Cinematic Arts (CCA)

CCA 103. Survey of Motion Pictures. 3 Credit Hours.

Examination of the aesthetic, social, and economic aspects of the motion picture industry. Concentration on the present state of the medium with particular emphasis on future trends.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 113. Documentary Approaches. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will explore the varied forms and narrative approaches used in contemporary documentary filmmaking to understand the position of the filmmaker as a storyteller.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 126. Introduction to Screenwriting. 3 Credit Hours.

Creation and formatting of narrative material for motion pictures. Emphasis on writing the short film.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 151. Introduction to Digital Filmmaking. 3 Credit Hours.

This is the introductory class in digital filmmaking. Students make short films using digital equipment to develop an understanding of the motion picture as a creative expression and a tool of communication. Lectures and laboratories acquaint the student with the basic techniques of filmmaking.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 206. History of International Cinema. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an examination of the origin and history of the motion picture. Narrative and non-fiction genres, in the American and World Cinemas, from 1890 to the present are discussed.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 229. Foundation of TV Writing. 3 Credit Hours.

Understanding teleplay writing through the reading of produced scripts in sub-genres of comedy and drama. Creation and formatting of narrative material for episodic series.
Prerequisite: CCA 126.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 251. Motion Picture Workshop: Storytelling. 3 Credit Hours.

This course follows the introductory CCA151. This class covers the dynamics of dramatic structure and the practice of the grammar of cinematic language (including the use of space, metaphor, camera angle, performance, and transitions.) Students develop pre-visualization skills to enhance narrative clarity; analytical abilities are enhanced through the shared critique of student projects.
Prerequisite: CCA 103 and CCA 151.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 290. Introduction to 2D Animation. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to 2D animation introduces the student to the fundamentals of animation language. This course presents and explores techniques used to animate including: motion graphics, conceptualization, storyboarding, shot language, editing styles, narrative structure, creating characters, and bringing those characters to life.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 294. Special Topics in Cinematic Arts. 3 Credit Hours.

The subject matter of this course corresponds to the announced “Special Topic” of that semester. Please consult the current class schedule for details.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 310. TV and American Culture. 3 Credit Hours.

TV History examines U.S. television and streaming video in historical perspective, not only as industries, but as institutions of cultural identity.
Prerequisite: CCA 103.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 326. Intermediate Screenwriting. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of, and practice in, writing feature length, narrative motion pictures. Development of story line in treatment form, attention to cinematic structure, the development of character, and its presentation on screen is discussed.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 126.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 328. Comedy Writing for Series TV. 3 Credit Hours.

An intermediate course designed to study comedic structure, plotting, character, and technique of writing situation-comedy for established series.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 229.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 329. Writing for Series Television. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the structures and techniques of writing situation-comedy and dramatic series television.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 229.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 330. The Business of Television. 3 Credit Hours.

The Business of Television provides an in-depth examination of contemporary trends in scripted dramatic and comedic content. Students learn how to develop and secure distribution for television shows across all platforms.
Prerequisite: CCA 126 or CCA 329.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 332. Production and Location Sound Recording. 3 Credit Hours.

The Production and Location Sound Recording Course is both a seminar and a workshop that provides a practical and theoretical introduction to recording and mixing dialogue on set. The course explores this process from production recording through the final mix.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 151.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 351. Intermediate Filmmaking. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introduction to intermediate level techniques and methodologies for digital production of all contemporary media genres including narrative, documentary, experimental and music performance. Students will work in crews, collaboratively, with specific assigned roles throughout the production work flow.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 206 and CCA 251 and CCA 353 or CCA 356 or CCA 357 or CCA 395.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 353. Post Production Sound Editing and Design. 3 Credit Hours.

This class develops student skills in the field of sound using Pro-tools software. Post-production sound-editing and design is both a seminar and a workshop that provides a practical and theoretical introduction to sound and its impact on the narrative. The course explores this process from production recording through the final mix.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 355. Essentials of Documentary Film. 3 Credit Hours.

Students produce compelling non-fiction films with a clear point of view. To enhance awareness of documentary storytelling techniques, they will analyze the works of a variety of documentary filmmakers.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 151.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 356. Cinematography. 3 Credit Hours.

This class develops student skills in the field of cinematography. Students learn the cinematographer’s process, from script to screen. The class will complete exercises with camera, lighting, and grip equipment, and participate in discussion of group projects.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 151.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 357. Editing. 3 Credit Hours.

