Courses That Count for Film Studies Concentration
Interim and Semester II 2011

 

Fall 2012

GERM 249: German Cinema (in English)

A survey of German films from Caligari (1919) to The Counterfeiters (2008), this course examines 20th-century German history through the lens of Germany's most renowned films. Students develop analytical and critical skills in "reading" films as cultural products and as cinematic works of art. The course focuses on the increasing social and political importance of mass media for understanding the past.

 

German 249L .25 credit FLAC section available

 

Interim 2013

 

Spring 2013

FILM STUDIES 201
How has American film reflected and shaped American lives?  This
course will explore both classic and contemporary Hollywood cinema in
its artistic, cultural,  technological and economic contexts. Films
studied will range from silent movie classics. screwball comedy, film
noir and the Hollywood musical through the work of Scorsese, Coppola,
and Spielberg.   In addition to assigned reading and writing, students
will be required to watch two films per week, one of them at a formal
screening on Monday evenings.

 

German 250: Speaking German

This course is designed to teach speaking strategies and bring students to an Intermediate-High level of oral proficiency through practice in everyday communication such as telling stories, giving reports, and organizing social events. The course focuses on higher-order functions such as paragraph-length narration, presenting opinions, small group discussion, and formal presentations, as well as interviews, debates, and regular group conversations with classroom guests and speakers. Taught in German. May be counted toward German major or German studies concentration. Prerequisite: German 232 or equivalent.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interim 2012

 

ASIAN 144: Japanese and Korean Cultures Through Film (Topics)

Students learn about Japanese and South Korean culture through the study of film. By watching and discussing a wide variety of films from these countries, students both gain insight into these societies and acquire the skills of critical film analysis. They also consider the implications of viewing subtitled films and explore the use of film as a mode of communication and language acquisition. Offered every other year.

 

GERM 249: German Cinema (in English)

A survey of German films from Caligari (1919) to The Counterfeiters (2008), this course examines 20th-century German history through the lens of Germany's most renowned films. Students develop analytical and critical skills in "reading" films as cultural products and as cinematic works of art. The course focuses on the increasing social and political importance of mass media for understanding the past.

 

Media 220: Cybercultures

Description forthcoming.

 

PHYS 252: Musical Acoustics (Applied)

This course offers an introduction to the physics of sound waves, the biological, physical and psychological origins of sound perception, and the synthesis of sounds and sound production in different instruments. Students explore these topics, as well as sound recording and reproduction systems, through lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments, and student presentations. Prerequisite: proficiency in algebra and geometry. No musical experience necessary. Offered during interim.

 

Semester II, 2012

 

ART 205: Photography (Applied)

This course introduces students to analog and digital photographic processes as means for creating works of art. Students learn terminology and critical approaches to photography. The course includes presentations on concepts and photographers' works, discussions of articles, and regular critiques. Students are introduced to the history of the medium through presentations, readings, and hands-on work such as constructing a camera obscura. Students develop critical skills and the ability to analyze and interpret photographic work. Materials fee. Offered each semester. Credit will not be given for both Art 124 and Art 205.

 

ART 238: Intermed Photography (Applied)

In this intermediate photography course, students explore a variety of techniques and topics. Techniques include historic processes such as cyanotype and salted paper printing, digital photography, large-scale color printing, and traditional black and white photography. Students investigate experimental approaches and nontraditional forms for presentation, and they investigate photography from broad historical, aesthetic, and social perspectives. This course includes field trips, readings, discussion, and slide presentations. Prerequisites: Art 104 or 205 or 124 or permission of instructor. Materials fee. Offered annually.

 

ART 240: Creating Visual Spectacle (Applied)

The boundaries between the fine arts disciplines of visual art, music, dance, and theater are now seen as completely permeable. This course allows students to combine visual art-making with movement, sound, and performance to create visual spectacle. The course is organized around a theme or text set each year by the instructor. The course emphasizes process and collaboration and incorporates readings, discussion, critiques, field trips, guest artists, and studio practice. Prerequisites: At least one full credit (or equivalent) in art, dance, music, or theater. Offered occasionally.

 

ENGL 275: Literature & Film (Topics)

Students explore the complex relationships between literature and film. How do we translate the verbal into the visual? What can novels do that films cannot and vice versa? Subject matter includes both classic and contemporary fiction and film. Prerequisite: FYW.

 

ENGL 296: Screenwriting (Applied)

Students learn the techniques of screenwriting, including how to write a treatment, to create backstories, and to break down scenes. Each student produces and revises a narrative screenplay. Prerequisite: FYW.

 

FILM 101: Intro to Film Studies

This course provides an overview of film studies by focusing on three areas: history of film, production (the basic tools of film-making), and theory (the basic vocabulary of film analysis). Students develop visual literacy through engagement with the primary structures, methods, practitioners, history, ideas, and vocabularies of film studies.

