Discipline: Broadcasting Technology (Film/Television) Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Film/Television 65


COURSE DESCRIPTION
65 The Director’s Art in Filmmaking Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Analysis and exploration of the principles of film aesthetics with emphasis on the director’s role in influencing and creating a film. The course covers the basic steps of film directing and explores the classic opposition between expressionist and realistic film styles. Lecture, discussion, viewing of films and film excerpts expose students to the influences of classic films and the styles of five great directors: Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese. May be taken a total of three times. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Analysis and exploration of the principles of film aesthetics with emphasis on director’s role; covers basic steps of film directing and differences between expressionist and realistic film styles.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Compare and contrast the expressionist and realistic film styles.

2.   Describe the director’s role in influencing the aesthetic elements 
      of a film.

3.   Identify aesthetic style elements of major film directors.

4,   Discuss social and cultural influences of film on society.

5.   Analyze the director’s use of genre in developing individual film 
      style.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. The art and craft of film directing
  2. The aesthetics and vocabulary of film
  3. The five basic steps to directing
  4. Storytelling through the lens using the five basic steps to directing
  5. Influences of classic film styles
  6. Evolution of cinematic techniques
  7. Style elements of major film director.

Students are also assigned reading, writing and other outside assignments equivalent to two hours per one hour lecture.
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures/discussions/demonstrations.
  • Videos/films.
  • Class exercise.
  • Critiques/Paper.
  • Handouts.
  • Guest lecturers.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written reports/presentations.
  • Quizzes/examinations.
  • Written assignments.
  • Class and individual projects.
  • Participation and regular attendance.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Katz, Steven D. Film Directing: Shot By Shot . Focal Press, ISBN: 0941188108
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