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FEA Courses - Upper Division

302. Film Theory I: Classical (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 299 with "C" or better or consent of instructor
Introduction to classical and critical theories of film analysis including Formalism, Realism, Classical Hollywood Cinema, the Auteur Theory, Art Cinema, Genre Studies, and Structuralism.
Letter grade only (A-F).

304. Writing the Short Script (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 207 or FEA 303 or consent of instructor.
Scriptwriting with emphasis on adaptation and dramatic fiction.
Letter grade only (A-F).

307. Audio Production (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 299 with "C" or better or consent of instructor.
Basic principles and techniques of audio production.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

309. Production I: Cinematography (3)

Prerequisite: Admission to Option in Narrative Production or consent of instructor.
Basic principles of cinematography and lighting.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

310. Film and Culture (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement, upper-division standing.
Examines how film impacts culture, using a variety of viewpoints from contemporary critical and cultural studies.

312. Television Programming Symposium (3)

Discussion and analysis of creative problems in television industry, current local and network programs. Interviews with visiting executives, producers, directors, writers, performers and technicians.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units, only 3 units may be used as credit toward major.

314. Theatrical Film Symposium (3)

Lectures and discussions of creative problems in motion picture industry; current films; interviews with visiting producers, directors, writers, performers and technicians.

315. Theory of New Media (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 205 and FEA 206, or consent of instructor.
Examines the artistic and cultural impact of digital media technologies.
Letter grade only (A-F).

316. Mass Media and Popular Culture (3)

Prerequisite: GE Foundation requirement.
Theory and functions of mass media in America. Enduring issues and unresolved problems of media. Impact of mass culture on a mass-mediated society.

317. Women in the History of U.S. Film (3)

History of women as they are represented, presented as images, or constructed in the development of U.S. film. Theory and analysis of film from a feminist perspective.
Same course as WGSS 316. Not open for credit to students with credit in W/ST 316 or WGSS 316.

318. Theory of Fiction and Film (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement, one or more Explorations courses, and upper-division standing.
Examination of narrative methods and conventions of American and British fiction and methods and conventions of film; consideration of relationships between artistic structure of fiction and film; study of theoretical and practical approaches to fiction and film.
Same course as ENGL 318. Not open for credit to students with credit in ENGL 318.

320. Sound Design (3)

Prerequisite: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 307.
Examination of the basic aesthetic and technical principles of sound design for film production.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

322. Diverse Media: Writing and Production (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status or consent of instructor.
Workshop in professional writing and production of film, television, theatre, and diverse media. Working as a group, students develop and exhibit creative works. Provides a professional production experience covering various genres and formats.
Not open for credit to students with credit in FEA 403. Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units in different semesters.

325. Audio Activity (2)

Prerequisites: Major status, FEA 299 with "C" or better or consent of instructor.
Group and individual experience in audio production. Specific assignments determined in consultation with instructor.
Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units in different semesters. (4 hours activity)

327. Production Management I (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 299 with "C" or better or consent of instructor.
Examines the process of producing independent feature-length films, focusing on the producer's role from development stage to beginning level of pre-production. Topics include copyright and contract law, business structures, and script analysis and breakdown.
Letter grade only (A-F).

328. Lighting (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 309. Priority enrollment given to students in Narrative Production Option.
Examination of the basic aesthetic and technical principles of lighting. Students will explore various creative lighting styles and techniques through lectures and practical exercises.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

330. Introduction to Production Design for Motion Pictures (3)

Prerequisite(s): None
Examines the history, theory, and practice of motion picture production design.
Letter grade only (A-F).

331. Production Design Practicum (3)

Prerequisite(s): FEA Major or minor status; FEA 330; or consent of instructor.
Introduction to the practice of motion picture production design and visual storytelling, for students of diverse artistic abilities. Includes breaking down a script, designing the look and visual continuity of a film, and producing plans and models.
Letter grade only (A-F).

