FCST 2220 - Screenwriting for Film and Television - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
An introductory course in the form and function of film and television scripts. Narrative fiction scripts and story development in several genres will be examined. Students will learn film and TV screenwriting techniques and terminology through individual writing projects, and through the study and critique of works of others.
Prerequisite: COM 1010.
FCST 2492 - History of Film - 3 credits
Fall Semester
An introductory course in film, as an art form and an industry. Through the screening and analysis of several films, students will be introduced to various genres (film noir, the western, the gangster film, documentary, suspense, the musical, etc.). The major focus of the course will be the history and development of film from 1895 to the present, especially in the United States, and significant advances in film technology.
This course meets the Curry Core Humanities Breadth requirement and the Information Literacy Enhancement requirement.
FCST 2493 - Film Art and Form - 3 credits
Spring Semester
This is an introductory course in film aesthetics and film theory. Films will be analyzed in terms of narrative structure, mise-en-scene, cinematography, set and costume design, performance. The course will focus on the ways that film communicates, a process that includes form and function, film technology, criticism, film history, and examples of significant genres and directors. Approximately 10-12 American and international films will be screened.
This course meets the Curry Core Humanities Breadth requirement and the Information Literacy Enhancement requirement.
Prerequisite: WRIT 1500.
FCST 2496 - Italian Cinema - 3 credits
Spring Semester
This course will examine the artistic, historical, and cultural themes of Italian cinema from neo-realism to the present. It focuses on film as a vehicle of communication through which themes in Italian culture are explored. Taught in English. All films have English subtitles. (Same course as ITAL 2496).
This course meets the Curry Core International/Global Interdependence requirement.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.
FCST 2700 - The Business of Hollywood - 3 credits
Alternate Fall Semesters
This course introduces students to the personnel and business strategies that make up the Hollywood movie and television industry. Through case studies, guest speakers, and discussion students will learn the basic skills necessary to write pitches, produce sitcoms and movies, and compete in the Los Angeles, New York, and Boston-area production markets.
Prerequisite: COM 1010 or permission of instructor.
FCST 2761 - Digital Video Editing - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
This course introduces the student to the equipment and procedures used to manipulate video and audio with a computer. Hands-on projects allow students to create, mix and edit still and animated images, sounds, and video into presentations of the type and design suitable for educational, commercial and corporate use.
FCST 2770 - Digital Film Fundamentals - 3 credits
Fall and Spring Semesters
The student will develop practical, aesthetic, and storytelling skills by making a series of silent and non-synchronous sound films. Students will learn to record images using a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, and to record sound with a digital audio recorder. Students will also learn the fundamentals of non-linear digital editing. Emphasis will be on learning to use filmmaking equipment, and developing strong visual and sound language skills, with the goal of applying the tools of lighting, composition, sound, and editing to create compelling, cinematic stories.
This course meets the Curry Core Arts Breadth requirement.
FCST 2775 - Digital Film Production II - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
Working off of Digital Film Fundamentals as the springboard, students will continue to develop advanced film production skills in independent filmmaking and production. Working individually and in teams, students will write, produce, direct and edit short films.
Prerequisite: FCST 2770 or permission of instructor.
FCST 2780 - Digital Documentary and Moviemaking - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Students will produce documentaries and movie shorts using HD and 3D digital video field equipment. They will research, script, storyboard, shoot, and edit projects while learning specific production techniques unique to these genres.
Prerequisite: FCST 2761.
FCST 2787 - Lighting and Cinematography - 3 credits
Offered periodically within a three-year academic cycle
Students will work with film lighting to create various film effects representing drama, comedy and other cinematic scenes, while understanding lighting’s impact on filmmaking and the cinematographer’s position.
FCST 3498 - Film Criticism - 3 credits
Alternate Years
Surveys core and emerging theories of cinema storytelling and the role of movies in culture. Students will develop a toolkit to explain ways cinema engages perceptions of class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and citizenship. . (Same course as SA 3498).
This course meets the Curry Core Humanities Breadth requirement and the Reading/Writing Enhancement requirement.
Prerequisites: WRIT 1400 and WRIT 1500.
FCST 3760 - Film Production: RED Camera - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
This is an intensive hands-on movie production course using the industry-standard RED camera. Professional-level production techniques will be emphasized as students study the steps from prep to post-production. Students will learn film budgeting, rental procedures, and crew dynamics. Fee.
Prerequisite or Corequisites: COM 2760 or FCST 2761 or FCST 2780 or permission of instructor.
FCST 3801 - Global Film - 3 credits
Alternate Spring Semesters
This course surveys global film movements, national and postcolonial cinemas from the early 20th century to the contemporary era. Emphasizing cinematic traditions outside of the United States, students will discover and analyze cinematic artistry and cultural viewpoints from communities historically absent in mainstream US movies.
This course meets the Curry Core International/Global Interdependence requirement.
Prerequisites: WRIT 1500 and one of the following: FCST 2492, FCST 2493, or FCST 3498.
FCST 3805 - Film Topics - 3 credits
Alternate Semesters
Each Film Topics course explores a specific area of film studies or film production, often calling on the expertise of outside professionals. May be repeated up to four times with different specializations.