Department of Communication

Lance Clark, Bryan Ballinger, Steve Leeper, Kevin Miller, Michael Rowley

The Department of Communication covers communication in its multifaceted dimensions—from nonverbal communication to film production, sports broadcasting to public speaking, digital animation to media criticism, broadcast writing to public relations crisis management, cross-cultural communication to writing the journalistic news and feature story and the history of mass communication to principles of communicating in organizations. In addition to preparing for graduate school, graduates forge successful careers in a wide range of media-based jobs—including public relations, radio and television, journalism, film production and digital media arts—and in a broad variety of non-media areas that use communication as the central tool for accomplishing objectives—such as human resources, intercultural ministry and missions, information management, event coordination and teaching.

Majors in Communication

The Department of Communication offers six majors. Those leading to a bachelor of arts degree are broadcasting, communication studies, film studies, journalism and public relations. A bachelor of science degree is offered in digital media arts with concentrations in animation and DV cinema.

All students seeking the bachelor of arts degree in the communication program complete five foundational courses for a total of 15 hours. These courses address the central issues within the discipline from a Christian perspective and also lay a foundation in writing skills for the media. They include CO 111 Introduction to Communication, CO 211 Communication and Society, CO 241 Introduction to News Writing, CO 246 Interpersonal Communication and CO 481 Mass Communication.

In addition to the foundational courses in communication (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481), students in the broadcasting major take 30 hours of radio and television broadcasting courses for a total of 45 semester hours in the major. The program requires completion of 27 semester hours in CO 231, 251, 261, 281, 295, 326, 341, 351, 381; and three hours of CO 395RADIO or CO 395HTV. Students will choose three additional hours from CO 266, 322, 333, 346, 363, 395, 421, 434, 495, BA 252, 381, 451, or TH 212.

Students in the film studies major complete the foundational courses in communication (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481) and either 30 additional hours in the Los Angeles film studies plan or 28 additional hours in the on-campus plan. Students accepted into the Los Angeles Film Studies Program complete the film studies major by completing the foundational communication courses; 16 semester hours from the Los Angeles program, including FS 391, 394, 495, and one course from FS 392 or 393; and 14 hours of required on-campus courses, including CO 251, 295, 333FS, 395FILM; DM 405; and one course from CO 363 or DM 360. Students who complete CO 363 on campus should complete FS 393 in LA, and students who complete DM 360 on campus should complete FS 392 in LA. Students taking the on-campus plan complete the film studies major by completing the foundational communication courses and CO 251, 295, 333FS, 363; three hours of CO 395FILM; DM 360, 405; and nine hours from AR 241R, 241V, CO 261, 281, 326, 351, 381, 395FILM, 421, 434, 495, BA 252, 381, TH 212, and 253.

Students in the journalism major complete, in addition to the foundational communication courses (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481), 30 hours in journalism courses for a total of 45 hours in the major. Requirements in the journalism major include CO 331, 342, 381; four hours of CO 395JOUR; one hour of CO 395PREL; CO 441; AR 107, 241L; and EN 391; and seven additional hours from CO 266, 322, 333, 341, 346, 371, 421, 485, 495, AR 141, 241R, 241V, 271, and EN 361. Journalism students are encouraged to complete a minor in another discipline such as history, political science, business or education as additional preparation for a career in journalism.

Students in the public relations major complete the 15 hours of foundational communication courses (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481) and 30 hours in public relations courses to total 45 hours in the major. Requirements in the public relations major include CO 331, 341, 346, 370; one hour of CO 395JOUR; three hours of CO 395PREL; AR 241L; BA 381, 452; and seven hours from CO 266, 311, 322, 333, 371, 421, 441, 485, 495, AR 141, 241R, 241V, and AR 271.

The communication studies major allows students to gain a solid grasp of communication principles while exploring additional skill areas both inside the Communication Department and in a chosen area outside the department. By combining communication fundamentals with a focus on an outside area (such as science, literature, music, business, marketing, education or ministry), students can prepare to carve out a specialized niche in a field of work. Students who plan to later pursue a graduate degree may choose the communication studies major in order to gain expertise in interpersonal, organizational, cross-cultural and mass communication theory. In addition to the foundational communication courses (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481), students in the communication studies major complete CO 266, 421, and 485; six hours from CO 311, 322, 333, 346, 370, 371, 381, 395 (up to three times), and 495; and six hours from 300 or 400 level complementary courses outside the Communication Department.

