COMM 220 - Language and Cinema

Number of Credits: 3
Explore how the medium of film communicates a filmmaker’s vision and narrative. Examine how the elements of composition-mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound-function as the language by which the vision and narrative are communicated. Analyze the work of specific directors, production designers, cinematographers, editors, and sound designers along with films that foreground specific elements of composition. Prerequisite: ENGL-101. Three hours lecture each week. Three credits. Three billable hours. (Spring Term Only) Three hours lecture. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 101
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Define the fundamental characterisitics of film composition: mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound.
2. Describe how the elements of composition construct and operate as the language of cinema.
3. Explain how film composition has evolved over time, beginning with early cinema through the contemporary moment.
4. Discuss the composition of a variety of films, from a diverse selection spanning cinematic movements, filmmakers, and artists (editors, cinematographers, sound designers, production designers, etc.).
5. Use appropriate scholarly sources in the analysis of cinematic composition.
6. Analyze one element of composition in a written essay.