This class develops the student skills in the field of editing. Introduction to the theory and practice of motion picture editing, using Avid software. Short editing assignments are designed to develop students’ understanding of aesthetic and technical considerations in the art of dramatic editing.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 151.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 364. Business of Motion Pictures. 3 Credit Hours.

This class presents an overview of the film business: who creates content and how they do it? Students synthesize information and translate it into a strategic plan for either a business or an individual career path in the entertainment industry.
Pre-Requisite: Sophomore Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 386. Online Writing the Genre Script. 3 Credit Hours.

This is an online course on screenwriting. Students learn to analyze films through the lens of genres (including drama, comedy, horror, romance, sci-fi, and coming of age.) Students both learn to write scripts and to critique genre conceits. This is an asynchronous self-directed course.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 126.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 394. Special Topics in Cinematic Arts. 3 Credit Hours.

This course subject matter varies according to announced special topic. See class schedule for details.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 395. Directing Techniques I. 3 Credit Hours.

This class develops student skills in the field of directing. The craft of directing is taught through performing exercises, camerawork, and readings.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 151.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 401. Nonfiction Film and Digital Media. 3 Credit Hours.

This class offers an examination of American and world nonfiction films and media. Through screenings, research and discussion, students will analyze the various style and genres of nonfiction film.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 402. Global Issues and Filmmaking: An Interdisciplinary Approach. 3 Credit Hours.

A trans-disciplinary approach to study and analyze a variety of complex global Issues such as climate change, human security, globalization, and rise of nationalism while gaining hands-on experience to develop short analytical documentary films about such topics. Prior film-making experience is NOT required
Requisite: Permission of Instructor.
Components: HRK.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 403. Film Directors. 3 Credit Hours.

This class will examine questions of authorship through close readings of films in their historical and social context. We will focus on the work of over a dozen directors, exploring their techniques, cinematic styles, methods and the ideological implications of their films. We consider a diverse range of filmmakers and their representations of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and nationality. This class will be taught in the Harkness Table format, which is student-led and discussion-based. The focus is on dialogue and discussion, placing the impetus on the students to do the work in advance of each class that will lead to interactive and rewarding learning. In addition to viewing films, students will do readings, online, and group assignments as well as short written assignments that help prepare them for active, lively in-class discussion. This course is part of the University of Miami's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP).
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: HRK.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 404. Aspects of Contemporary Cinema. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of contemporary movements in American and world cinemas.
Prerequisite: CCA 206 Or Junior Standing Or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 405. Representations of Sport in Popular Culture. 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents approaches to understanding and contextualizing representations of sports in cinema, television, and digital media. Students gain valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation as they learn to reflect on the various ways sports are portrayed in selected media and popular culture.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 406. Genres. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of selected genres from a variety of critical perspectives. Issues pertaining to methodologies of defining and categorizing film are discussed.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 206 or Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 407. National Cinemas. 3 Credit Hours.

Selected films from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America will be studied in relation to their diverse social, political and cultural contexts.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Summer.

CCA 408. Women, Media, and Popular Culture. 3 Credit Hours.

Examination of film, media, and gender representation from the perspective of feminist theory and cultural studies. Students explore the many ways that women have been portrayed, and how they have portrayed themselves, within popular culture.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 409. Legal Aspects of Motion Pictures. 3 Credit Hours.

The law, contracts, and negotiating techniques of the business affairs aspects of the production of motion pictures.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 364 Requisite: Junior Status.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 413. Race and/as Media. 3 Credit Hours.

This class critically examines how screen and audio-visual media (including film, video, television, radio, internet) mediate race and ethnicity and how race and ethnicity mediate screen and audio-visual media with a primary focus on materials produced in the United States. Using humanities approaches including historical inquiry, cultural interpretation, first-person essay, primary source research, and close textual analysis, topics will focus on representations and debates within mainstream cinema, art, and/or alternative media.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 414. Blackness and American Television. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the sites of production, reception, representation, and industry as related to black televisual images from the 1950s to today.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 416. Film History Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

In the history of world cinema, there have been a number of movements or schools that have had a significant impact. Each semester this course is offered, it will focus on three such cinematic movements or schools. Representative films will be studied in relation to their diverse historical, social, cultural and political contexts.
Prerequisite: CCA 206 Or Junior Standing Or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 417. Queer Media Studies. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the history and development of U.S. LGBT media by focusing on media production, sociocultural context, media reception, texts.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 418. Seminar in Documentary Film History: Cinéma-vérité. 3 Credit Hours.