The digital media arts major is for students who want to use the medium of digital animation and live-action video to tell stories that convey deeply felt human experiences from a redemptive perspective. The DMA program is closely linked with the Departments of Theatre and Visual Arts, giving students the best of both the art and communication disciplines. Students seeking the bachelor of science degree in digital media arts complete a core of courses in digital media arts and select a concentration to specialize in one of two areas: animation or DV cinema. Students who pursue the DV cinema concentration may choose to spend a semester at the CCCU’s Los Angeles Film Studies Center.

All students seeking the bachelor of science degree in the digital media arts program complete 11 foundational courses for a total of 26 hours. They include CO 111, 211, 295; AR 141, 241R, 241V; DM 101, 110, 203, 350 and 440. The following specific core requirement will be necessary in order to fulfill prerequisites to courses required in the major: CS 116.

In addition to the digital media arts foundational courses, students in the digital media arts major with a concentration in animation complete AR 111, 441; DM 210, 220, 230, 240, 320, 330, 340, 420 and 430. Students will choose six additional hours from AR 131, 142, 211, 261, 271, 311, 331, 471, or DM 495 for a total of 65 semester hours in the major. The following specific core requirement will be necessary in the animation concentration in order to fulfill prerequisites to courses required in the major: AR 115.

Students in the digital media arts major with a concentration in DV cinema complete the digital media arts foundational courses and 39 additional hours in either the Los Angeles film studies plan or the on-campus plan. Students accepted into the Los Angeles Film Studies Program complete the digital media arts major with a concentration in DV cinema by completing the foundational digital media arts courses; 16 semester hours from the Los Angeles program, including FS 391, 394, 495, and one course from FS 392 or 393; and 23 hours of required on-campus courses, including AR 261; CO 251; five hours of CO 395FILM; DM 340, 405; one course from CO 363 or DM 360 (students who complete CO 363 on campus should complete FS 393 in LA, and students who complete DM 360 on campus should complete FS 392 in LA); and three credit hours from AR 111, 271, 441, CO 434, DM 210, 240, 430, 495, TH 221, 222, or 223. Students completing the on-campus plan complete the digital media arts major with a concentration in DV cinema by completing the foundational digital media arts courses and AR 261; CO 251, 333FS, 363, and five hours of CO 395FILM; DM 330, 340, 360, and 405. Students will choose ten additional hours from AR 111, 271, 441, CO 434, DM 210, 240, 430, 495, TH 221, 222, or 223 for a total of 65 semester hours in the major.

Students may earn a minor in broadcasting by completing CO 111, 211, 261, 341, 481; one hour of CO 395RADIO or CO 395HTV; and seven additional hours from CO 231, 251, 281, 351, 381, and no more than one practicum from CO 295, 395RADIO, or 395HTV. Students may earn a minor in film studies by completing CO 111, 211, 251, 333FS, 341, 395FILM, 481; and four additional hours from CO 363, AR 241R, 241V, TH 221, 222, and no more than one practicum from CO 295 or 395FILM. Students may earn a minor in journalism by completing CO 111, 211, 241, 342; three hours of CO 395JOUR; CO 441; AR 107, and 241L. Students may earn a minor in public relations by completing CO 111, 241, 331, 346; one hour of CO 395JOUR; one hour of CO 395PREL; AR 241L; BA 381 and 452. Students may earn a minor in communication studies by completing CO 111, 211, 241, 246; and ten hours selected from CO 266, 311, 322, 333, 346, 370, 371, 395 (one hour), 421, 481, and 485.

Any student majoring in communication may elect to add a concentration in film studies by completing 16 hours in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Film Studies Program in Hollywood. Interested students should contact the Communication Department for information on this off-campus program.

Courses in Communication

CO 111 Introduction to Communication                 (3)

Communication is much more than just talking. This course is designed to expose students to the wide range of topics that comprise the field of communication. This survey course will introduce students to topics such as group communication, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, public speaking, listening and intrapersonal communication.

Fall

CO 211 Communication and Society                      (3)

This course provides an introductory study of media communication and its impact on culture and society. Students will explore print, radio, television, film and emerging technologies in communication from a Christian perspective as they examine the role of media in popular culture and develop media literacy skills through critical analyses. Prerequisite:  CO 111 (prerequisite waived for English education majors)

Fall

CO 215 Public Speaking                               (3)

An introduction to the principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking situations. Opportunities are provided for developing skills in composition, research, delivery and criticism of representative types of speeches. Prerequisite: EN 121

Fall, Spring

CO 231 Radio Announcing and Production            (3)

This course provides an introduction to the principles of radio broadcasting, with emphasis given to proper announcing theory, technique and style for on-air delivery. Students will practice creative and technical skills in digital multi-track audio production by producing audio programming, including radio drama.

