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Home Academics Programs and Majors Theatre Arts Film

Theatre Arts Film

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Theatre Arts Film (TAFILM) Courses

TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film

  • Same As:ENGLT 400
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 with grades of “C” or better; or ESLR 340 and ESLW 340 with grades of “C” or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (Same as ENGLT 400. Formerly approved for TA 310.)
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores the artistic, business, and social elements of modern film. It examines the elements that go into making films: acting, directing, cinematography, writing, and editing. It investigates the techniques used to manipulate the audience into fear, laughter, and sadness and compares the commercial box office hit and "movie star" to enduring artistic films and actors. This class will view and analyze films to evaluate filmmaking techniques and the impact of films and the movie business on society. This course is cross-listed with ENGLT 400. It may be taken only once for credit as TAFILM 300 or as ENGLT 400, but not both. This course was formerly known as TA 310.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • analyze film as a mode of artistic expression and communication.
  • analyze cinema's place within a framework of modern culture.
  • demonstrate development of aesthetic and perceptual skills to appreciate works of film as explorations of human experience.
  • describe technical, artistic, and theoretical elements of cinema.
  • analyze and evaluate film in terms of aesthetic and critical factors: technical elements, style, form, context, etc.
  • construct criteria for critical approaches to films.
  • demonstrate a critical approach to film through written and oral film critiques and/or projects.

TAFILM 302 History of Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a general survey of the development of the art of narrative film from early silent films to modern sound films using lecture, discussion, and films chosen to represent important developments in the film history. (This course was formerly known as TA 312.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • explain the development of film and the art of filmmaking.
  • distinguish some of the major historical, cultural, political, and economic forces that have shaped world cinema.
  • compare and contrast different cinematic styles and structures.
  • analyze selected films for their effective use of visual techniques.
  • evaluate prominent directors' works and their contribution to world cinema.
  • formulate an independent and critical aesthetic perspective on the cinema.

TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 with grades of “C” or better; or ESLR 340 and ESLW 340 with grades of “C” or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films. The focus is on films from the 1880s through 1950s. (This course was formerly known as TA 314.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • explain the development of film and the art of filmmaking.
  • distinguish some of the major historical, cultural, political, and economic forces that have shaped world cinema.
  • compare and contrast different cinematic styles and structures.
  • analyze selected films for their effective use of visual techniques.
  • evaluate prominent director's works and their contribution to world cinema.
  • formulate an independent and critical aesthetic perspective on the cinema.

TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 with grades of “C” or better; or ESLR 340 and ESLW 340 with grades of “C” or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films. The focus is on films from the 1950s to present. (This course was formerly known as TA 315.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • explain the development of film and the art of filmmaking.
  • distinguish some of the major historical, cultural, political, and economic forces that have shaped world cinema.
  • compare and contrast different cinematic styles and structures.
  • analyze selected films for their effective use of visual techniques.
  • evaluate prominent director's works and their contribution to world cinema.
  • formulate an independent and critical aesthetic perspective on the cinema.

TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 with grades of “C” or better; or ESLR 340 and ESLW 340 with grades of “C” or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I; AA/AS Area VI; CSU Area C1; CSU Area C2; IGETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to cultural diversity as it is expressed in American film. The course will focus on the cultures of Asian/Pacific Americans, Black/African Americans, Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and recent immigrant groups, as expressed in film narrative, production practices, and critical responses. Issues of class, gender, and sexuality will be examined and compared cross-culturally. Media stereotypes and their social, political, and cultural origins and the responses to these stereotypes by 20th and 21st century film makers will be examined through film viewings, lecture, and discussion. (This course was formerly known as TA 318.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • identify and assess historical contexts of stereotypes, bias, and racism as expressed in American cinema.
  • distinguish the contributions and unique cinematic expressions of individual film makers from the groups identified in the course description.
  • analyze the major historical, cultural, political, and economic forces at work within the group(s) represented in the films and in society at large.
  • compare and contrast the cinematic expressions of the groups with each other and with mainstream cinematic expression in the same period.
  • compose thoughtful, comparative critiques of films viewed in class.

