Overview

The Department of Cinematic Arts offers a major in Motion Pictures.

A Motion Pictures major selects from the following tracks: Business, Critical Studies, General, Production, Screenwriting or Television Writing.

The business track is intended for students interested in media industries, this track offers an in-depth view from a decision-making perspective. You will learn how content is made, while attaining advanced business skills in many aspects from traditional movie outlets to new distribution opportunities, defined by multi-platforms and omni-channels.

You will discover motives, tactics and tools for content creation as well as strategies for choosing which platform best serves a particular story. This track is an excellent choice for students who strive to think critically about the environment the industry operates in and how it can inform your own business strategy.

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you begin learning through practical, problem-solving based classes from your first semester on.

Internships, extra-curricular organizations, guest master classes, CCA project-based, study-abroad programs and the Semester in Los Angeles Program, give you ample opportunity to further your education in business outside of the classroom.

The critical studies track is for students excited by the study of film and media, and offers the opportunity to consider a wide range of perspectives on culturally, historically, and artistically significant works. You will engage with the aesthetic, political, and moral issues that inevitably arise when closely looking at examples, while broadening your horizons as you learn about the contexts in which they were produced.

You will cultivate analytical, conceptual, communication, and writing skills and gain research tools, all of which provide a strong foundation for media-related fields. Students in the Critical Studies track may go on to pursue graduate study. They are also well-positioned to choose creative careers or work in the media industry.

The general track gives students flexibility and range as well as depth of focus. This track offers a unique edge in today’s expanding technological landscape, providing breadth, versatility, and the advanced skills that will position you to succeed in a number of media careers.

Students select a primary specialization from one of the following areas: production, screenwriting, business, documentary, graphics and animation, or critical studies. Students choose an additional six credits of electives. It is recommended, though not required, that these six electives be chosen from a single area creating a secondary specialization.

Some students prefer not to check just one box as they go along their academic journey. The general track appeals to students who like to step out of the box and customize the cinema major to their individual goals.

The production track is intended for students interested in intensive production, this track offers advanced technical skills in directing, cinematography, editing, sound, documentary, immersive storytelling, graphics and animation. You will learn about all stages of the creative process from writing and development, through production and post-production, to all forms of exhibition.

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent and personal expression in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you start making films in your first semester and participate in hands-on learning throughout the program.

Internships, extra-curricular organizations, guest master classes, CCA production-based, study-abroad programs and the Semester in Los Angeles Program, give you ample opportunity to further your education in production outside of the classroom.

The screenwriting track is intended for students interested in intensive scriptwriting, this track provides advanced skills in writing for film and series television. You will gain a familiarity with all stages of the creative process for film and TV (from writing and development, through production and post-production, to exhibition). You will attain advanced writing skills and techniques, such as story development, characterization, structure, and dialogue while acquiring extensive knowledge about the business of scriptwriting (including the submission process, agents, financing, television writers’ rooms, etc.).

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent and personal expression in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you start writing scripts in your first semester and continue with practical, applied learning throughout the program.

Internships, extra-curricular organizations, guest master classes, CCA project-based, study-abroad programs and the Semester in Los Angeles Program, give you ample opportunity to further your education in writing outside of the classroom.

The television writing track is intended for students interested in mastering their scripted television writing skills, especially pertaining to episodic and short form original programming. You will immerse yourself in all stages of writing for television developing both dramatic and comedic original content intended for traditional networks and streaming platforms.

You will be encouraged to develop your individual talent and personal expression in a nurturing and collaborative environment, where you start writing scripts in your first semester and continue with practical, applied learning throughout the program. 

Internships, extra-curricular organizations, guest master classes, CCA project-based, study-abroad programs and the Semester in Los Angeles Program, give you ample opportunity to further your education in writing outside of the classroom. 