 

FILM 215: American Film Realism (History/Theory)

This course uses genre criticism and film theory to introduce students to the history of cinematic realism, and to examine the works of contemporary American filmmakers who have returned to realism in an era dominated by special effects and computer generated images. Students learn about the historical antecedents of present-day realism, including neorealism, cinema verité and 1970s American Independent film; then explore the work of contemporary filmmakers such as David Greene, Sofia Coppola, and Kelly Reichardt.

 

FILM 310: Filmmakers/Film Theorists (History/Theory)

What is the relationship between film criticism and filmmaking? How is analysis a critical practice that informs the art and craft of filmmaking? In Filmmakers/Film Theorists we will consider these questions by focusing on film artists who also write film criticism or theory. Some case studies that may be explored include: the American, Soviet, and French avant-garde; the European New Waves, the Dogme ’95 collective, and filmmakers Pier Paolo Pasolini, Agnes Varda, and Robert Bresson. Prerequisite: Film 101.

 

MEDIA 160A: Mass Media (Topics)

This introductory-level course is part of a two-course sequence that encourages students to assess and shape their personal relationship to mass media. Its premise is that we are all, to some extent, uninformed and uncritical consumers of media projects and services rather than conscientious and socially-minded users of them. In this spirit, the course provides a comprehensive historical overview of the various print and electronic media that have shaped, and continue to shape, our lives. By examining the issues that have influenced the development of the mass media, the course considers ideological, cultural, aesthetic and ethical perspectives.

 

MEDIA 260: Media/Contemp Culture (Topics)

This course focuses on contemporary media, primarily film and television, from theoretical and critical perspectives. Primary emphasis is given to the specific identifying characteristics of news, advertising and entertainment media and to how those media serve as forums for cultural negotiation in our society. In particular, attention is paid to how media representations of race, class and gender presently exist as both products and producers of contemporary cultures. Prerequisite: Media Studies 160.

 

MUSIC 223: Composition I (Applied)

Students are introduced to a number of compositional techniques and apply them in creating original works of music and hearing them performed. Participants listen to important 20th- and 21st-century compositions, and discuss current trends in music, the changing role of the composer in society, and practical composition issues. Prerequisites: Music 112/114, or permission of instructor. Generally offered each semester.

 

NORW 130: Nordic Film Today (Topics)

This film course introduces students to contemporary Nordic film. Readings/screenings present a broad spectrum of contemporary issues, along with current critique and theoretical approaches. Topics include: history, culture and society, translation, gender/sexuality, national identity, urbanization, minority issues, etc. Students attain an understanding of these cultural trends and the technical terminology to watch, read, think, talk, and write critically and intelligently about films as text. Taught in English. Offered annually or periodically.

 

THEAT 115: Acting for Non-Majors (Applied)

This studio course is designed as an overview of the acting process for the non major and includes basic acting theories, rehearsal techniques, improvisation, history, and styles. Students explore and practice exercises, scene work, and audition material. The course requires trips to professional theatres in the Twin Cities. A ticket fee is required. This course does not fulfill the acting requirement for the major. Offered each semester.

 

THEAT 130: Intro to Acting (Applied)

This studio course is centered on training the actor's instrument and developing basic acting skills including characterization, vocal production, physical and emotional connection, motivation and ensemble work. Students learn history of actor training from Stanislavski to present. Exercises,improvisation, monologue and scene work are all explored. This course requires trips to professional theatres in the Twin Cities. A ticket fee is required. Offered each semester.

 

THEAT 230: Intermediate Acting (Applied)

A studio course for the student with previous acting experience. Through scene and monologue work students explore text and character analysis as well as the requirements of major theatrical period styles. Students perform regularly throughout the semester. The course requires trips to professional theatres in the Twin Cities. A ticket fee is required. Prerequisites: Theatre 110 or 180, and 130 or 131.

 

THEAT 240: Scenery and Costume Design and Production (Applied)

This course balances the elements of production with the elements of design, focusing on materials, practices, and techniques used to create scenic and costume elements used in live production. The course includes hands-on experience in the scenic and costume studios, and projects in technical drawing, designing, analysis, and research. A course fee is required. Open to majors and non-majors. Prequisite: Theatre 140 is recommended. Offered annually in the spring semester.

 

THEAT 352: Adv Design for Perform (Applied)

This course studies and analyzes the concepts, principles, and techniques of doing visual designs for stage performances and extends the techniques and experiences of design for each student. Students engage in design project work that is theoretical or part of a production in the St. Olaf Theatre season. Students study creating the Design and Production Portfolio, do project work in perceptual drawing and scene painting, and explore digital media applications and techniques for design and production in the performing arts. Pre-requisite: Theatre 140 or 240 or 250. Equivalent experiences or study may quality; see instructor for permission. Offered annually.

 

Top of Page