ENGL 115 - Introduction to Film

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: A survey of the history of film and the development of cinematic technique. Course includes written and oral analysis of selected works.

Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 with a C or higher.
Distribution Requirements:

Humanities Distribution Requirement

General Education Requirements:

Fulfills Engage General Education Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify the major historical and technological developments in film.
Recognize and be able to apply different critical approaches to understanding films.
Develop and use vocabulary of cinematic terms necessary for the understanding and discussion of film meaning.
Understand the elements of mise-en-scene and film editing and how these create film meaning.
Develop the visual and listening skills necessary to analyze and discuss films.
Relate films to their cultural heritage and historical context.
Through viewings, reading, and discussion, be able to understand different points-of view, perspectives, cultures, and values and articulate these.

Course Contents

Film history: General history of the development of the technology of film and sound, development and decline of studio production, cultural an historical contexts.
Film techniques: Mise-en-scene (sets, etc. as well as shot composition), editing techniques, shot sequencing, synchronous and non-synchronous sound and the relationship of these to narratives and narrative meaning.
Film analysis: The application of historical, cultural, and technical elements to the analysis of specific films.

Instructional Units: 5