335. University Television Activity (2)

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Experience in administration and production of video projects at the University Television facility.
Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units. (4 hours activity)

336. Production II: Film Production (3)

Prerequisite: Admission to Option in Narrative Production; Corequisite: FEA 328
Preparation for the advanced level of film production through research and exercises designed to develop essential filmmaking skills.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

337. Digital Arts Production (3)

Prerequisite: FEA Major or consent of instructor
Techniques and concepts involved in production of visual effects, computer animation, and interactive media. Through screenings, fieldtrips and hands-on production, students explore art and science of digital graphics, 2D-compositing, and 3D-animation. Culminates in development of digital elements for student production.
Letter grade only (A-F). May not be repeated. (6 hours activity)

338. Television Studio Production (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status with "C" or better or consent of instructor.
Introduction to principles, techniques and technologies of television studio production, with emphasis on multiple camera approaches to interview, sitcom, music performance and public affairs programs.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

339. Commercials for Electronic Media (3)

Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing or consent of instructor.
Experience of creating, writing and producing commercials that entertain, demonstrate and motivate the target audience.
Letter grade only (A-F).

340. Production III: Advanced Production A (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 336 and approved enrollment in Advanced Narrative Production Track.
Experience in group production of original films. Emphasis is on narrative short projects. Students are required to collaborate with advanced cinematography students in FEA 341.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

341. Advanced Cinematography I (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 328 and FEA 336 and approved enrollment in Advanced Cinematography Track.
Designed to further student’s understanding of art and craft of cinematography, especially lighting, exposure, composition, lenses, format, filters, and work flows. Students are required to shoot and crew on advanced narrative projects produced in FEA 340.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

342. Production IV: Advanced Production B (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 340 and approved enrollment in Advanced Narrative Production Track.
Experience in post production and completion of original films resulting in public exhibition. Emphasis is on film editing.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

343. Advanced Cinematography II (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 341 and approved enrollment in Advanced Cinematography Track.
Designed to further student's understanding of art and craft of cinematography. Emphasis is on individual research into specific issues of film making and production of short film projects in support of research.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

344. Directing (3)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Option in Narrative Production.
Theory and practical experience in directing of narrative film. Emphasis on directing actors in fictional work.
Letter grade only (A-F).

346. The European Cinema of Communism, Fascism and Resistance (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, one or more Exploration courses and upper division standing.
Focuses on European cinema of the twentieth century as a manifestation of totalitarian and ideological movements preceding, in-between and following the two world wars. The ensuing and ongoing resistance movements will also be examined.
Same course as HIST 346 and RGR 346. Not open for credit to students with credit in HIST 346 or RGR 346. (2 hrs sem, 2 hrs activity)

350. Hollywood Does Rome (3)

Prerequisites: CLSC 100 or CLSC 101 or CLSC 202 or consent of instructor.
Investigation of the filmmaker’s motives and the methods they have used to portray the ancient Romans from the beginnings of cinema to the present. Topics include “imaging’ the past, the ‘power’ of the image, community and society, cultural imperialism, film theory, the ‘language’ of myth, and reception theory.
Same course as CLSC 350. Not open for credit to students with credit in CLSC 350.

355. Audio-Video-Film Activity (1)

Prerequisites: Major status, FEA 299 with "C" or better or consent of instructor.
Group and individual experience in areas of audio-video-film production, and broadcast education. Specific assignments determined in consultation with instructor.
Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 2 units. (2 hours activity)

360. Independent Television Field Production (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 338 or consent of Instructor
Introduction to the creative and managerial requirements of indipendent television program production. Direct experience with field production for an independent television production company that supplies ongoing cable programming.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.

363. International Electronic Media Systems (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 206 or consent of instructor.
Comparative analysis of internal and external electronic media systems with emphasis on their motives, origins, technologies, and programming. Consideration of political, economic, regulatory constraints, and potential impact of new technologies.
Letter grade only (A-F).

364. Global Electronic Media Communication (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 206 or consent of instructor.
Study of international electronic media systems targeted toward other nations with emphasis on their cultural, economic, and political influences. Focus on the impact of new technologies on cross border communication.
Letter grade only (A-F).

365. Introduction to Game Writing and Design (3)

Prerequisite(s): FEA Major or minor status, FEA 207 or FEA 303, or consent of instructor.
Creation of analog and digital games, with critical examination of elements that make a game successful. Topics include interactive storytelling, game mechanics and dynamics, and play testing.
Letter grade only (A-F).