Curriculum Requirements for Business Track

Core Courses
CCA 103Survey of Motion Pictures3
CCA 206History of International Cinema3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Writing Skills Course:
CCA 126Introduction to Screenwriting3
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Digital Skills Course:
CCA 151Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
Required Track Core
CCA 364Business of Motion Pictures3
CCA 409Legal Aspects of Motion Pictures3
CCA 465Creative Producing3
Select two of the following:6
Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution 1
Media Distribution for Film and Television
Motion Picture Internship
Projects and Directed Research
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Inside the Entertainment Industry
JMM Business Focus Elective may count towards this requirement. Please check with CCA advisor
Select one of the following:3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Internet and Media Activism
Portfolio Requirement
CCA 514Motion Picture Studio3
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

Curriculum Requirements for Critical Studies Track

Core Courses
CCA 103Survey of Motion Pictures3
CCA 206History of International Cinema3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Writing Skills Course:
CCA 126Introduction to Screenwriting3
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Digital Skills Course:
CCA 151Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
Other Required Courses
CCA 401Nonfiction Film and Digital Media3
CCA 403Film Directors3
CCA 406Genres3
Select three of the following:9
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Internet and Media Activism
Portfolio Requirement
CCA 514Motion Picture Studio3
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives 254
Total Credit Hours120

Curriculum Requirements for General Track

Core Courses
CCA 103Survey of Motion Pictures3
CCA 206History of International Cinema3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Writing Skills Course:
CCA 126Introduction to Screenwriting3
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Digital Skills Course:
CCA 151Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
Select one of the following:3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Internet and Media Activism
Portfolio Requirement
CCA 514Motion Picture Studio3
Select a primary specialization from one of the following options:9
Production
Motion Picture Workshop: Storytelling
Intermediate Filmmaking
Advanced Filmmaking Workshop
Screenwriting
Intermediate Screenwriting
Writing for Series Television
Advanced Screenwriting
Television Writing
Foundation of TV Writing
Comedy Writing for Series TV
Advanced TV Writing: Comedy
Business
Business of Motion Pictures
Legal Aspects of Motion Pictures
Creative Producing
Documentary
Essentials of Documentary Film
Science Documentary: Autism
Documentary Production
Graphics and Animation
Introduction to 2D Animation
Intermediate Animation and VFX
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Building Virtual Worlds
3D Design and Graphics
Critical Studies
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
Select 6 elective credits from the following areas: 36
Production
Motion Picture Workshop: Storytelling
Post Production Sound Editing and Design
Cinematography
Editing
Directing Techniques I
Advanced Cinematography
Advanced Editing
Motion Picture Internship
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Immersive Storytelling
Directing the Actor for Film
Screenwriting
Foundation of TV Writing
Intermediate Screenwriting
Comedy Writing for Series TV
Writing for Series Television
Online Writing the Genre Script
Writing for the Screen through Editing
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Adaptation
Character and Dialogue
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Business
Business of Motion Pictures
Legal Aspects of Motion Pictures
Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution
Creative Producing
Motion Picture Internship
Documentary
Global Issues and Filmmaking: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Science Documentary: Autism
Documentary Production
Motion Picture Internship
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Graphics and Animation
Introduction to 2D Animation
Motion Picture Internship
Intermediate Animation and VFX
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Advanced 3D Character Design and Motion Capture
3D Design and Graphics
Critical Studies
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Internet and Media Activism
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

Curriculum Requirements for Production Track

Core Courses
CCA 103Survey of Motion Pictures3
CCA 206History of International Cinema3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Writing Skills Course:
CCA 126Introduction to Screenwriting3
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Digital Skills Course:
CCA 151Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
Other Required Courses 4
CCA 251Motion Picture Workshop: Storytelling3
CCA 351Intermediate Filmmaking3
CCA 451Advanced Filmmaking Workshop3
Select two of the following:6
Introduction to 2D Animation
Production and Location Sound Recording
Post Production Sound Editing and Design
Essentials of Documentary Film
Cinematography
Editing
Business of Motion Pictures
Directing Techniques I
Science Documentary: Autism
Advanced Cinematography
Advanced Editing
Documentary Production
Motion Picture Internship
Intermediate Animation and VFX
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Projects and Directed Research
Immersive Storytelling
Directing the Actor for Film
CCA courses not on this list must be approved by Motion Pictures advisor.
Select one of the following:3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Internet and Media Activism
Portfolio Requirement
CCA 514Motion Picture Studio3
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

