Cinema (CIN)
CIN 100 Film Appreciation Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course introduces students to the various technological, economic, sociological, and aesthetic dimensions of cinema. Students will be expected to formulate educated assessments to the strengths and weaknesses of multiple film styles, thematic elements, and narrative structures by applying diverse theoretical perspectives in their analysis. Students will critically examine the history and evolution of film exhibition from the earliest forms of display to the fragmented nature of the modern digital film viewing experience. Students will develop the ability to recognize multiple perspectives of disparate filmmaking and viewing communities by exploring alternative norms to film analysis.
CORE 42: MOTR FILM 100; Intro to Film Studies (attribute MO53)
CIN 110 Cinematography and Production Sound Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the technical and artistic aspects of both cinematography and sound production. Students will engage in practical and theoretical learning, focusing on visual storytelling in the first half and audio design and sound production in the second half.
CIN 120 Film Theory and Criticism Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Examination of various approaches to film theory and criticism including formal aspects of cinema, tools for stylistic analysis, and ideological implications of film. Attendance at weekly screenings outside of class is required.
CIN 140 Producing and Directing Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This course introduces students to the dual roles of producing and directing, offering a comprehensive look at the creative and logistical responsibilities involved in both. Over the first half of the course, students will dive into the world of producing, learning how to manage the business and organizational aspects of filmmaking. The second half focuses on directing, where students will develop their creative vision and learn how to effectively lead a film production from script to screen.
CIN 155 Editing Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive grounding in operation of Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and other non-linear editing software packages with an emphasis and application of pertinent film editing concepts and visual communication through the moving image and sound design.
CIN 160 Screenwriting Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This course examines the creative process of writing a screenplay as well as the narrative structure of a short film. Students will cover idea creation, character development, screenplay format, and visual storytelling.
CIN 200 Industrial and Experimental Film Production I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Part one of course sequence that offers an in-depth exploration and practical application of industrial and experimental filmmaking, guiding students through the process of creating a series of short films of these types from concept to final cut. Students will gain an awareness of the scope and history of industrial and experimental film focusing on various genres, modes, conventions, narrative structures, and production techniques through in-class and outside screenings of seminal examples of the diverse range of these types of films. Students will apply these key concepts by conceiving, researching, and developing potential ideas, creating production plans, capturing on-set footage and sound, and initiating the editing process through asset management and creating rough edits. Prerequisite(s): CIN 140.
CIN 201 Industrial and Experimental Film Production II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Part two of course sequence that offers an in-depth exploration and practical application of industrial and experimental filmmaking, guiding students through the process of creating a series of short films of these types from concept to final cut. Students will complete editing the raw footage captured in Part I and determine if they require pick up shots. Upon obtaining all visual and audio assets, students will complete editing leading to picture lock, along with subsequent aspects of the post-production pipeline including color grading, sound mixing, and visual effects. When the final product is ready, students will activate their marketing, distribution, and exhibition plan all leading to a screening of their projects subject to peer and instructor evaluation. Prerequisite(s): CIN 200.
CIN 210 Documentary Film Production I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Part one of course sequence that offers an in-depth exploration and practical application of documentary filmmaking, guiding students through the full process of producing a series of short documentary film projects from concept to final cut. Students will gain an awareness of documentary film's history, genres, modes, conventions, narrative structures, and production techniques through in-class and outside screenings of seminal documentary films. Students will then apply these concepts by generating and researching potential ideas, creating production plans, conducting interviews, capturing sound, collecting archival footage, shooting b-roll, and initiating the editing process through asset management and creating a rough edit. Prerequisite(s): CIN 201.
CIN 211 Documentary Film Production II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Part two of course sequence that offers an in-depth exploration of narrative filmmaking, guiding students through the complete process of producing a short film from concept to final cut. Students will complete editing the raw footage captured in Part I and determine if they require more interviews, b-roll, and/or archival footage. Upon obtaining all visual and audio assets, students will complete editing leading to picture lock, along with subsequent aspects of the post-production pipeline including color grading, sound mixing, and visual effects. When the final product is ready, students will activate their marketing, distribution, and exhibition plan all leading to a screening of their projects subject to peer and instructor evaluation. Prerequisite(s): CIN 210.
CIN 220 Film Studies Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: A rotating topics course focusing on various issues relating to the world of film. Topics include: History of Film, Women in Film, Film Genres, American Genres, and Film Directors. Attendance at weekly screenings outside of class is required.