TAFILM 309 From Stage to Screen: Production Design and Art Direction

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:AA/AS Area I
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course will examine the aesthetic design of films by looking at costume, scenery, and prop design. Students will evaluate how the production design of a film helps to shape all of the other elements that make up the film. Students will examine how production design has been utilized to show the past, present, and future as well as imaginary time periods. This course will draw upon theatrical design techniques and evaluate how those techniques have been used in film production. (This course was formerly known as TA 323.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • describe and interpret key elements and techniques of scenic design that are used in the production design of films; these will include: research, the image morgue, sketching, the scale model, line, form, composition, and color.
  • analyze and explain the basic ways in which the design of a film helps to establish and develop the plot and character evolution within films
  • assess and analyze how different artistic styles, historical elements, pop culture icons, and visions of the future have been used in production design.
  • critique and evaluate the role of the theatre and film arts and its relationship to other parts of society.
  • describe the ways in which people historically have used artistic creations to respond to themselves and the world.

TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 101 and ENGRD 310 with grades of "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:CSU Area C1; IGETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed to explore in depth one or more film genres. Special attention is paid to development, aesthetics, popularity, and artists of the specific form. (This course was formerly known as TA 320.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • identify the development of this genre, from its early beginnings to contemporary times.
  • recognize basic film techniques in the genre, including: composition of shots, plot structure, editing, camera movement, and lighting.
  • critically analyze and evaluate works in this genre through the application of course content to the films.

TAFILM 330 Film Making

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course emphasizes contemporary methods of film production, including low-budget art films with a concern for the aesthetics of film making. Stressed are techniques of direction, lighting, tilting, camera use, editing, film types, lenses, and other aspects of cinema. Equipment and supplies for individual projects must be furnished by each student. Supplies and equipment are furnished for students working on group projects. (This course was formerly known as TA 331.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • assess the art of film making as a result of class experiences.
  • evaluate the cinematic medium as a visual, kinetic form of individual expression.
  • demonstrate an understanding of motion picture production through actual experience.
  • demonstrate problem-solving skills needed to complete filmmaking projects.

TAFILM 332 Film Production Workshop I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 330 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course will give an overview of the creative, technical, and management skills necessary to design and produce a film production on location. Students will gain hands-on experience in production techniques using film production equipment. Within this course, students plan the total operational process for actual film productions. Students participate in and take responsibility for various aspects of the finished product, such as pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production. (This course was formerly known as TA 332.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate the art of film making as a result of class experiences.
  • demonstrate an understanding of motion picture production through experience.
  • demonstrate critical thinking and appropriate performance skills.
  • demonstrate problem-solving skills needed to complete filmmaking projects.
  • design and implement a product that can be used to obtain career placement in the professional world.

TAFILM 333 Film Production Workshop II

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 332 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course allows students to gain additional experience in technical and management skills necessary to design and produce a film production on location. Students may take more active lead roles for various aspects of the finished product, such as pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production.


Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate problem-solving skills needed to complete filmmaking projects.
  • design and implement a product that can be used to obtain career placement in the professional world.
  • resolve and execute standard pre-production skills including planning, scripting, budgeting, and crew and equipment selection.
  • operate equipment safely according to professional standards.
  • analyze interpret, and exercise critical judgment in the evaluation of media productions.
  • demonstrate a hands-on ability to perform the professional level critical thinking needed for successful teamwork in film or other media employment.
  • integrate theoretical program production application into practice with increasing understanding of appropriate professional conduct.

