COMM 120 - Introduction to Film

Number of Credits: 3
Introduction to Film surveys the history of film as a visual art, from silent movies to contemporary blockbusters. Students will analyze and interpret films, concentrating on the elements of film, from aesthetic, cultural, technological, and economic perspectives. (Fall, Spring & Summer Only) Three hours lecture. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Diversity: Meets Diversity Requirement.
GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Arts and Humanities

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Define the formal elements of film. (GE 1, GE 3, GE 6, PG 1, PG 2)
Identify the contributions of influential films and filmmakers. (GE 1, GE 6, PG 1, PG 2, PG 4)
Describe film genres, movements, and periods, from early cinemas (e.g. German Expressionism, Soviet Silent, early Hollywood) to contemporary global cinemas (e.g. Third Cinema, New Queer Cinema, French New Wave). (GE 1, GE 3, GE 6, GE 8, PG 1, PG 2, PG 4)
Apply an understanding of the elements of film form to a detailed and critical written analysis of a film, which incorporates research. (GE 1, GE 3, GE 4, GE 6, GE 8, PG 2, PG 3, PG 4, PG 5).
Describe the different types of narrative film (e.g. Classical Hollywood, alternative) (GE 1, GE 3, GE 6, GE 8, PG 1, PG 3)
Explain the connection between individual films and their social, cultural, and historical contexts (GE 1, GE 3, GE 4, GE 6, GE 8, PG 1, PG 2, PG 4).