CIN 225 Cinema Structure and Aesthetics Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This class introduces students to the technological, social, and economic forces that shape the aesthetics of films and other forms of moving image products. This course explores all phases of film production, focusing on the different pipelines that converge in the creation of a finished film. Students will examine film distribution, promotion, exhibition, and reception from practical, economic, and critical perspectives. This class examines diverse movie-making techniques employed by the Hollywood film industry, international film industries, and independent filmmakers that have resulted in the vast diversification of film styles and aesthetics worldwide. Students will develop an understanding of the elements that comprise the filmmaking process and evaluate how these factors are executed through seminal examples of film production techniques from early film history and the contemporary digital media landscape. Prerequisite(s): CIN 160.
CIN 300 Commercial Media Production I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This course is designed to immerse students in the world of commercial and public service announcement (PSA) production, offering hands-on experience in creating high-quality, message-driven content for advertising and social campaigns. Students will explore the unique demands of short-form media, mastering the art of visual storytelling, branding, and delivering a clear message within tight time constraints. The course emphasizes collaboration with clients, creative agencies, and production teams, simulating a professional environment. Prerequisite(s): CIN 211.
CIN 301 Commercial Media Production II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: This course is designed to immerse students in the world of commercial and public service announcement (PSA) production, offering hands-on experience in creating high-quality, message-driven content for advertising and social campaigns. Students will explore the unique demands of short-form media, mastering the art of visual storytelling, branding, and delivering a clear message within tight time constraints. The course emphasizes collaboration with clients, creative agencies, and production teams, simulating a professional environment. Continuation of CIN 300. Prerequisite(s): CIN 300.
CIN 320 Narrative Film Production I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Part one of course sequence that offers an in-depth exploration of narrative filmmaking, guiding students through the complete process of producing a short film from concept to final cut. Students will develop their skills in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, and post-production, with a strong focus on collaboration and creative problem-solving. Prerequisite(s): CIN 301.
CIN 321 Narrative Film Production II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Part two of course sequence that offers an in-depth exploration of narrative filmmaking, guiding students through the complete process of producing a short film from concept to final cut. Students will develop their skills in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, and post-production, with a strong focus on collaboration and creative problem-solving. Prerequisite(s): CIN 320.
CIN 340 Acting for the Camera Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Focuses on the development of auditioning skills and techniques in preparation for professional acting and performance work for film and television.
CIN 350 Selected Topics in Cinema Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Specialized course work in the field of video and cinema. Course may be repeated for up to six credits maximum with different topics. Prerequisite(s): CIN 100 or departmental approval.
CIN 355 Editing II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Students will extend their knowledge of the editorial tool set, professional video standards, terminology, and aesthetics of editing. Further develop skills in design, layout, interactivity, and media encoding through the use of DVD Studio Pro. Prerequisite(s): ART 129 and CIN 155.
CIN 361 Cinema Internship Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Course Description: Students work with a professional film/video production company or distinguished art institution in such capacities as are mutually agreed upon by the student, the Company, and the student advisor. The student will develop objectives related to his/her discipline and carry out those responsibilities through an internship as approved by the director. Applies theory and skills to actual work situations. Professionally supervised work experiences related to the student's area of interest. (Thirty hours of work for each credit hour.) Graded pass/fail. Application must be made at least one semester prior to course registration. Prerequisite(s): Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
CIN 435 Cinematography II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: The process of studio and location lighting for film and video; principles, instruments, measurement tools, filters/diffusers, single/multiple setups. Prerequisite(s): CIN 110.
CIN 442 Advanced Screenwriting Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: Advanced study and practicum in writing feature-length screenplays with emphasis on creating works for production, sale, and/or publication. Prerequisite(s): CIN 160.
CIN 450 Independent Project Credits: 1-3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: Independent projects developed in consultation with a departmental faculty mentor. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and departmental approval.
CIN 472 Business of Film Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Departmental Discretion.
Course Description: This course will focus on how professional film/video projects are financed, produced, distributed, marketed and exhibited. It will survey the contemporary marketplace, its pitfalls and practices, and propose workable strategies and solutions to market your work while protecting your rights as an artist.
CIN 490 Portfolio Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This class is intended to provide students with the opportunity to create and develop industry standard career search items and a portfolio necessary to enter the film business. Students will create their resume, CV, business cards, professional website, and social media presence as part of their overall portfolio. In conjunction with these items, students will organize and hone their video projects created in their Industrial and Experimental, Documentary, Commercial, and Narrative production classes to create their professional film reel. Students will also learn how to write a business plan for an independent media production company and develop a detailed film proposal for an original film or visual media project. Prerequisite(s): CIN 321.
CIN 495 Thesis Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Thesis class is intended to give students the opportunity to work an entire semester on the final production of their industry demo reel(s) and final resume/CV. Students will emerge with a career driven pitch packet that will give them door-opening opportunities in local and regional job markets in all of the tracks offered at MWSU Cinema: Narrative, Documentary, Commercial and Industrial/Experimental. Prerequisite(s): CIN 490.