The primary focus of this course will be on the half-century old school or tradition of documentary filmmaking associated with the terms “Cinéma-vérité” and “direct cinema”. Through close analysis of selected classic and contemporary documentaries, the class will explore their historical significance, their aspirations and achievements as films, and their ways of addressing the aesthetic, epistemological, political and moral issues that inevitably arise when filmmakers take their sync-sound camera into the world and undertake to film life as it is really lived.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 419. Seminar in Documentary Production. 3 Credit Hours.

The Seminar in Documentary Production is an advanced documentary class for SoC students who want to polish an existing project or develop a new project based on a detailed proposal.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 355 or CCA 458 or JMM 541 or Permission of Instructor.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 422. Writing for the Screen through Editing. 3 Credit Hours.

This course advances student's understanding of the unique structure of narrative for documentary and other non-fiction forms through the simultaneous exploration of screenwriting and screen editing.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 426. Advanced Screenwriting. 3 Credit Hours.

A continuation of CCA 326. Study of, and practice in, writing feature length, fictional narrative motion picture scripts. Attention is given to cinematic structure, the development of character, and its presentation on the screen. Emphasis is placed on bringing the script to a completed draft.
Prerequisite: CCA 326.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 428. Advanced TV Writing: Comedy. 3 Credit Hours.

An advanced course designed to study comedic concepts, structure, plotting, character, and technique of writing situation-comedy and single camera comedy for original pilots.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 328.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 429. Advanced TV Writing. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores how to create, format, and write the original Television Pilot and treatment. The class will cover TV pilot format, length, structure as well as techniques in creating TV characters and situations for both comedy an d dramatic episodic TV.
Prerequisite: CCA 329.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 431. Critical Studies in American Television. 3 Credit Hours.

This course familiarizes students with critical approaches to American television, focusing on how television's generic, narrative, aesthetic, and ideological structures have developed and changed over time.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 206 or CCA 329 or Junior Standing or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 451. Advanced Filmmaking Workshop. 3 Credit Hours.

Students hone their skills and collectively produce a final polished film.
Prerequisite: CCA 351.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 455. Science Documentary: Autism. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will be exposed to both the history and cutting-edge research surrounding autism spectrum disorder. Students will connect with people in the local community – to lend these issues a face and context. This course brings together student citizens across science, communication, and education to collaborate on content intended to reach audiences on multiple platforms.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 456. Advanced Cinematography. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced work with camera, lighting, and grip equipment on exercises and projects.
Prerequisite: CCA 356.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 457. Advanced Editing. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced concepts in aesthetics and theories of picture and sound editing, mixing, color correction, and finishing techniques.
Prerequisite: CCA 357.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 458. Documentary Production. 3 Credit Hours.

Students produce two short digital documentaries and explore various approaches to the documentary film.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 151.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 462. Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution. 3 Credit Hours.

Students study economic and marketing concepts pertaining to the production and distribution of motion pictures.
Prerequisite: CCA 364.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 465. Creative Producing. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will discover what their creative voice is as a producer; sharpen their communication skills (networking, pitching, coverage & notes); and will learn the nuts and bolts of what a producer does.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 364 Requisite: Junior Status.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 469. Motion Picture Internship. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Internships provide valuable experiences in a professional setting (such as a business, organization, or institution.) Students will identify and pursue opportunities based on growth potential and advancing professional goals. All internships must be approved by a faculty advisor who will oversee the experience.
Pre-Requisite: Sophomore Standing or Higher.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 480. Inside the Entertainment Industry. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to give a creative and business overview across the wide range of careers that exist in the modern, studio-based and independent entertainment industry via weekly seminars led by invited professionals, project workshops, and presentations.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 489. Projects in Screenwriting. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Independent Studies are voluntary agreements between individual faculty members and individual students, in which students complete original creative work or directed research. Since, Independent Study is intended to expand a student’s work beyond the regular curriculum, it may not be used to duplicate course offerings. In order to register for the course, students must seek the agreement of a faculty mentor, complete the Independent Study Contract, and secure the approval of the Department Chair prior to enrolling. In order to receive a grade for this course, students must submit all the required materials to their faculty mentors by the last official day of classes in the semester in which they are enrolled. Faculty mentors must submit their grade to the Department Chair by the last official day of the semester in which the student enrolled.
Requisite: Sophomore Standing or higher.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 490. Intermediate Animation and VFX. 3 Credit Hours.

