Film, Television, and Media Arts (FTMA)
FTMA 1010 Introduction to Film Studies 3 Credits
Attributes: ENPC Digital Journalism Production Component, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
This course explores the fundamentals of film form (including narrative modes, visual design, performance styles, editing, and sound design), and the relationship between a film's style and its overall meaning. By learning how to "read" film as a text and utilize sophisticated cinematic language, you will begin to critically understand film as both an art form and a product of culture. Each week's meetings will include lecture, discussion, and a separate, dedicated screening of a feature film. Previously FTM 0010.
FTMA 1011 Introduction to Film and Video Production 3 Credits
Attributes: ENPC Digital Journalism Production Component, SPEL Sports Media Elective, VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Fee: $110 Materials Fee
This course introduces and familiarizes students with the theoretical background and technical skills needed to produce film, video and new media content. Structured around classroom discussions, screenings, and hands-on equipment workshops, this course encourages students to experiment with the moving image and find their unique creative voice, all within a supportive environment. Students will learn the proper use of a professional camera and sound and lighting equipment in order to complete a series of audio and video exercises, culminating in the production of group short films. Previously FTM 0011.
FTMA 1101 American Cinema History 3 Credits
Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
American cinema has evolved from its origins as a technological novelty at the end of the 19th century to become a key component of a multibillion-dollar industry that profoundly influences popular culture in the United States and around the world. This course examines important American films of the past 100 years and the technological, economic, and cultural developments that have influenced their creation, along with the theoretical concepts necessary for their analysis. Previously FTM 0101.
FTMA 1102 American Television History 3 Credits
Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
An introduction to the study of television in the United States, this course reviews the historical roots of television content and technology and its relationship to radio and film, and its evolution new media platforms. Students examine the evolution of the many program types found in broadcast and cable television, explore their narrative conventions, and define criteria for analyzing story, structure, formats, performance, and production values. Previously FTM 0102.
FTMA 1103 Global Cinema 3 Credits
Attributes: ANMC Asian Studies Elective, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, ENDE Digital Journalism Elective, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, INEL International Studies / International Business Elective, MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
In this course, students engage with different expressions of "global cinema": films intended for international audiences. This course pays attention to key films, filmmakers, and moments in film history, across Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. With a particular focus on international art cinema, this course gives students the historical context and critical tools to appreciate and analyze diverse cinematic styles. Dedicated weekly screenings create the theatrical experience for which these films were intended. Previously FTM 0103.
FTMA 1104 Documentary Cinema 3 Credits
Attributes: GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
This course surveys the historical, political, social and cultural significance of non-fiction (documentary) storytelling traditions in the U.S. and abroad. Students will study canonical and independently produced documentaries directed by domestic and international filmmakers to deepen their overall understanding of the technological and aesthetic contributions that national cinemas have contributed to nonfiction filmmaking. Major themes to be discussed are tradition vs. modernization, colonialism, religion, cross cultural relationships, class, gender, ethnicity, nationalism, the human condition, hegemony, and displacement. Students will gain factual knowledge and learn to analyze and critically evaluate points of view that may not be their own. Previously FTM 0104.
FTMA 1120 Beginning Screenwriting for Film and Television 3 Credits
Attributes: VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
This introductory course introduces students to screenwriting by developing their understanding of the structure of short and long form narrative film. The main goal of the course is to develop creative capacities in storytelling and written expression while introducing students to fundamental principles of conventional fiction and television screenwriting. This course utilizes lecture, discussion, screenings, readings, and reflective essay writing to grapple with issues of structure, characterization, conflict, and aesthetics. Students will participate in regular writing workshops and produce a complete draft of a short film screenplay by the end of the course. Previously FTM 0120.
FTMA 1130 Film Editing and Media Construction 3 Credits
Attributes: VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Fee: $110 Materials Fee
This course explores how filmmakers create meaning through the assembly of images and sound, ranging from the classical-Hollywood narrative film, to more experimental modes of time-based storytelling. Students will examine the theoretical conventions of motion picture editing through screenings, discussions and hand-on projects, including the filming their own short films with professional camera and sound equipment and editing in Adobe Premiere Pro. Previously FTM 0130.
FTMA 1137 Acting for the Camera 3 Credits
Attributes: VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Prerequisite: THTR 1030.
