Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	10/02/2024
Top Code	061210 - Film History and Criticism
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	Yes
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of film history, criticism, and aesthetics through the director's perspective, tracing the evolution of directing from the silent era to contemporary cinema. Students will analyze diverse directorial styles across various genres and historical periods, critically assess films through theoretical frameworks, and investigate aesthetic elements such as mise-en-scene, cinematography, and editing. The course also examines directors' contributions from different cultural and historical contexts, highlighting their influence on global cinematic trends and cultural narratives. Designed for Film & Television majors and students with a strong interest in film, the course includes lectures, readings, film viewings, discussions, and a range of assignments and projects. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Explore how key historical facts, technological advancements, and trends in film history have influenced directorial choices and shaped the evolution of cinematic storytelling. Analyze this exploration into meaningful observations throughout the class.
2. Examine the contributions of key directors and their representative styles throughout film history. Class discussions and assignments highlight how these approaches have impacted cinematic techniques, storytelling, and the evolution of film as an art form.
3. Investigate the differences among various film genres from a director's perspective. Demonstrate how directors adapt their techniques and stylistic choices to convey each genre's unique characteristics and themes effectively.

Course Objectives

• 1. Analyze and evaluate the influence of directors from diverse cultural, historical, and creative backgrounds by comparing and contrasting their contributions to cinema. Synthesize insights to explore the global impact on the evolution of film.
• 2. Investigate and evaluate key milestones in the history of film directing, identifying significant events that shaped the profession. Analyze the development of the Directors Guild of America, synthesizing its role in advancing directors' rights and shaping industry standards.
• 3. Critically examine and evaluate diverse directing styles and approaches across various categories, including classic, contemporary, and international cinema, as well as emerging fields like music video and live event directing. Synthesize insights to understand how these styles shape the creative and technical dimensions of the director's role.
• 4. Analyze and evaluate the defining characteristics of various film genres, including Westerns, Science Fiction, Film Noir, and Musicals. Investigate how directors influence and shape these genres, synthesizing insights into the creative choices that distinguish genre filmmaking.
• 5. Investigate the origins and evolution of film genres such as Animation and Documentary. Analyze their broader influence on the filmmaking process, evaluating how these genres have shaped both creative practices and audience perceptions over time.
• 6. Participate in discussions that analyze and evaluate artists' rights, considering how various perspectives?cultural, legal, and creative?have influenced the evolving role of the director. Synthesize diverse viewpoints to understand the director's position within the broader artistic and industry context.
• 7. Critically assess the social, political, and technological factors that have influenced the evolution of directing styles over time. Apply this knowledge to interpret how directors respond to and shape cultural narratives through their films.
• 8. Evaluate the impact of diverse global filmmaking traditions on contemporary directing practices. Apply this understanding to compare how directors from different cultural backgrounds approach storytelling and visual expression.

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Lecture Content

Introduction to Film Directing Overview of the director s role in filmmaking Historical context of film directing Silent Era Early pioneers: D.W. Griffith, Sergei Eisenstein Innovations in narrative and technique Influence of silent cinema on modern directing Classical Hollywood Era Key directors: Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, Orson Welles Development of genre conventions (e.g., Noir, Westerns) Impact of studio systems on directing styles Post-War and International Cinema Influential directors: Akira Kurosawa, Federico Fellini, Jean-Luc Godard Emergence of new wave movements (e.g., French New Wave, Italian Neorealism) Global contributions and their impact on directing New Hollywood and Independent Cinema Key figures: Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola Innovations in storytelling and technical approaches Rise of independent filmmakers and their influence Contemporary Directing Trends Modern directors: Quentin Tarantino, Greta Gerwig, Bong Joon-ho Exploration of new media and formats (e.g., streaming, virtual reality) Trends in diverse and inclusive storytelling Emerging Fields and Genres Directing in music videos, commercials, and live events The role of directors in new technological environments (e.g., digital filmmaking, motion capture) Case Studies In-depth analysis of selected directors and their significant works Comparative studies of direct orial styles and thematic elements across eras The Director s Perspective Exploration of the director s creative process and decision-making Understanding the director s impact on film genres and industry trends

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
• DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Presentations and lectures Screenings Instructor-led class discussions

Reading Assignments

Reading from assigned books, handouts and trade publications regarding specific directors or genres. 3 hours a week

Writing Assignments

Film and directorial analysis Written discussions Paper or presentation on an assigned director. 2 hours a week

Out-of-class Assignments

Written discussions and papers regarding specific directors or film genres. 2 hour a week

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Tests, film quizzes, film review paper.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Written film reviews and discussions.

Eligible Disciplines

Film studies: Master's degree in film, drama/theater arts, or mass communication OR bachelor's degree in any of the above AND master's degree in media studies, English, or communication OR the equivalent. Master's degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Andy Tuohy. A-Z Great Film Directors, 1 ed. Cassell, 2022

Other Resources

1. Selected handouts and scripts will be provided by instructor.