Within the Film Studies minor you will learn film history, theory and criticism in addition to the basic methods for creating narrative and documentary style films. This includes hands on training with the various implements of film production; cameras, lighting kits, editing software and audio equipment. You will have the opportunity to make films inside the classroom as well as having the opportunity to work on Union Film Society projects. Many students produce films outside of the class room and the film club as well. In addition, Union University holds its own Film Festival/Awards Ceremony where students can submit their work, view the work of other students on campus and receive awards for excellence in the many different areas of production.
The film studies minor has two different tracks in which you can earn your minor in film. One involves classes hand chosen from the Communication Arts Program as well as classes from other areas of study including Philosophy and Political Science. The other track includes one film class and admission to the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, which allows students to be mentored by affluent directors working in Hollywood today.
A. Required for both Tracks: COM 328—3 hours
Track One—15 hours
1. Required: COM 338, CHR 348—6 hours
2. Select 3: COM 301, 438; ENG 311; PHL 448;PSC 300
Track Two—19 hours
1. Select 3 hours: CHR 348; COM 301, 338, 438; ENG 311, PHL 448; PSC 300.
2. Admission to Los Angeles Film Studies Center: Check with the Communication Arts Department, the Institute for International and Intercultural Studies for details or lafsc.bestsemester.com.
COM 301 Symbolism in Theatre and Film
This course explores the subtle uses of symbolism in presenting sub textual messages. Students view and analyze a variety of films and taped theatre productions. Credit Hours: 3. Offered in the Winter.
COM 328 Media Effects and Criticism
An introduction to the scholarly aesthetic analysis and study of media teaching students the critical skills involved in the understanding and interpretation of media messages. Includes a foundational study of the forms, functions, and history of media arts to develop appreciation and skill in analysis. Credit hours: 3.
COM 338 Development of Cinema
Historical survey of motion pictures with emphasis on major movements, genres, and themes in narrative film from the early silent era, early talking pictures, the studio system, and post-classical cinema. Credit hours: 3.
COM 438 Censorship and Propaganda in Film
The practice and patterns of censorship in cinema. Issues include local and state censorship boards, legal challenges, organized public pressure, and self-regulatory efforts by the industry. The use of film as propaganda, including Soviet cinema theory, Nazi film propaganda, and American use of film in supporting war efforts will be considered. Credit hours: 3.
CHR 348 Faith and Culture in Film
An examination of how films as stories convey faith or alternative responses to God as latent aspects of the total film experience. Includes an exploration of how explicit a film may be about faith or another ideological position without losing its credibility as a film. Credit hours: 3.
ENG 311 Literature and Film
An examination of the intersection of film and literary texts and the scholarly analyses of each narrative format. Discussion includes cultural and historical aspects, philosophical approaches to adaptation, and the technical analysis of film. Credit hours: 3.
PHL 448 Philosophy in Film
An examination of philosophical themes as developed in film with special attention given to existentialism, nihilism, pragmatism, phenomenalism, and postmodernism. Credit hours: 3.
PSC 300 Politics in Film
The impact of film on the politics and thinking of American society towards concepts such as war, peace, race, regions of the world and political ideas. Credit hours: 3.
