ENGL 447 - Film Criticism

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-C
Study of films that focus on the work of U. S. and international writer-directors, emphasizing characterization, themes, cinematic techniques, and application of film theory and criticism.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area D1-3 requirements.
Prerequisites: Completion of G.E. areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C-/CR or better.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground, or Entirely Online, or Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-C - Upper Division Arts or Humanities
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

articulate informed ideas about the development of cinematic practices in the US and abroad;
identify film techniques and structures using key terms of film analysis;
explain the terminology and underlying assumptions of major branches of film criticism and theory;
critique strengths and weaknesses of different theories and their uses in film criticism;
use at least one theoretical perspective to analyze a film in a clear thesis-driven essay.

UD-C. Upper-division Arts or Humanities Learning Outcomes

demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the principles, methodologies, value systems, and thought processes employed in the arts and humanities;
analyze cultural production as an expression of, or reflection upon, what it means to be human; and
demonstrate how the perspectives of the arts and humanities are used by informed, engaged, and reflective citizens to benefit local and global communities.