to a maximum of six credit hours.

FIL 4923r. Undergraduate Film Seminar (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course consists of the development of a creative film project under the direction of a faculty member or industry professional in various areas. May be repeated to a maximum of six credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4933. Professional Development (3). Prerequisite: Major status. This course prepares students to enter the professional film work arena; addresses the search for employment within the film industry and the search for funds to produce independent work.

FIL 4940r. Application of Instruction Methods (1–3). (S/U grade only.) This course allows students to participation in the instructional process under the strict supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated to a maximum of six credit hours.

FIL 4945r. Professional Internship (1–12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. This internship gives apprenticeship experience with a company involved in film/video production, distribution, or exhibition. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4952r. Portfolio Production (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course takes students through the process of developing materials for a professional demo reel/portfolio, starting with development of ideas/themes around which to organize portfolio content and culminating in the production and organization of portfolio asset. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4970r. Thesis Defense (0). (P/F grade only.) Prerequisite: Major status. This course involves the presentation of a senior thesis film to the faculty and student body for review and approval. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4972r. Thesis Film Production Management (1–6). Prerequisite: Major status. This course teaches production management for BFA thesis films. May be repeated to a maximum of fifteen credit hours. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4973r. BFA Thesis Production (1–15). Prerequisite: Major status. This practicum course focuses on all creative aspects of BFA thesis production. May be repeated to a maximum of 22 credit hours or six instances of course enrollment. May be repeated within the same term.

FIL 4975r. Honors in the Major Research (1–6). Prerequisites: Admission to the undergraduate Film School honors program and major status. In this course, students accepted into the Honors in the Major program complete an original research or creative project in their major area of study. This course must be repeated at least twice to complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours total, but may be repeated up to a maximum of twelve credit hours in total.

IDH 2123. Child and Youth Media Cultures in the U.S. (3). Prerequisite: Honors or major status. This course examines the role of media in the lives of U.S. children and youth by looking at young people's media use in diverse contexts throughout the U.S. and asking how child and youth identities are influenced by and co-constructed with media. This course also incorporates practical exercises in applying theory and research to study young people's media practices and to develop media products intended for child and youth audiences.

IDS 2453. Reality and Illusion in World Cinema (3). This course examines world cinema with a focus on the elusive and continually shifting boundary between reality and illusion. The course investigates creative approaches to storytelling and the craft of filmmaking not typically seen in traditional Hollywood or American independent film productions.

IDS 2674. Animation and Identity (3). Prerequisite: Honors student status. This course examines the medium of animation and the contributions of influential animators with a focus on how identity and societal milieu influence artistic expression in animation. Through animation screenings, discussion, and hands-on animation exercises, students are exposed to diverse animation styles and approaches, create original short animations, and come to better understand the creative process utilized in animation.

For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.

2024-2025 UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN