UMASS COURSES: UNDERGRADUATE
SPRING 2013
Updated 7 November 2012
Note: This guide is a work-in-progress. Course info may be subject to change.
ANTHRO 106 – CULTURE THROUGH FILM
Kevin Anderson Gen. Ed. – G/SB
Lec: T 6:00PM – 9:00PM Cap: 264
Tu, Th 1:00-2:15PM
Discussion Sections:
Fri 9:05-9:55AM
We 9:05-9:55AM
We 10:10-11:00AM
We 11:15AM-12:20PM
Th 11:15-12:05PM
Th 4:00-4:50PM
Th 5:00-5:50PM
Th 6:00-6:50PM
Fri 10:10-11:00AM
Fri 11:15-12:05PM
Fri 12:20-1:10PM (2)
Exploration of different societies and cultures, and of the field of cultural anthropology through the medium of film. Ethnographic and documentary films; focus on gender roles, ethnicity, race, class, religion, politics, and social change. Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
ANTHRO 306 – VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Jacqueline Urla Gen. Ed. – G/SB
Lec: T/TH 11:15AM – 12:30PM Lab: Wed 4:00-6:00PM
This course examines the politics and poetics of visual representation in the field of anthropology, focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on the moving image. We will be critically examining how information about cultural diversity is conveyed through visual images and we will examine the historical contexts and theoretical frameworks that have shaped these images. Students will get an overview of the evolution of ethnographic film, and look at recent examples by minority artists and native peoples using television, film and video and tell their own stories. Our overall goal will be to better understand how visual images contribute to anthropology's project of fostering meaningful cross cultural understanding and communication.
Requirements: 2 take home essay exams, lectures and weekly attendance at screenings and screening reports. Anthro 104, 106 or some film studies background is helpful.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: V
ANTHRO 497VE – VISUAL ETHNOGRAPHY II
Kevin Anderson
T 2:30PM-5:30PM
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IV, V
ART 230 – PHOTOGRAPHY I
TBA Cap: 14
M/W 9:05AM – 11:50AM SAB Rm. 18
Introduction to photographic tools and methods. The balance between self-inquiry and the importance of process and materials as vehicles of meaning. Theory explored through class critiques and slide presentations. Photography examined and discussed both from a personal point of view and in its wider cultural context.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: V
ART 231 – PHOTOGRAPHY II
TBA Cap: 14
M/W 1:25PM – 4:10PM SAB Rm. 240
In-depth exploration of techniques and materials including zone system, large format, and non-silver processes. Slide lectures, discussions, and readings. Prerequisite: ART 230 or consent of instructor.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: V
ART 275 – DIGITAL MEDIA: STILL IMAGE
TBA Cap: 14
M/W 9:05AM – 11:50AM SAB Rm. 16
This course explores the creative possibilities of digital image creation and manipulation. Through demonstrations, creative technical assignments, students explore the digital workflow in independent projects involving sustained inquiry into self selected theme.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: V
ART 384 – COMPUTER ANIMATION II
Janet Benn Cap: 16
M/W 1:25PM – 4:10PM FAC Rm. 447
The second of a two semester sequence. Animation techniques using digital tools as applied to film, video, music and tehcnology. Animation software (Maya) and professional compositing programs are used. Development and design of personal work is stressed. Emphasis is on creativitiy and professionalism. Studio course.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: V
ART 396U – IS-ANIMATION
Frances Merrigan Cap: 5
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: V
ART 431 – PHOTOGRAPHY IV
Susan Jahoda Cap: 14
T/TH 9:30AM – 12:15PM SAB Rm. 240
Course involves a semester long project and an in-depth class presentation called source/resource. Source/resource is about what informs your creative process. Group and individual critiques every week. Satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-Art majors.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IV, V
ART 575 – DIGITAL MEDIA: STILL IMAGE
TBA Cap: 2
M/W 9:05AM – 11:50AM SAB Rm. 16
Explores the creative possibilities of digital image creation and manipulation. Through demonstrations, creative technical assignments, students explore the digital workflow in independent projects involving sustained inquiry into self selected themes.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IV, V
COMM 140- INTRODUCTION TO FILM STUDIES
Gen. Ed. – None Shawn Shimpach Cap: 125 Lec: Tu/Th 2:30-3:45PM Lab: Tu 4:00-6:00PM
Lecture, lab (screening). This course offers an introduction to the study of film as a distinct medium. It introduces the ways in which film style, form, and genre contribute to the meaning and the experience of movies. Topics include film as industrial commodity, narrative and non-narrative form, aspects of style (e.g. composition, cinematography, editing, and sound), and the role of film as a cultural practice. Examples are drawn from new and classic films, from Hollywood and from around the world. This course is intended to serve as a basis for film studies courses you might take in the future. Course Eligibility*: Open to Juniors, Sophomores & Freshmen only. 75 seats are reserved for COMM Majors. Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: I, V
*Course Notes: For students entering UMASS beginning in the Fall 2011 Semester, COMM 140 is one of the two (2) 100-level COMM Subject Area courses that can be used as prerequisites for applying to the COMM major. (The other 100-level COMM prerequisite courses that can be used for applying to the COMM major are COMM 118, COMM 121, COMM 122 and COMM 125). This course was formerly numbered and titled COMM 240: Modes of Film Communication. If you have received credit for taking COMM 240, you will not receive credit for taking this course.
COMM 331 - 01 Program Process In TV
David Maxcy
Lec: Wed 10:10- 11:00 AM
Lab: Mo 1:25-4:25PM
Wed 1:25-4:25PM
Fri 9:05-12:05PM
Cap:36
Lecture and Lab.Introduction to concepts and techniques of television production, through lectures, lab exercises, and guided production projects. All three sections will meet together once a week for a 50-minute lecture with the course director. Each section will then meet once a week for a 3-hour lab session.
Open to Senior, Junior and Sophomore Communication majors only.
Undergraduate UMass Film Certificate category: V
COMM 345 - 01 CONTEMPORARY WORLD CINEMA
Anne Ciecko
Lec: MW 3:35PM - 5:30PM
Machmer Hall room W-26
Cap: 43
This course offers an overview of recent narrative fiction feature filmmaking from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. We will explore political, social, and economic circumstances that impact the production, exhibition, marketing, distribution, and reception of films. We will address the ways contemporary films construct images of nations, nationalism, and national culture(s). Feature films and clips will be screened regularly and analyzed using tools of film criticism and cultural studies.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
COMM 397VV: SPECIAL TOPIC‐ WOMEN IN CINEMAS OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
Demetria Shabazz
Tu Th 1:00pm - 2:15pm
South College 108
Cap: 43
African and black women filmmakers have been active since the early part of the 20th century and currently, there are scores of African and black women who consistently produce film and video works as well as commercial Television programs.
Films made by women of color are constructed in a variety of forms such as animation, documentary, experimental, and narrative. The women also bring a unique perspective to the stories they choose to record. The course will study the representation, authorship, and spectator‐ position of gender, ethnicity and race in relationship to the cinema especially as it applies to the image of Black women.
The course will examine multiple filmic and written works that are influenced by post‐ colonial, post‐ modern, feminist and womanist theories highlighting major events, aesthetic movements, and developments within contemporary cinematic practice.
Open to Senior and Junior Communication majors and others by permission of instructor.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIA, V
COMM 342: HISTORY OF FILM II
Professor: TBA
Lec:Tu/Th 1:00-2:15PM Lab: Th 4:00-6:00PM
Lecture, lab (screening), discussions. A survey of key events and representative films that mark the history of worldwide cinema since 1950. In addition to identifying and providing access to major works, the course is designed to facilitate the study of the various influences -- industrial, technological, aesthetic, social, cultural, and political -- that have shaped the evolution of the medium. (Course capacity is 125)
Course Eligibility*: Open to Seniors, Juniors and Sophomore Communication majors and others by permission of instructor.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIA, V
COMM 433 - 01 ADV. TV PRODUCTION & DIRECTION
David Maxcy
Tu 11:15AM-3:15PM
Cap: 10
Lecture, Studio. Intensive workshop course in advanced concepts and techniques of studio-based television production, with a focus on the direction of live programs. Under the supervision of the instructor, students will produce individual projects in a variety of genres which will be aired on local cable television outlets. Prerequisite: COMM 331 or consent of the instructor.
Prerequisites: COMM 331 or COMM 397B
COMM 441: PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF FILM-STYLE PRODUCTION
Kevin Anderson Gen. Ed. – None
Lec: Wed 1:25-5:25PM Cap: 12
Lecture, studio. Hands-on introduction to single-camera filmmaking using 16mm film cameras and/or digital video camcorders (electronic field production) and non-linear (computer-based) editing. Students learn concepts of pre-production, shot composition, lighting, visual story telling, continuity editing, and production and post-production audio as they plan, shoot, and edit exercises and complete projects Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IV, V
COMM 444: FILM STYLES AND GENRES
Shawn Shimpach
Lec: Tu/Th 11:15-12:30PM Lab: Th 7:00-9:00PM
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, IV, V
COMM 493E: SEMINAR SCREENWRITING Cap: 20
Martin Norden
TuTh 9:30-10:45AM
Lecture, discussion. An examination of the art, craft, and business of screenwriting from theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include screenplay format and structure, story, plot and character development, dialog and scene description, visual storytelling, pace and rhythm, analysis of professional and student scripts and films, and more. Written work includes three screenwriting projects. The focus is on writing for narrative films and, to a limited extent, TV programs.
Course Eligibility*: Open to Senior & Junior Communication majors only.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IV, V
COMP-LIT 383: NARRATIVE AVANT-GARDE FILM
Don Levine
Lec: Mo 3:35PM – 7:00PM and Discussion Section
Lecture, discussion. Explores modern origin of experimentation in film in avant-garde modes such as Expressionism, Surrealism and contemporary results of this heritage. Trying to determine if film is the most resolutely modern of the media. Emphasis on the ways in which Avant-garde films can problematize themselves through the ploys of telling a story. By means of a self-consciousness of story-telling which undermines viewer identification, the drive for closure, the demand for origins and order, and even cause and effect, these avant-garde films restore to playfulness its strength and ambiguity. Requirements: one 5 page paper for midterm; final paper or project; attendance.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIA, V
Five College Film Studies Major category: 6
COMP-LIT 385: RUSSIAN THEMES WORLD CINEMA
Laszlo Dienes
Lec: T 2:30PM – 3:45PM
Lab: M 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Lecture/screening/discussion. A general introduction to the art of cinema through Russian themes in world cinema. We will screen and discuss mostly Western films (American, French, and Italian, but also some Japanese and Indian) inspired by Russian culture, particularly by Russian literary works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Some emphasis may also be placed on selected contemporary themes and on comparisons of Russian and Western approaches to film art. Requirements may include electronic quizzes, film research, papers, and presentations. Prerequisites: none other than an UMass computer account; no prior knowledge of things Russian (language, history, literature) is expected. A significant portion of the course may use resources on the Web; students may be expected to do some of the coursework electronically.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
Five College Film Studies Major category: 5
COMP-LIT 393F S: POLISH FILM
Barbara Bolibok
Wed 4:00-7:00PM
This course is an introduction to classics of Polish cinema. We will watch films by Poland’s best-known film directors to explore their key aesthetic, historical and philosophical concerns. Among directors whose works we will view are Roman Polański, Andrzej Wajda, Jerzy Stuhr, Barbara Sass, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Krzysztof Zanussi, Agnieszka Holland and Dorota Kedzierzawska. Using the analytic language of literature, such as plot, character, setting, point of view, we will consider each film’s narrative content (story) as well as its formal features (its visual poetic). In its theoretical orientation, the course is informed by psychoanalytic theory that draws a parallel between Freud’s ideas about dreaming and the experience of film viewing. We will examine the usefulness of Freud’s structural theory of dreams to our understanding of the constructed nature of the filmic image. We will also consider the importance of key concepts of Lacanian psychoanalysis (“the mirror stage,” the “gaze”) to film theory and the field of cinema studies. In addition to being a visual language, film is an art of performance with its roots in drama. We will read Aristotle’s theory of tragedy and explore its relevance to Polish film. In our class discussion throughout the course, we will try to identify those qualities that give Polish cinematography its distinctiveness.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
Five College Film Studies Major category: 5
GERMAN 304: BERLIN TO HOLLYWOOD Gen. Ed. – AL
Barton Byg
Lec: Tu/Th 1:00-2:15PM Herter Hall 217
Lab: Mo 6:00-10PM Herter Hall 227
German cinema has played an influential role in the development of international film genres since the silent period. The so-called Golden Age of German Expressionist film, partly through the emigration of leading figures, greatly influenced Hollywood filmmaking in many genres: the Western, the gangster film, the horror film, film noir, the animated cartoon, and others. The achievements of early German cinema were also adapted for the purposes of Nazi propaganda and even for advertising. In the Cold War era, East Germany maintained its legacy of studio-based cinema while West Germany's "New German Cinema" became world-renowned for its creative synthesis of a troubled history and the profound influence of Hollywood. In a newly united Germany, as in Europe in general, film and media continue to be arenas of struggle for shaping a national identity in the context of a world media culture dominated by the U.S. Lecture / discussion / Monday screenings. Conducted in English.
