Study of popular culture and its varied categories (myths, stereotypes, icons, heroes, etc.) applied to contemporary American movies and to some other popular entertainment, including television, radio, music and print. Impact of popular media on society, culture and values.

Examines the economic structure of the film industry, the effect that this structure has on the making and content of motion pictures, and the affect of motion picture content on viewers, particularly children and young adults.

Prepares students to write cogent film reviews, in-depth film history, including interviews and background or research, and deeper, often lengthier film analyses of genres or seminal works of a specific filmmaker. The history and craft of scriptwriting is also examined, with special emphasis on adaptation as one foundation of American filmmaking. Includes screenings that correlate with the reading and illustrate key concepts of film writing.

Intensive examination of the work of a specific filmmaker whose individual style and complete control over all elements of a production provides the film with a unique and personal signature experience. Specialized focus changes but may include auteurs such as Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Altman, Spike Lee, etc. Topics announced in Schedule of Classes.

Studies the history and influences of world cinema from the earliest silent era, touching on the contributions of European pioneers, Soviet theorists and filmmakers and the German Expressionists; through to post-World War II "New Waves" in Italy, France, Germany, Sweden and Japan; finishing with modern China's "Fifth Generation" and other flowering national cinemas of Asia and the Middle East. Studies how the language and components of film production differ in foreign cultures, examines key approaches and concepts represented by seminal non-U.S. filmmakers and tracks the influence of the artistic international cinema on the more commercial American film style and narrative.

Advanced intensive examination of a topical issue in film. Specialized focus changes but may include issues such as: women in film, minorities in film, regional or national films, genre studies etc. Topics announced in Schedule of Classes.

Traces the development of film as a distinctive mode of communication and an important art form within societal and theoretical contexts. Emphasis on films and the film industries of the United States.

Specific subjects of seminars to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Variable topics.

Faculty-supervised, independent study/research of a specific area or topic in film.