375. Producing and the Business of Television (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements and upper division standing.
Examines the TV producer's role as business leader as well as creator of programming concepts. Topics include program development and positioning, sales presentations, ratings, entertainment law, rights and licensing, negotiating, agents, and labor issues.
Letter grade only (A-F).

380. Documentary History and Theory (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 206 and FEA 302 (FEA 302 may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor.
Critical study of history, methods, and aesthetics of documentary production. Focus on problems of representation, objectivity, and personal style.
Letter grade only (A-F).

381. Directing the Documentary (3)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: FEA 380.
Exploration of theory and practice of documentary filmmaking. Emphasis on relationship between documentary and fiction film. Production requirement will include shooting and editing a 5-10 minute documentary.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

382. Documentary Production I (3)

Prerequisite: FEA 381 or consent of instructor.
Theory and practice researching, structuring, writing, directing and producing a comprehensive documentary (to be completed in FEA 383) with equal emphasis on the interview and visual storytelling.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

383. Documentary Production II (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 382 or consent of instructor.
Theory and practice producing and editing a comprehensive documentary with special emphasis on narration, sound effects, and music. This will entail the completion through post-production of projects begun in FEA 382.
Letter grade only. Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

392. Selected Topics in International Cinema (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 205 and FEA 302 (FEA 302 may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor.
Variable topics explore domain of international cinema.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

  • A. European Cinema Before 1960
  • B. European Cinema After 1960
  • C. Latin American Cinema
  • D. Japanese Cinema

394. American Film Genres (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 205 and FEA 302 (FEA 302 may be taken concurrently) or consent of instructor.
Historical and critical examination of Hollywood film genres. Places genre analysis and theory within sociocultural perspective. Genres include Western, film noir, science fiction/horror, detective/gangster, musical, war films, screwball comedy, and family melodrama.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics in different semesters.

401./501. Film Theory II: Contemporary (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 205 and FEA 302 or consent of instructor.
Study of contemporary theoretical models of film analysis and evaluation. Topics include: Spectatorship, Post-Structuralism, Feminism, Psychoanalytic Theory, Narratology, Cultural Studies, Postcolonialism, Queer Theory, Postmodernism, and Reception Studies.
Letter grade only (A-F).

404. Advanced Scriptwriting for Film and Electronic Media (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 304 or consent of instructor.
Writing dramatic and comedic screenplays and teleplays. Includes study of produced models with emphasis on the creative process.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.

405./505. Comedy Writing (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 207 or FEA 303, or consent of instructor.
Study of a variety of historical and contemporary models. Practice in the creation of print pieces; stand-up routines; scripts for television, film, and other media. Heavy focus on comedy as social, political, and technological criticism.
Letter grade only (A-F).

408./508. Writing the Screen Adaptation (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major or minor status, FEA 207 or FEA 303, or consent of instructor.
Writing script adaptations, with a study of adaptation theory and successful adaptational models.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.

410. Film Criticism Practicum (3)

Prerequisite: FEA 205 and FEA 302 or consent of instructor.
Writing film criticism for print and electronic distribution. Focus on critical methodologies, writing for diverse publications and audiences, and uses of criticism in film marketing and reception.
Letter grade only (A-F).

415. Media Editing (3)

Prerequisites: Admission to the Option in Narrative Production or consent of instructor.
Principles of non-linear editing in post-production.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

416. Advanced Media Editing (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 415.
Advanced course in which students edit a project from dailies to final master, using new AVID Media Composer HD, Final Cut Pro, and principles of Hi-Def.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

418. Color Correction (3)

Prerequisite: FEA 415 or consent of instructor.
Introduction to the art and science of digital color correction. Students develop aesthetic and technical skills to grade short films as a colorist.
Letter grade only (A-F).

427. Production Management II (3)

Prerequisite: FEA 327.
Examines the process of producing independent feature-length films, focusing on the producer's role from pre-production to distribution. Topics include budgeting, hiring employees, and supervising production and post-production.
Letter grade only (A-F).

