Specific Film Courses

For a complete list of Theatre Arts & Film courses go to the SCC Online catalog

TA 310 Introduction to Film ( 3 Units )

This course explores the artistic, business, and social elements of modern film. It examines the elements that go into making films: acting, directing, cinematography, writing, and editing. It investigates the techniques used to manipulate the audience into fear, laughter, and sadness and compares the commercial box office hit and “movie star” to enduring artistic films and actors. This class will view and analyze films to evaluate filmmaking techniques and the impact of films and the movie business on society. This course is cross-listed with ENGLT 400. It may be taken only once for credit as TA 310 or as ENGLT 400, but not both.

TA 312 History of Film ( 3 Units )

This course is a general survey of the development of the art of narrative film from early silent films to modern sound films using lecture, discussion, and films chosen to represent important developments in the film history.

TA 314 History of Film: 1880’s through 1950’s ( 3 Units )

This course is a historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films. Focusing on films from the 1880’s through 1950’s.

TA 315 History of Film: 1950’s to Present ( 3 Units )

This course is a historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films. Focusing on films from the 1950’s to present.

TA 318 Diversity in American Film ( 3 Units )

This course is an introduction to cultural diversity as it is expressed in American film. The course will focus on the cultures of Asian/Pacific Americans, Black/African Americans, Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and recent immigrant groups, as expressed in film narrative, production practices, and critical responses. Issues of class, gender, and sexuality will be examined and compared cross-culturally. Media stereotypes and their social, political, and cultural origins and the responses to these stereotypes by 20th & 21st century film makers will be examined through film viewings, lecture, and discussion.

TA 320 Cinema Genres ( 3 Units )

This course is designed to explore in depth one or more film genres. Special attention is paid to development, aesthetics, popularity, and artists of the specific form. This course may be taken four times for credit if genres change.

TA 322 An American Musical: Stage and Film ( 3 Units )

This course studies the transition of the Musical from its earliest incarnation to the latest Broadway and box office hits. This class will examine both production films (movies made of stage productions) and feature films to examine how the theatrical techniques of the Musical have been translated to the media of film.

TA 323 From Stage to Screen, Production Design and Art Direction (3 Units )

This course will examine the aesthetic design of films by looking at costume, scenery, and prop design. Students will evaluate how the production design of a film helps to shape all of the other elements that make up the film. Students will examine how production design has been utilized to show the past, present, and future as well as imaginary time periods. This course will draw upon theatrical design techniques and evaluate how those techniques have been used in film production.

TA 331 Film Making ( 3 Units )

This course emphasizes contemporary methods of film production, including low-budget art films with a concern for the aesthetics of film making. Stressed are techniques of direction, lighting, tilting, camera use, editing, film types, lenses, and other aspects of cinema. Equipment and supplies for individual projects must be furnished by each student. Supplies and equipment are furnished for students working on group projects.

TA 332 Film-Making Projects ( 3 Units )

This course will give a fundamental overview of the basic creative, technical, and management skills necessary to design and produce a film project on location. Students will gain hands-on experience in production techniques using film production equipment. The emphasis is on pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production. As a class project, participants develop and produce a previously determined short-subject film on location that applies the principles learned through lectures, program screenings, exercises, and guest speakers.

TA 333 Film Editing with Final Cut Pro ( 3 Units )

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and technical elements of film editing for the cinema. Students will gain practical experience in editing images and synchronous sound to create cinematic products. Students will receive training in the basic features and capabilities of current film editing equipment including the latest film editing software. Some of the topics covered in the course include a basic overview of editing, video montage, subclippings, storyboarding, editing dialogue, as well as digitizing and final output. This course involves the use of software which is primarily Macintosh based.

TA 334 Film Editing with Final Cut Pro: Intermediate Workshop ( 3 Units )

This course is designed for experienced users or those wishing to increase their overall Final Cut Pro knowledge. This course delves into the details of such topics as compositing, power trimming, media management, color keying, audio finishing, color correction, and much more. Instruction also covers tips, tricks, and other secrets that allow participants to master the finer points of this powerful program.

TA 335 Introduction to DVD Production: iDVD & DVD Studio Pro ( 3 Units )

This course examines the history and future of the DVD video format after the most successful launch ever of a consumer electronics format. Students learn how to design, produce, and burn a DVD on a personal computer. Students explore the methods of integrating video, audio, text, graphics, and user interactivity through the use iDVD and DVD Studio Pro software. Students explore DVD’s ability to integrate with the Internet. Students use a professional approach to real world DVD production processes. Students are expected to already have exposure to Adobe Photoshop and Apple Final Cut Pro. This course may be taken two times using different software or software versions.

TA 336 Introduction to Motion Graphics for Film: Apple Motion ( 3 Units )

This hands-on course will familiarize students with Motion, Apple’s revolutionary software for motion graphics design. The course comprehensively covers working with Motion’s Real-Time Design engine and interface, behavior-based animation, parameter behaviors, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques, masking methods, DVD motion menu design, tablet-driven gesture UI techniques, working with audio, keyframing, and integration. This course may be taken two times using different software or software versions.

TA 337 Color Correcting and Grading for Film: Apple Color ( 3 Units )

This hands-on course will familiarize students with Apple’s masterful new color grading and finishing software. This course will begin with the basics of color balancing and correction. Students will move on to the fine points of secondary grading, including scene matching, using vignettes to isolate and track regions, creating advanced color effects and “looks,” skin tone adjustments, adjusting the composition and framing of a shot, and much more. This course may be taken two times using different software or software versions.

TA 339 Screenwriting ( 3 Units )

This course is a study of the creativity and techniques of screenwriting for short films, feature films, and television. Students will view and analyze exemplary films, participate in writing exercises and workshops, and complete a treatment and master scenes of a full-length professionally formatted screenplay. 

TA 356 Acting for the Camera I ( 3 Units)

This is an introductory course in the theory and techniques of acting for film and television. This course compares the differences between acting on the stage and acting for the camera. Scenes and commercials will be rehearsed, performed, and played back for critiques.

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