Course Outline for Film 89
Special Studies in Film

Effective: Fall 2009
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

FILM 89 - Special Studies in Film

0.50 - 5.00 Units

May be repeated 3 time(s)
Individual projects in Digital Video (DV) film production at the intermediate to advanced level. Development of knowledge and skills acquired in previous or current work with emphasis on current projects involving writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording/sound design, lighting, art direction, production design, editing, or some combination of these.
Prerequisite: Two of the following courses, FILM 14, FILM 15, FILM 16.
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Laboratory 0.50 - 5.00 27.00 - 270.00 0.00 27.00 - 270.00
Total 0.50 - 5.00 27.00 - 270.00 0.00 - 0.00 27.00 - 270.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. plan a DV film project and carry out the plan;
  2. demonstrate refinement of existing technical skills and acquisition of new skills in writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording/sound design, lighting, art direction, production design, and/or editing;
  3. make use of input from other people (such as instructors, clients, and fellow students) to continually improve and refine a project as it progresses.
Course Content:
  1. Planning a DV film project, including setting goals and devising practical strategies for reaching those goals
  2. Research skills and self-training techniques for independently learning skills in writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording/sound design, lighting, art direction, production design, editing, and other DV film areas as technology advances
  3. Making use of, and incorporating applicable advice and criticism from people who have experience with similar projects
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Computer and other technology demonstrations
  2. Laboratory
  3. One-on-one meetings with the instructor
  4. Selected readings and audiovisual materials
  5. Seminars, conferences, and festivals
  6. Small-group discussions
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Write a project proposal for a narrative or documentary DV film.
  2. Create a plan and schedule for completing the proposed project.
  3. Submit interim reports to the instructor on project progress.
  4. Test the project with impartial audiences and document their responses.
  1. Periodic progress reports
  2. Observation by instructor
  3. Presentation and evaluation of final project(s)
  4. Peer critiques
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate refinement of existing technical skills and acquisition of new skills in writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording/sound design, lighting, art direction, production design, and/or editing.
  2. Make use of input from other people (such as instructors, clients, and fellow students) to continually improve and refine a project as it progresses.
  3. Plan a DV film project and carry out the plan.
Textbooks (Typical):
  • DV camera with Firewire
  • Portable external Firewire hard drive
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Prerequisite: Two of the following courses, FILM 14, FILM 15, FILM 16.