437. 3D Computer Animation (3)

Prerequisites: FEA Major status, FEA 337, or consent of instructor.
Techniques and concepts in the production of 3D computer animation for short and feature length productions, visual effects and games.
Letter grade only (A-F). (6 hours activity)

438. Television Studio Directing (3)

Prerequisite: FEA 338 or consent of instructor
Advanced seminar expanding on the principles, techniques, and technologies of television studio production. Emphasis on multiple camera directing of interview, sitcom, music performance, and public affairs programs.
Letter grade only (A-F). Course fee may be required. (6 hours activity)

448. Television Sports Production (3)

Prerequisite(s): FEA 438 or consent of instructor.
Advanced course applying the principles, techniques, and technologies of television production to the specialized challenges of professional multiple-camera sports production. Emphasis on directing, producing, camera operation, and technical craft skills for live CSULB sports productions.
Letter grade only (A-F).

450. American Indian and Indigenous Cinema (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of GE Foundation requirements, one or more Explorations courses, and upper division standing.
Examines American Indian and Indigenous self-representation in film. Focus on the history and theory of "Fourth World" cinema production.
Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as AIS 450. Not open to students with credit in AIS 450.

454. Italian Cinema (3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Historical and critical examination of Italian cinema.
Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as ITAL 454. Not open for credit to students with credit in ITAL 454. (2 hrs seminar, 2 hrs activity)

456. French Cinema (3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Historical and critical examination of French cinema.
Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as FREN 456. Not open for credit to students with credit in FREN 456. (2 hrs sem, 2 hrs activity)

457. German Cinema (3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
Acquaint students with art of the medium, and history of German film, particularly as it is realized through work of the artist most responsible for its success or failure, in this case, the director.
Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as GERM 480. Not open for credit to students with credit in GERM 480. (2 hrs sem, 2 hrs activity)

458. Russian Cinema (3)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Focuses on socio-political and aesthetic aspects of Russian Cinema, delineating following periods: Soviet Silent Cinema, Stalinist Cinema, Cinema under Thaw, Cinema under Brezhnev and contemporary cinema.
Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as RUSS 428. Not open for credit to students with credit in RUSS 428. (2 hrs sem, 2 hrs activity)

460. Spanish Cinema (3)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Focus on socio-political and asthetic aspects of Spanish Cinema, concentrating on the following periods. Early Francoism, Neo-Realism, The Barcelona School, the Transition Period, post Franco Years, and new trends in Spanish Cinema.
Taught in English. Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as SPAN 428. Not open for credit to students with credit in FEA 392E or SPAN 428.

462. East Asian Cinemas (3)

Prerequisite(s): FEA 205
Historical and critical examination of cinemas of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.
Letter grade only (A-F).

464. Middle Eastern Cinemas (3)

Prerequisite: FEA 205 or consent of instructor.
Historical and critical examination of cinemas of the Middle East and North Africa, including Israel, the Arab world, Turkey, and Iran.
Letter grade only (A-F).

486. Alternative Media (3)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, one or more Explorations courses, and upper-division standing. A score of 11 or higher on the GWAR Placement Examination, or completion of the necessary portfolio course required as a prerequisite for GWAR Writing Intensive Capstones.
Critical study of censorship and suppression of information in mainstream media by governmental and corporate entities. Focus on importance of freedom of information and access to diverse viewpoints. Students research environmental, multicultural, peace, and other issues utilizing alternative media.

490./590. Selected Topics in Film and Electronic Arts (3)

Prerequisite: Major status.
Topics of current interest in radio-television-film selected for intensive development.
Letter grade only (A-F). May be repeated to a maximum of 9 units with different topics; only 6 units may be applied toward the B.A. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes.

492. Internship (3)

Prerequisites: Senior standing in major or consent of instructor.
Students intern with cooperating media facilities.
Credit/No Credit grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units. (6 hours lab)

498./598. Advanced Seminar (3)

Prerequisites: FEA 299 with a "C" or better and senior standing in the FEA major.
Intensive study of significant issues in film and electronic media.
Letter grade only (A-F).

499./599. Special Projects in Film and Electronic Arts (1-3)

Prerequisites: Major status, FEA 299 with a "C" or better.
Research into an area of special interest to the student, culminating in a research paper or production. Productions will be limited by equipment and facilities available during any term.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units.


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