This course is an experiential introduction to the specialized techniques used in successful on-camera acting. On-camera exercises will emphasize the importance of listening, truthful moment-to-moment response, and effective communication skills. Students will practice their skills and apply their training to commercials, current television scripts, and screenplays. Initial classes examine the difference between acting for the stage and acting for the camera. Students will practice a variety of on-camera styles including comedy, crime drama, and commercials. The course builds towards longer scene work from a screenplay. Topics include script analysis, nuance and depth of performance, and relaxation, and confidence on-camera. Crosslisted with THTR 2237. Previously FTM 0237.
FTMA 1150 Entertainment Technology 3 Credits
Attributes: MEVP Magis Core Exploration: VPA
This course is an introduction to the technical aspects of theatre production. Students learn basic techniques of set construction, rigging and stage lighting. Lectures serve as foundational information for a series of lab sessions held throughout the semester. In labs, students construct, rig and light a fully realized Theatre Fairfield production. Proper use of hand and power tools is emphasized. Lab schedules are created during the first weeks of class, in consultation between the instructor and students. To compensate students for the lab requirement, students will earn one credit through enrollment in THTR 1952.
FTMA 1155 Design for Stage & Screen 3 Credits
Attributes: GDTA Graphic Design: Theatre, MEVP Magis Core Exploration: VPA
Designing for the theatre involves a series of interrelated actions: play analysis, visual research, ideation, development, drawing/painting, and collaborating with others. In this class, students study and practice all of these areas of the creative process. In addition, students study the underlying theories and principles that affect scenery, costume and lighting design. Previously TA 0155.
FTMA 1232 Television Studio Production 3 Credits
Attributes: ENPC Digital Journalism Production Component, SPEL Sports Media Elective, VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
This course offers a theoretical and hands-on introduction to the art and technology of television production within both a studio and field-based context. Students receive instruction on the creative and aesthetic use of the elements and technology of television production; cameras, audio, lighting, editing, set design, and program development; and participate in a series of projects completed individually and as part of a team. Previously FTM 0232, FTMA 2232.
FTMA 1950 Production Practicum 1 Credit
In this course, restricted to Film, Television, and Media Arts majors and minors, students will receive credit for their participation on approved student film and media productions, both on-set and in-post, beyond their own classroom assignments. This class will provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their production experiences, through written assignments. Enrollment by permission only. May be taken up to three times. Previously FTM 0090.
FTMA 2131 Producing for Film and Television 3 Credits
Attributes: SPEL Sports Media Elective
This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the feature film and television industry. Students will be acquainted with common industry business practices and learn about how certain films and television shows are developed and produced, while at the same time expanding their critical understanding of the industry at large. Particular attention will be paid to how corporate mandates in film and television influence creative processes. In this course the student will attain the “language of TV and film” when discussing and creating concepts viable for script development in these forms. We will also analyze the production values of shows currently on TV and Films currently in theaters: casting, directing, costume, music, editing, etc. This course is aimed on students getting an overview/introduction of how the TV and Film business works and learning how to sell it. We will focus both on the American & International markets.
FTMA 2201 Filmmaker Studies 3 Credits
Each semester that it is offered, this course takes up the study of one or more individual filmmakers (primarily directors) and surveys that person's (or pair's or group's) body of work, examining major themes, techniques, motifs, topics, collaborations. In so doing, it seeks to measure and evaluate their contribution to the history and craft of film. Filmmakers have included Alfred Hitchcock, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, Women Directors, and Ang Lee. May be taken twice. Previously FTM 0201.
FTMA 2204 African American Cinema 3 Credits
Attributes: ASUP American Studies Upper Level, BSAH Black Studies: Arts and Humanities, BSFC Black Studies Focus Course, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, UDIV U.S. Diversity, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1010.
This course explores the historical, social and cultural significance of African American cinema from the silent era until present-day. Students will grapple with issues concerning the politics of representation of people of African descent in the American film industry and deepen their overall understanding of ways that African American filmmakers have achieved artistry and expression in spite of obstacles posed by race, class, and gender. Through regular screenings, readings, and presentations students will deepen their overall understanding of the impact of historical events and key filmic technological advancements on the establishment of the separate and unequal African American film industry. Previously FTM 0204.
FTMA 2206 American Film: Decades 3 Credits
Attributes: ASGW American Studies: Gateway, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course, WDIV World Diversity
Prerequisite: FTMA 1010.
This course examines the use of film form (e.g., cinematography, editing, sound design) in American movies made during a given 10-year period, as well as the social, cultural, historical and ideological contexts of the era in which they were made. Each iteration of the course is organized around particular themes relevant to the decade under discussion, e.g. "1970s - Rebels with Causes." Previously FTM 0206.
FTMA 2207 Film Genres 3 Credits
Attributes: GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1010.
