FILM 110
3 credits
Introduction to Film Studies
Prerequisite(s): One of: (C+ or better in one of English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, English 12, or English Literature 12), CPT score of 48 or better, or evidence of any test score or course grade listed under the Degree/diploma-level English language proficiency standards in the UFV academic calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar/2023_24/General/EnglishProficiency.htm.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces the principles of film as an art form and provides an overview of the social, aesthetic, and technical development of motion pictures. A primary focus is the development of analytical skills. Students view films representing a range of genres, styles, and forms, including narrative and non-narrative, alternative/independent, and Indigenous film.
FILM 120
3 credits
The History and Aesthetics of World Cinema
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An examination of developments in global cinema, focusing on film produced outside of movie-making centers in the US and Europe. Various film styles, cultural contexts, and critical practices will be reviewed, covering theories of transnationalism, globalization, post-colonialism, and migration.
FILM 210
3 credits
The Woman's Film of the 1940s
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course provides an introduction to both the Hollywood woman’s film of the 1940s as well as readings in contemporary film theory. The theory will be used to examine the cinematic representation of subjectivity in the woman’s film and will include an introduction to Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis and introductory film semiotics. Films presented will include sub-genres of the woman’s film such as the medical discourse film, the maternal melodrama, and the gothic romance film.
FILM 211
3 credits
Film in a Global Age
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students examine how film communicates the conditions of a globalized world across and within cultures. Students consider how films, as both artistic responses and commercial products, allow us to critically understand the rapidly changing transnational media landscape.
Note: Students with credit for MACS 299I cannot take this course for further credit.
FILM 212
3 credits
History of Film
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examines the history of film in North American and global paradigms. Students will learn about artistic and economic factors influencing the development of film and will explore the historical role of film in politics and culture.
FILM 260
3 credits
Video Production Techniques I
Prerequisite(s): 3 credits of Art History, Film, Graphic Design, Media and Communication Studies, Media Arts, Theatre, or Visual Arts.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduces basic techniques and creative processes of video production. Emphasizes technical knowledge of cameras, lighting and sound equipment, and video editing software. Includes hands-on exercises both individually and in groups with opportunities to practice cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing techniques.
Note: This course includes a fee, which covers digital video equipment costs.
FILM 261
3 credits
Video Production Techniques II
Prerequisite(s): VA 160 or FILM 260.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Builds on techniques introduced in FILM 260, exploring intermediate camera use, shot analysis and composition, motivated and green-screen lighting, sound recording and design, editing using transitions and documentary video. Emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, and honing technical skills for creative expression.
Note: This course includes a fee, which covers digital video equipment costs.
Note: Students with credit for VA 161 or VA 261 cannot take this course for further credit.
FILM 310
3 credits
Introduction to Film Theory
Prerequisite(s): FILM 110 or 120
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
In this course, students will learn key concepts and major theoretical perspectives in contemporary film theory. Theoretical work will include semiotics, Marxism, Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalysis, feminist and postmodernist film theory. Students interested in this course might also want to consider ENGL 366.
FILM 311
3 credits
Gender, Sexuality, and Film
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students analyze film’s representational modes and critical practices in relation to theories of gender and sexuality. Emphasis is placed on historically and culturally nuanced analysis and examples of works by feminist, Indigenous, transgender, and queer filmmakers.
FILM 312
3 credits
India on Film
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students examine the culture and history of modern India through its films, including the role of film in creating a national consciousness and in preserving the cultural identity of Indians living abroad. Considers how the conventions of Indian film reflect changing attitudes toward gender, caste, class, and religion.
FILM 313
3 credits
Indigenous Film
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students learn how the work of Indigenous filmmakers functions as a medium for storytelling, decolonization, cultural memory, place-based knowledge, cultural resurgence, language revitalization, and visual sovereignty.
FILM 320
3 credits
Special Topics in Film Studies
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students examine a selected topic in film studies that is not addressed in current course offerings.
FILM 360
3 credits
Video Production III: Storytelling and the Director
Prerequisite(s): FILM 261.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students with prior technical production skills will advance their knowledge of film-based storytelling and the role of the director. Students participate in workshops on crew roles, story structure, screenwriting, script analysis, image systems, beat work, directing, producing, and working with actors and will complete a group film project.
Note: This course includes a fee, which covers digital video equipment costs.
FILM 361
3 credits
Video Production IV: Short Film Project
Prerequisite(s): FILM 360.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Students develop a short film project (scripted or documentary) and hone skills in pitching, pre-production, production, and post-production. Prepares students to create original stories in screen-based media, while taking on key crew positions including director, producer, production designer, cinematographer, and editor.
Note: This course includes a fee, which covers digital video equipment costs.
FILM 365
3 credits
Documentary Video Storytelling
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits of university-level arts courses. It is also recommended that students have FILM 110 or FILM 120 and one of the following: VA 160, VA 165/ENGL 165, VA 170, or VA 272. Alternatively, students should have some other experience of working with film or video production.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course offers students knowledge of key concepts and practical skills in documentary storytelling for digital video. Students will develop a short documentary video (of approximately ten minutes in length) from the proposal/treatment stage through pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be introduced to the work of Canadian filmmakers, who have long been considered leaders in the documentary genre.
Note: This course is offered as VA 365, FILM 365, and JRNL 365. Students may take only one of these for credit.
FILM 366
3 credits
Documentary Video Production
Prerequisite(s): VA 365/FILM 365/JRNL 365 or interview and portfolio review. One of the following is strongly recommended: VA 160, VA 161, VA 271, or VA 180.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course offers students with previous video production experience an opportunity to develop and direct a short documentary video project from the proposal/treatment stage through pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be exposed to a range of approaches and skills for crafting compelling documentaries that say something about culture, society, history, or contemporary life.
Note: The course is offered as FILM 366 and VA 366. Students may take only one of these for credit.