Lectures and laboratory work are designed to acquaint the student with techniques of animation. Digital equipment and several programs/software are used to develop an understanding of animation as a creative tool of communication, expression, and storytelling.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 290.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 494. Special Topics in Cinematic Arts. 3 Credit Hours.

Prescribed study and supervised work with practitioners in motion pictures.
Requisite: Sophmore Status And Cumulative GPA 2.5.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 499. Projects and Directed Research. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Independent Studies are voluntary agreements between individual faculty members and individual students, in which students complete original creative work or directed research. Since, Independent Study is intended to expand a student’s work beyond the regular curriculum, it may not be used to duplicate course offerings. In order to register for the course, students must seek the agreement of a faculty mentor, complete the Independent Study Contract, and secure the approval of the Department Chair prior to enrolling. In order to receive a grade for this course, students must submit all the required materials to their faculty mentors by the last official day of classes in the semester in which they are enrolled. Faculty mentors must submit their grade to the Department Chair by the last official day of the semester in which the student enrolled.
Requisite: Sophomore Standing or higher.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 514. Motion Picture Studio. 3 Credit Hours.

Students polish their final cuts for film festival submissions, professional consideration, and portfolio.
Motion Picture Major and Senior Standing.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 523. Advanced 3D Character Design and Motion Capture. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the 3D game art development pipeline from modeling, texturing, rigging and animation to motion capture, and special effects.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 526. Adaptation. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will examine the craft and techniques of adapting sources such as novels, short stories, plays, articles, comic books, Shakespeare to the screen.
Prerequisite: CCA 126.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 551. Advanced Motion Graphics and Compositing. 3 Credit Hours.

Extend the 2D skills of students who have taken CCA 550 to 3D motion graphics and animation. Emphasis on title design and animation.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 553. Advanced Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced marketing considerations in the distribution of motion pictures.
Prerequisite: CCA 462.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 566. Character and Dialogue. 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of the craft and techniques of creating original characters and dialogue.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 126.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 594. Special Topics in Cinematic Arts. 3 Credit Hours.

This course subject matter varies according to announced special topic. See class schedule for details.
Pre-Requisite: Junior Standing.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 595. Directing Techniques II. 3 Credit Hours.

To build a more advanced set of professional skills and practices through scene work, shooting, and collaboration.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 251.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 601. Principles of Aesthetics and Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.

Provides graduate students with introductory immersion in aesthetics, analysis, and history of film and media.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 602. Global Issues and Filmmaking. 3 Credit Hours.

A trans-disciplinary approach to study and analyze a variety of complex global Issues such as climate change, human security, globalization, and rise of nationalism while gaining hands-on experience to develop short analytical documentary films about such topics. Prior film-making experience is NOT required.
Components: HRK.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 603. Film Directors. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will address the conditions of authorship in film through an intensive study of the films of two or more directors, whose careers will serve as case studies. These directors will be historically important and their work will represent significant achievements in the art of film.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 604. Aspects of Contemporary Cinema. 3 Credit Hours.

The study of the ways in which film communicates. Intensive analysis and criticism of cinematic techniques exemplified through particular films.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 606. Genres. 3 Credit Hours.

A study of selected movie genres from a variety of critical perspectives. Issues pertaining to selfhood, sexual difference, and other concerns of present-day film criticism will be examined.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 608. National Cinemas. 3 Credit Hours.

Selected films from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America will be studied in relation to their diverse social/political and cultural contexts.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Summer.

CCA 609. Legal Aspects of Motion Pictures. 3 Credit Hours.

The law, contracts, and negotiating techniques of the business affairs aspects of the production of motion pictures.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 610. Foundation of Screenwriting. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the fundamental skill set necessary to manipulate the basic elements of cinematic writing. The course will investigate common dramatic elements found in all screenplays as well as teach format principles of feature, TV and emerging media scripts.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 611. Writing the Short Film. 3 Credit Hours.

Students write a 15 – 30 page script suitable for an MFA project, focusing on concept, content, story structure and character development.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 612. Write for TV. 3 Credit Hours.