Undergraduate Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
Five College Film Studies Major Category: 5
ITALIAN 497CF- THE WINDOW ON THE WORLD: ITALIAN NEO-REALISM AND BEYOND
Andrea Malaguti
Lec: Tu/Th 2:30-3:45PM
Lab: Mo 4:30-6:30PM
This course will be taught in English.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, IV, V
JAPAN 197L – ANIME AND MAGNA
Bruce Baird
M/W/F 1:25PM – 2:15PM
Herter Annex 227
Japan has become a phenomenally successful exporter of pop culture. This course will give students tools to understand Manga and Anime; it will investigate the role Manga and Anime play in Japan; and, it will examine ways that Manga and Anime flow from one place to another. Course is conducted entirely in English.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
Judaic 390I, Popular Cultures in Israel and Palestine
Olga Gershenson
Tu 4:00PM - 6:30PM
Herter Hall room 222
This course will examine Israeli-Palestinian relations through a lens of popular culture in order to give students an understanding of the region beyond news headlines. The topics include cinema, TV, music, sports, food, literature, tourism, and printed and electronic media in Israel and Palestine. The students will learn about major personalities and celebrities in both cultures, as well as about most popular movies, papers, songs, and other cultural products. All readings and film excerpts are in English.
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
PORTUG 408 – BRAZIL IN FILM AND FICTION
Daphne Patai
T/TH 4:00PM – 6:30PM
Introduction to Brazil through contemporary film and literature. (Gen.Ed. AL, G) Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, IV, V
SPANISH 397W – LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA
Jose Ornelas Cap 30
W 3:40-6:20PM
Format: Lecture and discussion
Undergraduate UMass Film Studies Certificate category: IIB, V
The course is designed to introduce students to the cinematic work of some of the most important Latin American directors from the seventies to the present. The course will center on a variety of topics that are vital to the understanding of the most significant political, historical, social and cultural events that have shaped Latin America. Some of the topics to be examined in the class are: racial, gender, sexual and identity issues; nation formation; revolution; immigration; repression; utopia; resistance; violence; freedom and slavery. Students will be expected to develop interpretative filmic skills through an exploration of the connections between the technical composition of the films and the social, political, and cultural context to which each film refers. Films for the course will be chosen from the following list: Camila, The Official Story, The Other Conquest, El hijo de la novia, Bye Bye Brazil, Central Station, Quilombo, City of God, Obstinate Memory, Azúcar Amarga, Guantanamera, Memories of Underdevelopment, Strawberry and Chocolate, Nueba Yol, The Time of the Butterflies, El Norte, Amores Perros, Y tu mamá también, Cabeza de Vaca, Like Water for Chocolate, Herod’s Law, El callejón de los milagros, Danzón, The Oxcart, Ratas, ratones, rateros, The City of the Dogs, Our Lady of the Assassins, Machuca, The Lion’s Den.
Requirements: two short analytical papers, mid-term exam and final paper. Course may be used for Certificate in Film Studies.
See also the Graduate Course guide.