Genres are categories of film characterized by recognizable conventions that include settings, stock characters, narrative patterns, stylistic devices, historical contexts, and themes. Genres interact with filmmakers' and audiences' shared expectations and evolve over time. Each iteration of this course examines a specific genre (e.g. the Western, Horror, Science Fiction, etc.) and evaluates it in terms of film form and its own evolving set of conventions. Previously FTM 0207.
FTMA 2208 Television Genres 3 Credits
Attributes: VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1010.
Basic to understanding television as an art form is the concept of genre. This course introduces students to the defining characteristics and the critical analysis of television genre. On a rotating basis, the course focuses on drama, serial, situation comedy, news and documentary, and reality television, examining distinct conception, writing, production, directing, editing and other conventions of each. Social and historical elements of the genre are also addressed. Previously FTM 0208.
FTMA 2209 Gender, Sexuality, and Cinema 3 Credits
Attributes: VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course, WSGF Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Focused
Prerequisite: FTMA 1010.
This course examines how American movies have portrayed gender and queer sexuality (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and questioning) to create a range of stereotypical and multi-dimensional characters. From "coded" sexual references in classical films, to timid New Hollywood-era films, to today's thriving independent cinema, this representational genealogy includes condescending myth and bold truth-telling, works that both mirror and shape their cultural moment. Previously FTM 0209.
FTMA 2220 Intermediate Screenwriting 3 Credits
Attributes: VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1120.
Writing a feature film script can be one of the most difficult and daunting tasks for a writer/filmmaker, yet it remains the dominant format in filmmaking practice. This class builds upon the foundation of FTMA 1120, expanding upon the narrative techniques at play in short films and applying them to the roughly 90 page format. The majority of this class is structured like a writers room/group, where students write, write, write, and foster a collaborative environment where they share, critique and develop script ideas. Previously FTM 0220.
FTMA 2230 Lighting and Cinematography 3 Credits
Attributes: VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1011.
This advanced motion picture production course focuses on the production of narrative fiction films. Students study and practice advanced techniques of film production: including preproduction, production and postproduction responsibilities of the producer relating to management, financing, contracts, distribution and other business elements of filmmaking. Students in the class collaborate to produce significantly more complex narrative films with more advanced camera, lighting, audio, and editing equipment. Previously FTM 0230.
FTMA 2231 Documentary Film Production 3 Credits
Attributes: SPEL Sports Media Elective, VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Fee: $110 Materials Fee
This course is designed to develop skills and critical perspectives needed to produce character-driven documentary work. Through lectures, discussions, screenings, readings, and hands-on demonstrations, students will learn about documentary workflow, as well the medium’s potential to promote social activism and awareness. Students will write, produce, direct, and edit short documentaries and, by periodically presenting their own work, students will engage one another in discussions and develop skills in constructive critique. Previously FTM 0231.
FTMA 2234 Directing for Film, TV, Media 3 Credits
Attributes: SPEL Sports Media Elective, VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1011 or FTMA 1130.
This course explores what a film director does, how they manipulate and manage the divergent elements of cinema into a coherent whole, and often, into a unique and personal vision. The specific tasks of a director related to their role with crew and actors, and in the development of a film from start to finish, are studied from practical and theoretical perspectives. Previously FTM 0234.
FTMA 2235 New Media Workshop 3 Credits
Attributes: SPEL Sports Media Elective, VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Fee: $110 Materials Fee
The digital revolution has arrived for the production of moving images, from the omnipresence of photo-realistic visual effects and animation in movies, to the rise of virtual and augmented reality tech as storytelling venues. Students will examine the historical context and cultural impact of the VFX, VR and AR revolution, on their way to developing and making cutting-edge short form media projects, using Adobe After Effects, Unity, VR cameras, VR/AR headsets, and beyond. Previously FTM 0235.
FTMA 2236 Digital Audio Workstation 3 Credits
Attributes: VPC2 Visual and Performing Arts Core: Applied Course
Prerequisite: FTMA 1011 or FTMA 1130 or MUSC 1150 or MUSC 1156.
This course will provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of the practical application of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This course is primarily designed for students interested in audio editing as it applies to producing recordings, creating sound effects, and soundtrack design for film/TV/radio. Creating samples, recording techniques, waveform manipulation, mixing, and the role of the Digital Audio Workstation in the overall process of sound design will be explored. Students will be proficient at using Logic Pro audio software to manipulate MIDI and audio. Students will learn how to record live sound effects from the environment and manipulate the recordings to create Foley sound effects, and apply them to a film segment. Students will learn to mix and master a segment of multi-track audio. Crosslisted with MUSC 2236. Previously FTM 0236.