The course will explore the art and craft required to write a "spec" Television episode. The course will explore how TV writing differs from feature writing and how the TV writer/producer business model works. By the end of the course the student will have finished an hour-long "spec" script for an existing TV show or a two-part sitcom teleplay.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 610 or CCA 611.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 613. Race and/as Media. 3 Credit Hours.

This class critically examines how screen and audio-visual media (including film, video, television, radio, internet) mediate race and ethnicity and how race and ethnicity mediate screen and audio-visual media with a primary focus on materials produced in the United States. Using humanities approaches including historical inquiry, cultural interpretation, first-person essay, primary source research, and close textual analysis, topics will focus on representations and debates within mainstream cinema, art, and/or alternative media.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 614. Blackness and American Television. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the sites of production, reception, representation, and industry as related to black televisual images from the 1950s to today.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 617. Queer Media Studies. 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the history and development of U.S. LGBT media by focusing on media production, sociocultural context, media reception, texts.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 618. Seminar in Documentary Film History: Cinéma-vérité. 3 Credit Hours.

The primary focus of this course will be on the half-century old school or tradition of documentary filmmaking associated with the terms “Cinéma-vérité” and “direct cinema”. Through close analysis of selected classic and contemporary documentaries, the class will explore their historical significance, their aspirations and achievements as films, and their ways of addressing the aesthetic, epistemological, political and moral issues that inevitably arise when filmmakers take their sync-sound camera into the world and undertake to film life as it is really lived.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 619. Seminar in Documentary Production. 3 Credit Hours.

The Seminar in Documentary Production is an advanced documentary class for SoC students who want to polish an existing project or develop a new project based on a detailed proposal.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 620. Cinematography. 3 Credit Hours.

This hands-on course provides students with the aesthetic and technical aspects of professional concepts and techniques in film and digital media cinematography.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 621. Narrative Production. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to film and digital production techniques for narrative projects. Students will develop an awareness of group process and social purpose as they produce a short film.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 622. Writing for the Screen through Editing. 3 Credit Hours.

Taught in collaboration by a screenwriter and a screen editor, this course advances students' understanding of the unique structure of narrative for documentary and other non-fiction forms through the simultaneous exploration of screenwriting and screen editing.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 623. Advanced 3D Character Design. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the 3D game art development pipeline from modeling, texturing, rigging and animation to motion capture, and special effects.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 626. Adaptation. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will examine the craft and techniques of adapting sources such as novels, short stories, plays, articles comic books, and public domain material such as Shakespeare to the screen.
Prerequisite: CCA 610 or CCA 611.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 629. Nonfiction Film. 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of American and world nonfiction films.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 630. Introduction to Editing. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the theory and practice of motion picture editing. Short editing assignments are designed to develop students' understanding of aesthetic, and technical considerations in the art of dramatic editing.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 632. Production and Location Sound Recording. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with in-depth exploration into the use of creative sound recording techniques and post-production sound design. Students acquire the skills necessary to utilize audio equipment effectively in production and especially on location while advancing their understanding of the post-production sound process.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 655. Science Documentary: Autism. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will be exposed to both the history and cutting-edge research surrounding autism spectrum disorder. Students will connect with people in the local community – to lend these issues a face and context. This course brings together student citizens across science, communication, and education to collaborate on content intended to reach audiences on multiple platforms.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 658. Documentary Production. 3 Credit Hours.

Students produce two short digital documentaries and explore various narrative approaches to the documentary film.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 660. Directing the Actor. 3 Credit Hours.

Students learn to direct (including text analysis, characterization, visualization, design, intention, and rehearsal.) As a crucial part of this process, students will learn methods to articulate their ideas to actors and film crew.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 666. Character and Dialogue. 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of the craft and techniques of creating original characters and dialogue.
Prerequisite: CCA 610.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 670. The Independent Producer. 3 Credit Hours.

Beyond covering the role of the producer, this hands-on class offers students a place to workshop their thesis projects. Students will brand themselves or their company and leave with a packaged project ready to take to market.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 680. Inside the Entertainment Industry. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to give a creative and business overview across the wide range of careers that exist in the modern, studio-based and independent entertainment industry via weekly seminars led by invited professionals, project workshops, and presentations.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 686. Online Writing the Genre Script. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will prepare and complete the first act of a feature-length screenplay or will commence the re-write of an existing screenplay. This is an asynchronous self-directed course.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 610.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 694. Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution. 3 Credit Hours.

