MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Cinema

Course: THF205

First Term: 2014 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Survey of the history and development of the art of motion pictures, including criticism of aesthetic and technical elements.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the functions and artistic responsibilities of each of the major members of a film crew. (I) 2. Describe and apply principles of aesthetics used in the critical analysis of a film. (I) 3. Identify the technical elements of a film, and explain how those elements are used to stimulate different emotional responses from the audience and to illuminate the lives of characters in film. (I) 4. Describe how the movies reflect and interpret major events in history. (II, III, IV, V, VI) 5. Identify the names and major works of significant filmmakers from the beginning of motion pictures through the present. (II, III, IV, V, VI) 6. Describe the characteristics and representative examples of major genre films, such as horror, gangster, musical, western, and science fiction. (II, III, IV, V, VI) 7. Analyze several significant films to explain the techniques the filmmakers used to express their ideas and values. (II, III, IV, V, VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The Art of the Film A. The creative team B. Aesthetics of film C. Techniques of film II. From the Beginning through the Silent Era A. Major directors B. Major films C. Major trends D. Genre films III. The 1930s through World War II A. Major directors B. Major films C. Major trends D. Genre films IV. The 1940s and 1950s A. Major directors B. Major films C. Major trends D. Genre films V. The 1960s and 1970s A. Major directors B. Major films C. Major trends D. Genre films VI. The 1980s to the Present A. Major directors B. Major films C. Major trends D. Genre films

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: March 25, 2014

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.