Kindly note that not all courses may be offered in any given year. You may check the Cave Hill On-Line (CHOL) course schedule at the beginning of the semester for the list of courses available for that semester.

LEVEL I

FILM1000 Introduction to Film (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the cinema as an institution and film as an art. It focuses on the film as text and the practice of film-making, paying particular attention to elements of film form, cinematic expression, mise-en-scene, narrative structure and narration.

 

LEVEL II

FILM2000 Caribbean Film (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM1000
The course will study seminal feature films and documentaries by such filmmakers as Perry Henzell, Humberto Solas, Euzhan Palcy, Felix de Rooy, Raoul Peck, as well as a number of new and young filmmakers, many working in video. The films will reflect the diversity of the region and its diaspora, and will include films in French, Dutch, Spanish, English and Creole. The course will explore representations of race, culture and landscape, migration and nation, as well as the impact of history, economics and politics of the region on the development of Caribbean cinema.

FILM2010 History and Theory of Cinematic Forms (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM1000
This course introduces students to the major theories of film and their relationship to critical practice. It will provide students with knowledge of the history and theory of cinematic forms such as film and digital media in order to establish a critical and historical context for the study of film. The development of moving picture art is examined through lectures, readings and screenings of important works that will help students navigate a variety of important conceptual models and critical approaches to the study of film. Students will analyse film as an art form, a communications tool and an entertainment source.

FILM2103 Documentary (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2115
This course has a dual purpose: first, to examine the theoretical, historical, ethical and aesthetic context of documentary practice; and second, to produce group documentary projects as a means of allowing students to explore personally the range of issues and challenges that documentary filmmakers face.

FILM2104 Production Management (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2110
This course explores all aspects of the work of the producer from pre-production planning, through production and post-production. Students assume the role of a producer responsible for creating or acquiring a story idea and developing it through conceptualization, budgeting, treatment, proposal, funding, scheduling, outreach, marketing and distribution.

FILM2110 Production Tools (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM1000
This course builds on the knowledge gained in Introduction to Film. It introduces students to intermediate production skills, concepts, tools and techniques for film and digital video. It examines technical and aesthetic elements, proper use, professional practice and the logistics of the film shoot.

FILM2115 Cinematography (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2110
This course examines the theoretical and practical work of the director of photography. Students learn about the raw materials of the photographic process, the proper operation of cameras, lights and ancillary equipment, field production techniques. They gain experience in lighting, filming and audio recording to create effective stories. The course expands on basic video and film lighting techniques, technical considerations and aesthetics of lighting.

FILM2801 Fundamentals of Story and Narration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM1000 or THEA1000
This is an introductory course, which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the nature of storytelling, story forms as well as the cultural function and significance of stories. The course focuses on how different cultures organize and narrate their stories, paying particular attention to story traditions in Caribbean culture. Students learn how to craft stories, analyse and critique story forms for use in contemporary performing and creative arts.

FILM2802 Writing for Stage and Screen  (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2801 
This course examines fundamental elements of writing for stage and screen paying particular attention to dramatic structure, storytelling techniques, film language, genre, cinematic rendering character and thematic development as well as techniques for writing effective dialogue. Students analyse and discuss successful screenplay mechanics as well as write their own short plays.

Level III

FILM3100 The Emergence of Cinema and the Rise of Nation (3 credits)
Prerequisites: FILM1000 
This course looks at the emergence of cinema up to the post-World War Two era. It foregrounds the debates about realism and fantasy, soviet cinema and its relationship to communist state and socialist realism. It will look specifically at the relationship between German Expressionism and the growth of fascism, the emergence of neo-realism and the early period of Hollywood and its ideologies and its perpetuation of the star system. As an entry into European modernism, it will look at the importance of cinema in the shaping of European nationalisms.

FILM3102 Post-Production Editing and Sound (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2115
This course examines the theoretical, technical and artistic aspects of editing digital video and audio. It emphasizes editing as an art and a vehicle for effective communication and development of story ideas. Students explore a variety of editing styles and techniques.

FILM3105 Directing (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2115
This course examines the work of the director in film and digital media, focusing on the development of aesthetic values, cinematic languages and advanced interpretative cinematographic skills. It focuses on directorial decision-making, visual storytelling, plot development, scene continuity, dramatic interpretation and use of narrative structures. The course also explores the role of the director as a team leader in pre-production, production and post-production.

FILM3115 Digital Media Workshop - (6 credits)
Prerequisite: FILM2110
This course explores the use of computer-based tools in the design and authoring of stories using interactive digital media. Students learn visual and aural design principles, editing digital images, sounds, video, text and motion graphics.

FILM3801 Playwriting/Screenwriting
Prerequisite: FILM2801 Creative Arts
WritingThis writing workshop explores longer narrative forms. It helps students improve their writing and develop more advanced skills through their own writing, reading the writing and criticism of colleagues under the guidance and mentorship of the workshop leader. The course goes through the actual step-by-step process of writing a play from initial story idea to first draft.