Curriculum Requirements for Screenwriting Track

Core Courses
CCA 103Survey of Motion Pictures3
CCA 206History of International Cinema3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Writing Skills Course:
CCA 126Introduction to Screenwriting3
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Digital Skills Course:
CCA 151Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
Other Required Courses
CCA 326Intermediate Screenwriting3
CCA 329Writing for Series Television3
CCA 426Advanced Screenwriting3
Select two of the following:6
Online Writing the Genre Script
Writing for the Screen through Editing
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Adaptation
Character and Dialogue
Select one of the following:3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Internet and Media Activism
Portfolio Requirement
CCA 514Motion Picture Studio3
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
People and Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

 Curriculum Requirements for Television Writing Track

Core Courses
CCA 103Survey of Motion Pictures3
CCA 206History of International Cinema3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Writing Skills Course:
CCA 126Introduction to Screenwriting3
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Digital Skills Course:
CCA 151Introduction to Digital Filmmaking3
Other Required Courses
CCA 229Foundation of TV Writing3
CCA 328Comedy Writing for Series TV3
or CCA 329 Writing for Series Television
CCA 428Advanced TV Writing: Comedy3
or CCA 429 Advanced TV Writing
Select two of the following:6
Comedy Writing for Series TV
Writing for Series Television
The Business of Television
Online Writing the Genre Script
Advanced TV Writing: Comedy
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Adaptation
Character and Dialogue
Media Distribution for Film and Television
Select one of the following:3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Portfolio Requirement
CCA 514Motion Picture Studio3
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
People & Society Cognate9
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor or Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120
1

Students may only take CCA 462 or JMM 434. Both courses will not count for the major.

2

If these electives are outside the Motion Pictures major (but within the School of Communication) they must be approved by the chair.

3

Majors cannot double count courses without approval from faculty advisor and/or department chair. CCA 499 and CCA 594 should be selected in consultation with faculty advisor.

4

Only a maximum of 9 combined credits of internship and/or independent study can be applied towards the major.

*

School of Communication students are required to complete a minimum of a minor (inside or outside of the school) in addition to their Communication major to graduate. For an optional 2nd major, please see your advisor. 

*

School of Communication students must complete 6 credits of Written Communication Skills unless exempt based on SAT/ACT score or AP/IB exam, 3-6 credits of Mathematics, University Cognates and the Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Proficiency requirement. 

Upper Level Elective Requirement

36 credits at the 300 level or higher are required for graduation. These credits may be earned from your major, minor and/or second major, and electives. 

