THTR 2122 Introduction to Film
Description
Introduction to Film reviews the technical, historical, dramatic, and ethical elements of modern film.
Credits
3
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Topics to be Covered
1. Mise-en-scene
2. Cinematography
3. Editing
4. Sound Design
5. Narrative
6. Screenplay
7. Filmmakers
8. Performance
9. Genre
10. Special Effects
11. Film Culture
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain how and why everything within a film shot (mise-en-scene) contributes to manipulating the mind and emotion of the audience (MnTC6.a) in terms of
• the shot
• cinematography (cameras, lenses, and lighting),
• camera movement,
• performance,
• sound,
• special effects,
• and genre.
Evaluate story (MnTc6.c) in terms of
• describing the primary characters’ yearning/desire/misconception;
• distinguishing between the film’s story and plot;
• dividing a film into its three-act structure (screenplay);
• explaining how genre affects story structure and mise-en-scene;
• articulating how caméra stylo (the camera as the director’s pen) reveals the authorship and voice of the director
Connect mise-en-scene and narrative by describing how different reproductions of the same story results in a different and unique artistic experience (MnTc6.b).
Explore or journal on how films reveal humanity’s search for meaning (MnTc6.b & e)
as it relates to
• hopes and horrors,
• purpose and belonging,
• current and historical biases,
• isms,
• stereotypes,
• and heroes.
Journal on how and why a good film helps guide (MnTc6.e) the audience to
• understand themselves and others;
• emphasize with diverse populations;
• enjoy, value, and cherish life (our natural world);
• heal from past traumas;
• and learn to love.
Create learning agendas (or plans) for film/Hollywood related processes; may include but is not limited to (MnTC6.d):
• Class organizes Oscars event (host, dress, awards, presentation)
• Creating a movie pitch to studio executives
• Create a film preproduction plan: find talent, create talent contracts, secure locations, create a budget, etc.
• Writing a film review
• Writing a film critique as a movie executive to the director of a film
• Creating a marketing plan for a new movie
• Creating a movie poster
• Creating a Public Relations Campaign after an adverse event such as a pandemic, an actor’s death, an accidental prop shooting, sexual harassment charge, or public outcry after a scandal hits a soon-to-be-released movie.
• Creating a lawsuit for an actor suing a studio or bringing a harassment charge against a director/coworker.
Credit Details
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0
OJT: 0
MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 06 - The Humanities and Fine Arts
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies
Goal Area 06: The Humanities and Fine Arts
1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
4. Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
5. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.