Economic and marketing considerations in the production and distribution of motion pictures.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 695. Advanced Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced marketing considerations in the distribution of motion pictures.
Prerequisite: CCA 694.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 696. Directing Techniques II. 3 Credit Hours.

To build a more advanced set of professional skills and practices through scene work, shooting, and collaboration.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 697. Topics in Film Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.

Content varies by semester. Topics such as Film Directors, National Cinemas, Silent Film, Contemporary Cinema. Course may be repeated for credit if content varies.
Requisite: Graduate Standing.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 707. Pedagogy and Film. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers a range of traditions in pedagogy, including history, theory, and practical applications. Intended for those who are currently teaching—or who intend to teach—at the college level, the course provides grounding in foundational approaches as well as a familiarity with recent research advancements in pedagogy.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 710. Writing the Feature-Length Screenplay. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of and practice in writing feature-length, narrative motion picture scripts. Focus is placed on cinematic structure and presentation of character. Classes will generally be conducted as follows: a discussion of screenplay craft, an in-depth analysis of various films from the writer’s POV, and a critique of the various stages of your fellow student screenplays as they evolve throughout the semester.
Prerequisite: CCA 610.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 727. Scriptwriting. 3 Credit Hours.

Study of and practice in writing feature-length, narrative motion picture scripts. Focus is placed on cinematic structure and presentation of character.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 730. Advanced Editing. 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of the art and techniques of post-production designed for students completing advanced motion picture projects. Lectures, group discussions and screenings. Emphasis on rhythm, dramatic moments, character arcs, symbolic vs. thematic editing, elements of sound editing, sound design, and professional mastering standards. This class is designed to develop editorial skills that will prepare students for professional careers in editing. In-depth examination of effects and sound palettes of the Avid Media Composer, as well as a discussion of how to integrate visual effects from external applications. Finishing and mastering techniques for a variety of mediums as well as a reel building will be covered.
Prerequisite: CCA 630.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 740. Sound Design. 3 Credit Hours.

Sound Design, taught as both a seminar and a workshop, provides a practical and theoretical introduction to sound and its function in the narrative moving image process. The course utilizes professional environments in which to instruct the basics of sound editing, studio recording and mixing, as practiced in the film industry.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.

CCA 750. From Script to Screen. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced production concepts and techniques explored in a variety of media. Students will produce an approved film or script. The class will explore the language of motion picture and how this language is utilized in the story telling process. Knowledge of both the practical and aesthetic aspects of film will be stressed at all times.
Pre-Requisite: CCA 610 or CCA 611.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.

CCA 752. Advanced Cinematography. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced technical and photographic principles begun in CMP 651. Preparation for the filming of the MFA project film.
Prerequisite: CCA 620.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.

CCA 761. Directing the Camera. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to directing actors in low budget, independent films utilizing traditional, modern and evolving directorial techniques used by independent and traditional film makers: analyzing and orchestrating scripted material, developing a directorial concept, creating indelible characterizations, building a visual image, auditioning and casting the talent, blocking and directing the untrained amateur or highly skilled professional actor.
Components: WKS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.

CCA 794. Motion Picture Internship. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Prescribed study and supervised work with practitioners in motion pictures.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 795. Special Topics in Motion Pictures. 3 Credit Hours.

This course subject matter varies according to announced special topic. See class schedule for details.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 799. Advanced Projects and Directed Research. 1-3 Credit Hours.

Independent Studies are voluntary agreements between individual faculty members and individual students, in which students complete original creative work or directed research. Since, Independent Study is intended to expand a student’s work beyond the regular curriculum, it may not be used to duplicate course offerings. In order to register for the course, students must seek the agreement of a faculty mentor, complete the Independent Study Contract, and secure the approval of the Department Chair prior to enrolling. In order to receive a grade for this course, students must submit all the required materials to their faculty mentors by the last official day of classes in the semester in which they are enrolled. Faculty mentors must submit their grade to the Department Chair by the last official day of the semester in which the student enrolled.
Components: IND.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

CCA 815. MFA Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours.

The focus is on completing the culminating thesis project, in consultation with the student’s selected committee and thesis chair.
Components: THI.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.