TAFILM 334 Film Production Workshop III

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 333 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course allows students to gain advanced skills and leadership experiences in technical and management areas necessary to design and produce a film production on location. Students will take lead positions and may be required to assist in the training of other students for various aspects of the finished product, such as pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production. Students may serve as department heads or as producers, directors, and production managers.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an ability to supervise film crew members and/or a film production department.
  • demonstrate critical thinking and appropriate leadership skills.
  • demonstrate problem-solving skills needed to lead filmmaking projects.
  • design and implement a product that can be used to obtain career placement in the professional world.
  • develop, delegate, and execute pre-production skills including planning, scripting, budgeting, and crew and equipment selection.
  • illustrate equipment operation and production responsibilities according to professional standards.
  • demonstrate a hands-on ability to perform the professional level of critical thinking needed for successful leadership in film or other media employment.
  • evaluate student production technique and process in written and verbal form.
  • criticize, evaluate, and react to student and professional productions, explaining whether projects likely met their anticipated goals.
  • integrate theoretical program production application into practice with increasing understanding of appropriate professional conduct.

TAFILM 338 Business of Filmmaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the concepts needed to manage a successful business practice in filmmaking. Students will gain practical experience in budgeting for a film, fundraising, writing a resume for job specific industry work, creating an official business and managing taxes, marketing their work, finding distribution, reviewing and assessing contracts, and submitting to film festivals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • design and recall all budgets for a film.
  • develop marketing strategies for films and freelance work.
  • explain and define tax and business protocol for filmmakers.

TAFILM 340 Film Editing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the concepts and technical elements of film editing for the cinema. Students will gain practical experience in editing images and synchronous sound to create cinematic products. Students will receive training in the features and capabilities of current film editing equipment including the latest film editing software. Some of the topics covered in the course include a basic overview of editing, video montage, subclippings, storyboarding, and editing dialogue, as well as digitizing and final output. This course involves the use of software that is regarded as the current industry standard. (This course was formerly known as TA 333.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate film editing techniques.
  • systematically organize images and sound into a continuous, organic cinematic product.
  • execute industry standard troubleshooting procedures for technical and production problems during an edit.
  • design and implement a product that can be used to obtain career placement in the professional world.
  • demonstrate competency in current film editing equipment and software.
  • demonstrate a range of editing styles and structures suitable for television, web, and theatrical presentation.

TAFILM 341 Advanced Film Editing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed for experienced users or those wishing to increase their overall film editing knowledge. This course delves into the details of such topics as compositing, power trimming, media management, color keying, audio finishing, color correction, and much more. Instruction also covers tips, tricks, and other secrets that allow participants to master the finer points of film editing and edit software. (This course was formerly known as TA 334.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate advanced competency in current film editing equipment and software.
  • incorporate advanced editing techniques including text manipulation, advance motion graphics, and sound mixing into edits.
  • edit a personal editing reel.
  • develop a signature, intentional aesthetic style of editing unique to the student.
  • use signature style and advanced techniques to edit a final project which may include a music video, webisode, television episode, short narrative film, experimental short film, short documentary promotional video or commercial.

TAFILM 343 Motion Graphics for Video

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:DDSN 331 and TAFILM 340 with grades of "C" or better and basic knowledge of the Macintosh OS
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This hands-on course will familiarize students with motion graphics design. The course comprehensively covers software engine and interface, behavior-based animation, parameter behaviors, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques, masking methods, motion menu design, tablet-driven gesture UI techniques, working with audio, keyframing, and integration. (This course was formerly known as TA 336.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • use and define the terms and procedures used in the production of motion graphics on a computer.
  • plan, design, and revise projects using Apple Motion.
  • assemble projects using filters, transitions, and 3-D motion.
  • explain and use key frames, motion paths, layered elements, and primary tools within Apple Motion.
  • differentiate between pixel based objects and vector based objects and create 2-D elements for use in motion graphic animation.
  • evaluate the esthetics of projects and choose methods for improvement.
  • plan and construct a final project utilizing the process demonstrated and export for use in film, a DVD, the Internet, or other multimedia production.

