FILM 1005 - Digital Video Essentials
(1 Credit)
In this course, students are taught the fundamental technical and aesthetic concepts of planning, shooting, editing and sharing digital video and audio. Using consumer technology, students will learn to efficiently create and share professional video for social media and video streaming platforms. Concepts include framing, lighting, sound, and image for remote video capture and teleconferencing.
Lecture: 1 hour
FILM 1010 - Principles of Film and Media
(3 Credits)
This introductory course is designed for those who have little or no background in film studies and production. The student will be introduced to the elements of cinematography, sound design, principles of editing; the means of analyzing narrative structure; aspects of film history and theory; how external forces shape film aesthetics, and how to design and produce visual and auditory content. The course will offer opportunities to practice elementary techniques and skills that align with the techniques studied.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 1020 - Film and Media Production
(3 Credits)
In this hands-on course, students learn the industry-standard tools of cinematography, videography, and sound production necessary for subsequent courses. Topics include camera and microphone operation, video and audio capture, camera supports, editing, sound design, titling, effects, and color correction. Students will also learn how to compress and encode video so that it is optimized for current platforms.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 1204 - History of Film I: Early Cinema to 1950s
(3 Credits)
This course studies the history of motion pictures, beginning with the invention of the moving image in the 1880s through the middle of the twentieth century. The industrial and social history of cinema in the United States including the studio system, the star system, and content regulation are explored. The international cinema of Germany, France, Soviet Union, and other countries are also studied. Historical events and their effects are also investigated, including world wars, cultural transformations, racial diversity and global influences. Technical invention of key visual and audio recording devices is reviewed, as well as key narrative developments in structure, genre, pacing and editing. Significant films will be screened for analysis and discussion.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Gen.Ed. Ability 4A
Humanities Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
FILM 1205 - History of Film II: 1950s to Present
(3 Credits)
This course is designed as an overview of the significant national and international trends in the history of film, from approximately 1950 until the present day. The emphasis will be on significant cinematic movements, the key players and films within those environments, and the larger social and historical context in which these movements occurred. Through screenings, readings, and class discussions, students will develop an appreciation for the critical insight into the history, politics, aesthetics, and philosophical debates that shaped these cinematic traditions.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Gen.Ed. Ability 4A
Humanities Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
FILM 2100 - Television Production^
(3 Credits)
Introduction to fundamental skills in the television studio production through instruction and practical work for the CCRI Channel. Working as part of the television station team, students will participate in weekly hands-on planning, video camera operations, recording audio and video, newsroom production, lighting, sets, shooting interviews, editing, and directing for television. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite(s): COMM 1000
FILM 2110 - Crafting the Short Film
(3 Credits)
This course lays the foundations for students to understand the steps required to successfully execute the planning of a film production. Students will learn how to craft a story and write a properly formatted screenplay. Additionally, students will be introduced to the key components of planning a film production including: budget, schedule, and script breakdowns. They will construct their own versions of these documents, and practice basic producing and coordinating skills. All of these skills will help students fully understand how to effectively write and use a screenplay.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 2150 - Introduction to Cinematography
(3 Credits)
Class explores the craft and technology of cinematography to increase consistency and predictability in filmmaking, while allowing for exploration and experimentation in the creation of the moving image. Camera, shot composition, lighting, and underlying technologies are examined with hands-on projects, which encompass all stages of the production process.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 2200 - Documentary Production
(3 Credits)
This course builds on basic video production principles learned in FILM 1020, incorporating nonfiction filmmaking and field production techniques. Lectures, screenings, and hands-on labs provide an in-depth understanding of video production and related topics. Also included are technical aspects of scripting, lighting, camera operation, continuity, post-production editing, logistics, and preparing a production budget.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite(s): COMM 1000
FILM 2210 - Film Theory
(3 Credits)
In this film studies survey course, major concepts and methodologies in film theory are introduced. An emphasis on critical reading and writing in film theory introduces the student to major conceptual frameworks, including psychoanalysis, feminism, and other key theories. Students will apply theories to American and International films and participate in the evolving debate about how to understand film as part of our culture.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2B
Gen.Ed. Ability 4B
Humanities Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
FILM 2250 - Filmic Representation Across Culture: Black American Cinema
(3 Credits)
This film studies course is a broad survey of Black American Cinema, from the early 1900s to present day. The course will chronicle films created by Black filmmakers in Hollywood as well as independently produced films. Both Film History and Film Theory methodologies will be utilized. Through a historical lens, students will examine how the changing sociopolitical context of the United States lent to new and evolving genres and subjects. Through a theoretical lens, students will analyze the various forms of production and spectatorship unique to Black American Cinema. From Oscar Micheaux’s early twentieth century films through the modern-day cultural moment of Black Panther, students will engage with a wide gamut of themes and aesthetic sensibilities in this canon of films.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 2300 - Intermediate Editing
(3 Credits)
This course provides the student with an in-depth study of the history, techniques and technology of video and media editing. Students will study the principles and practices of editing by analyzing examples from classic and contemporary film and video as they learn how to build and strengthen a story and engage an audience. Using the latest industry non-linear software tools, students will work on advanced editing exercises that provide opportunities to master the editing process. An overview of the editing process, techniques, in-depth procedures, and skills will be reviewed. At the end of the course, the student will have learned the skills necessary to prepare for professional certification.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite(s): COMM 1000 or COMM 2100 or COMM 2200
FILM 2310 - Sound Design and Production
(3 Credits)
Course examines fundamental concepts and production techniques for audio communication. Students will explore elements of audio for media including video, radio, web, commercials, news reporting, sports commentary, monologues, narration, voice-over, podcasting, ADR, Foley, film scoring, and mixing.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 2350 - Animation and Motion Graphics
(3 Credits)
In this course, students learn the principles of digital 2D animation, motion graphics, and visual effects. Students become familiar with industry standard tools used to make film and media productions communicate more effectively, including kinetic text, composite video, and broadcast design. Learning is guided by discussion, lecture, weekly readings, observing and responding to films, and creating digital animation projects. Lecture: 2 hours Lab: 2 hours
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 2370 - Digital Content Creation
(3 Credits)
Practical application of planning, technical skills, and craft to create varying types of digital media across platforms. Working in video, audio, and graphics, students learn to create and modify projects for social media, advertising, information display, brand identity, podcasting/radio, and short-form current events programming. This career-oriented course prepares students to be flexible creators and comprehensive media problem solvers, employing critical thinking and ethical practice in their craft.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
FILM 2400 - Film and Media Distribution
(3 Credits)
Students in this course gain a practical understanding of the distribution of media productions and film projects, including budgeting, marketing, and technical implementation. In addition to learning through lectures, screenings, and labs to gain an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of the business side of media, students will use digital technology to optimize media for broadcast, web, commercial and social media outlets across various devices. Methods will include digital media streaming, television, radio, podcasting, event planning, and exhibition programming.
Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