Suggested Plan of Study for Business Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
CCA 103 Survey of Motion Pictures 1 3
CCA 151 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
3
People and Society Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 126 Introduction to Screenwriting 3
CCA 206 History of International Cinema 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
CCA 364 Business of Motion Pictures 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
CCA 462 or JMM 434 Motion Picture Marketing and Distribution
or Media Distribution for Film and Television
3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 409 Legal Aspects of Motion Pictures 3
Select one of the following: 3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
CCA 465 Creative Producing 3
CCA 469 or 499 Motion Picture Internship
or Projects and Directed Research
3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 514 Motion Picture Studio 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Critical Studies Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
CCA 103 Survey of Motion Pictures 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 126 Introduction to Screenwriting 3
CCA 206 History of International Cinema 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
CCA 151 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
3
Choose one of the following: 3
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Genres
National Cinemas
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Film Directors
Genres
Select one of the following: 3
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 514 Motion Picture Studio 3
Select one of the following: 3
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
National Cinemas
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for General Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
CCA 103 Survey of Motion Pictures 3
CCA 151 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 126 Introduction to Screenwriting 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
CCA 206 History of International Cinema 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA Primary Specialization Elective 3
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
CCA Primary Specialization Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA Primary Specialization Elective 3
Select one of the following: 3
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
CCA Secondary Specialization Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 514 Motion Picture Studio 3
CCA Secondary Specialization Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Production Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
CCA 103 Survey of Motion Pictures 3
CCA 151 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 126 Introduction to Screenwriting 3
CCA 251 Motion Picture Workshop: Storytelling 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
CCA 206 History of International Cinema 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to 2D Animation
Production and Location Sound Recording
Post Production Sound Editing and Design
Cinematography
Editing
Directing Techniques I
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
CCA 351 Intermediate Filmmaking 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 451 Advanced Filmmaking Workshop 3
CCA Production Track Elective from Bulletin 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
CCA 514 Motion Picture Studio 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select One of the Following: 3
Film Directors
Aspects of Contemporary Cinema
Genres
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Screenwriting Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
CCA 103 Survey of Motion Pictures 3
CCA 126 Introduction to Screenwriting 3
CCA 151 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
CCA 206 History of International Cinema 3
CCA 326 Intermediate Screenwriting 3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
3
CCA 426 Advanced Screenwriting 3
People and Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
CCA 329 Writing for Series Television 3
Select one of the following: 3
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Genres
National Cinemas
Internet and Media Activism
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 3
Online Writing the Genre Script
Writing for the Screen through Editing
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Projects and Directed Research
Adaptation
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
Online Writing the Genre Script
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Character and Dialogue
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 514 Motion Picture Studio 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Television Writing Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
CCA 103 Survey of Motion Pictures 3
CCA 126 Introduction to Screenwriting 3
CCA 151 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
People & Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
CCA 206 History of International Cinema 3
CCA 229 Foundation of TV Writing 3
People & Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
3
CCA 328 or 329 Comedy Writing for Series TV
or Writing for Series Television
3
People & Society Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
CCA 428 or 429 Advanced TV Writing: Comedy
or Advanced TV Writing
3
Select one of the following: 3
Comedy Writing for Series TV
Writing for Series Television
The Business of Television
Online Writing the Genre Script
Advanced TV Writing: Comedy
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Adaptation
Character and Dialogue
Media Distribution for Film and Television
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 3
Comedy Writing for Series TV
Writing for Series Television
The Business of Television
Online Writing the Genre Script
Advanced TV Writing: Comedy
Advanced TV Writing
Motion Picture Internship
Projects in Screenwriting
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Adaptation
Character and Dialogue
Media Distribution for Film and Television
Select one of the following: 3
Nonfiction Film and Digital Media
Women, Media, and Popular Culture
Race and/as Media
Critical Studies in American Television
Special Topics in Cinematic Arts
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CCA 514 Motion Picture Studio 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Mission

The B.S.C. in Motion Pictures focuses on media creation with an emphasis on combining advanced technical proficiency with innovative narrative skills. Students gain practical and theoretical mastery of their particular professional concentration in screenwriting, production, post-production, and producing. Additionally, all students engage in critical studies of film history and theory in order to develop the analytical skills that support creative experimentation. 

Goals

The Program’s objective is to nurture individual creative voices and encourage independent thinking, as well as to support the unique collaborative process of media creation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as professional moving image artists, enter the teaching profession, provide service to the community and beyond, and enter cinematic arts related professional fields.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in screenwriting, including mastery of script formatting, narrative storytelling skills, character development, and dramatic film structure.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of major individual works, genres, national cinemas and movements, and their significance within the history and theory of the moving image.
  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of motion picture production techniques (directing, cinematography, editing and sound) and professional work ethic necessary for entry into professional practice.