TAFILM 344 Introduction to Digital Effects

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:TAFILM 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introductory study of digital effects production, with specific focus on motion graphics, compositing, effects processing, and title sequences. Students will explore digital effects for film, multimedia, and emerging broadcast technologies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • create digital media projects that demonstrate effective use of established design principles for typography, color, images, animation, sound, and video.
  • plan, design, and revise projects using effects software.
  • explain and use key frames, motion paths, layered elements, and primary tools within effects software.
  • describe and apply the basic principles and processes used in traditional and digital effects for film and multimedia.
  • evaluate the esthetics of projects and choose methods for improvement.
  • analyze, interpret, and exercise critical judgment in the evaluation of media productions.
  • evaluate the esthetics of projects and choose methods for improvement.
  • demonstrate through projects that with the power of a communicator, comes moral and ethical responsibility.
  • demonstrate a hands-on ability to perform the professional level critical thinking needed for successful teamwork in film or other media employment.
  • plan and construct a final project utilizing the process demonstrated and export for use in film, a DVD, the Internet, or other multimedia production.

TAFILM 345 Intermediate Digital Effects

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 344 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The course presents an intermediate level exploration of the theory and practice of digital effects for film multimedia and emerging broadcast technologies. Intermediate level skills are developed in digital effects software. Techniques for compositing, keying, motion graphics, and color correction are demonstrated.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • create digital media projects that demonstrate effective use of established design principles for typography, color, images, animation, sound, and film.
  • plan, design and create multi-layered special effects projects using various effects software.
  • explain and demonstrate a professional production approach and analysis of personal projects, other student work, and professional film projects.
  • evaluate the esthetics of complex projects and choose methods for implementation and improvement.
  • analyze, interpret, and exercise critical judgment in the evaluation of media productions.
  • describe and apply the principles and processes used in complex digital effects in film production.
  • operate 2-D and 3-D software correctly to create professional quality animations and film projects.
  • demonstrate a hands-on ability to perform the professional level critical thinking needed for successful teamwork in film or other media employment.
  • plan and construct film projects utilizing the process demonstrated and export for use in film, a DVD, the Internet, or other multimedia production.

TAFILM 347 Color Correcting and Grading for Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:TAFILM 340 with a grade of "C" or better and basic knowledge of the Macintosh OS
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This hands-on course will familiarize students with color grading and finishing software. This course will begin with the basics of color balancing and correction. Students will move on to the fine points of secondary grading, including scene matching, using vignettes to isolate and track regions, creating advanced color effects and “looks,” skin tone adjustments, adjusting the composition and framing of a shot, and much more. (This course was formerly known as TA 337.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • use and define the terms and procedures used in the process of color correction and grading on a computer.
  • plan, design, and revise projects using color software.
  • assemble projects using grade effects, hue, saturation and luma curves, and color correction controls.
  • explain and use key frames, vignettes, nodes, and primary and secondary tools within color software.
  • evaluate the esthetics of projects and choose methods for improvement.
  • plan and construct a film project utilizing the process demonstrated and export for use in film, a DVD, the Internet, or other multimedia production.

TAFILM 360 Screenwriting

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is designed to develop student technique and craft in writing short film screenplays. The course will include small group workshops of student-generated screenplays. Through lecture, discussion, assigned reading, and writing exercises, students will critically examine the elements of screenwriting, and produce and present their own original works. (This course was formerly known as TA 339.)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • author a short film screenplay.
  • apply the elements of story structure and film narrative to a screenplay.
  • use standard screenwriting format and filmmaking technique in screenplays.
  • demonstrate proficiency in contemporary screenwriting software.
  • critique screenplays.
  • differentiate screenwriting from novels, short stories, and stage plays.

TAFILM 495 Independent Studies in Film

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:6 - 36 hours LEC; 36 - 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent Studies in Film offers students a chance to do research and/or experimentation that is more typical of advanced studies in Film.
UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted toward the minimum 60 units required for admissions

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate facility with the materials, tools, and techniques specific to the proposed film project.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the process by which specific ideas are developed into finalized film projects.
  • demonstrate the ability to produce film projects independently.

TAFILM 499 Experimental Offering in Theatre Arts Film

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.