FTMA 2245 Survey of Film Music: Hearing the Movies 3 Credits
Attributes: VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
This course provides an overview of film music from 1900 to today. Students investigate the defining characteristics of the major historical periods of film music, explore the social and historical events that shaped the industry, learn to actively listen to a score, and discuss salient features of a given score. The object in this course is to develop skills in analyzing the sound track, music's role in the sound track, and the relation of sound track and image track on small-scale and large-scale (narrative) levels. The course develops critical listening and viewing skills as well as a film-music historical survey. Crosslisted with MUSC 2245. Previously FTM 0205.
FTMA 2270 Hispanic Film 3 Credits
Attributes: GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature, WDIV World Diversity
Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.
This course examines and analyzes film by Spanish and Latin-American directors (Buñuel, Saura, Littín, Sanjinés, etc.). Students initially study films as an independent genre using specific structural form as the means of analysis (close-up, soundtrack, frame, etc.). Students then begin to formulate interpretations that move between the formal, technical composition of films and the concrete socio-historic and cultural reality to which each film refers. Course activities include screening of films, discussion of articles that deal with literary theory and analysis of film, and writing short papers.
FTMA 2271 Italian Cinema 3 Credits
Attributes: ISIF Italian Studies: Italy-Focused, ISIT Italian Studies: Italian, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
This survey of Italian films as textual, cultural, and historical artifacts analyzes movements such as neorealism, commedia all'italiana, the spaghetti western, and new Italian cinema through the works of selected directors. The course follows a chronology from the silent period to present day, with special emphasis on the "golden ages" of Italian cinema, neo-realism of the postwar period, the 1960s' comedy of manners, and the new Italian cinema of the 1980s and 1990s. Students analyze the works of Rossellini, De Sica, Fellini, Visconti, Germi, Antonioni, Wertmüller, Leone, Pasolini, Moretti, Benigni, and others. Crosslisted with ITLN 2271. Previously FTM 0201B.
FTMA 2290 Italian American Cinema 3 Credits
Attributes: ITEN Italian Course Taught in English, MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
This course investigates salient aspects of Italian American cinema, including the representation of Italian Americans, works directed by Italian American directors, and roles played by Italian American actors. It also examines the difference in roles and representation for men and women in this subgroup of American society, with particular consideration given to the ethnic roots of these differences. Throughout the semester we will examine the ways in which film displays Italian ethnicity in the United States. The course also analyzes the profound influence of Italian cinema on the film-making of Italian American screenwriters and directors. This class is taught in English. Crosslisted with ITLN 2290.
FTMA 2900 Special Topics (Shell) 3 Credits
Attributes: VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course
These courses, offered periodically, focus in depth on a specific theme or issue, and may draw upon films from one or more countries, from among numerous directors, and from various periods in film history from the dawn of cinema to the present. Special applied courses may also be offered in this category. May be taken twice with different topics. Previously FTM 0210.
FTMA 3980 Internship 1-3 Credits
In consultation with a faculty member, upper-level major and minor students arrange a semester-long internship with one of many film production companies located within Connecticut and the New York metropolitan area. The course combines on-site supervision and meetings with faculty advisors with weekly journal submissions and an assigned paper at the end of the internship. Enrollment by permission only. May be taken for FTM major credit up to three credits. Previously FTM 0306.
FTMA 3990 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Open to students majoring or minoring in Film, Television, and Media Arts, this course allows a student to pursue a topic in film, television, or media arts in-depth and in close consultation with a faculty member of the Film, Television, and Media Arts program. Enrollment by permission only. May be taken for FTM major credit up to three credits. Previously FTM 0305.
FTMA 4998 Capstone Seminar I 3 Credits
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
This course provides an opportunity for Film, Television, and Media Arts majors in their junior year to envision and begin on the production of a creative work that pulls together the theoretical concepts and technical skills they have acquired during their years in the program. This course is required for all Film, Television, and Media Arts majors, who must take it in the spring semester of their junior year. The capstone project is completed with FTMA 4999 in the fall semester of the student's senior year. Open to FTM majors only. Previously FTM 0310.
FTMA 4999 Capstone Seminar II 3 Credits
Prerequisite: FTMA 4998.
This course provides an opportunity for Film, Television, and Media Arts majors in their senior year to produce a creative work that pulls together the theoretical concepts and technical skills they have acquired during their years in the Program. This course is required for all Film, Television, and Media Arts majors, who must take it in the fall semester of their senior year. Previously FTM 0311.