Spring

CO 241 Introduction to News Writing                      (3)

Students enrolled in this introductory applied course gain experience writing news stories, feature stories, broadcast stories, opinion pieces and public relations pieces and using the Associated Press stylebook for copyediting. Emphasis is placed on the skills for information gathering, organization and composition necessary to the hard news story as well as the ability to produce under a publication deadline. Prerequisite: CO 111 (prerequisite waived for political studies majors)

Spring

CO 246 Interpersonal Communication                    (3)

This course introduces human communicative interaction in dyads and small groups. Theory is applied through participation in laboratory exercises and observation of dyads and groups on and off campus. Prerequisite:  CO 111

Spring

CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production         (3)

Students in this course gain professional experience in the video/ film production process. Activities include pre-production planning and shooting footage in the field. Students will write, produce and direct non-profit and industrial videos as well as a music video. Training will include Avid digital editing. Prerequisites: CO 295

Spring

CO 261 Broadcast Journalism                             (3)

The dynamics of radio and television news are covered, including news gathering, writing, editing and proper delivery. Students will work as a team producing news shows suitable for broadcasting on radio and television. Prerequisites: CO 211 and 281

Fall Odd Years

CO 266 Communication Theory and History           (3)

The course examines the development of various issues in communication history. Emphasis is given to different types of humanistic and social scientific theories of communication.

Fall Odd Years

CO 281 Television Studio Production                     (3)

This introduction to television studio production includes camera, control room, stage lighting and crew positions for television broad-casting, production and off-line editing. Students direct, write and produce short interview and variety show programming.

Fall

CO 295  Introduction to Editing and Media Management            (1)

An introduction to nonlinear digital editing techniques in which students learn to use industry standard editing software. Students practice basic housekeeping skills needed to work in a digital environment. This includes learning how to structure a project, organize source materials and export film elements in preparation for more complex projects in later courses.

Spring

CO 311 Advanced Public Speaking                        (3)

Students in his advanced course will examine theory and practice in various forms of platform speaking for the academically mature student. The class includes special forms of presentations such as after dinner speeches, tributes, keynote addresses, as well as an introduction to preaching. Prerequisite: CO 215 or consent

Fall  Odd Years

CO 322 Intercultural Communication                      (3)

This course explores issues related to the intercultural communication process and considers the important role of context (social, cultural and historical) in intercultural interactions. Students in the class examine the complex relationship between cultures and communication from various perspectives. Special emphasis will be given to managing cross-cultural conflict, cross-cultural teaching and cross-cultural ministry applications. Identical with MI 321. Prerequisite: CO 111

Spring Even Years

CO 326 Broadcast Management                    (3)

Students in this class study the principles of managing radio stations, television stations and video production houses. Topics include programming, advertising, sales, audience measurement, public affairs, FCC rules and regulations. Prerequisite: CO 281 or 231

Fall Even Years

CO 331 Public Relations                               (3)

Students will study procedures for dissemination of public information. This includes writing of public relations material, including news releases, and undertaking a major public relations project or campaign. The course also introduces the principles of crisis management. Prerequisite: CO 241

Fall Even Years

CO 333 Topics in Communication               

Special topics are offered dealing with current problems, issues or interests in various areas of communication. These may include topics such as political communication, communicating the Gospel and nonverbal communication. Prerequisite: CO 211 or consent unless stated

CO 333EG Erving Goffman                   (3)

This course provides an in-depth survey of the writings and thought of the sociologist Erving Goffman – including the topics of social life as a game, the production of the self and frame analysis of gender. Students also explore the ethnographic method of research through reading about and analyzing Goffman’s unique development of ethnography. These issues will all be framed in terms of their contribution to communication studies.

Offered on Sufficient Demand

CO 333FS Film Studies                     (3)

This course examines the elements of film (story, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound) and explores the history of the film medium from the silent era to the present digital age. Through-out the semester, in concert with the study of key global movements, the class will explore the business and politics as well as the aesthetics of cinema. Identical with EN 331FS. Prerequisite:  EN 151 or 311 or 321.

 Fall Odd Years

CO 341 Media Campaigns                 (2)

This course gives close attention to the principles and skills needed for the scripting of commercial copy, public service announcements, Internet and press releases; and television footage to promote ideas and institutions effectively in a multifaceted media campaign. Prerequisite: CO 241

Fall Odd Years

CO 342 Advanced Reporting and News Writing                  (3)

This course provides an advanced study of news writing covering in-depth news articles for publications and advanced interviewing and news gathering techniques. Prerequisite: CO 241

Spring Even Years

CO 346 Organizational Communication                  (3)

Students in this course learn principles of communication applied to the organizational context. Topics covered include information flow, organizational structure, leadership styles related to communication interviewing and communication problems within organizations. Identical with BA 341. Prerequisite: CO 111 or BA 252

Spring Even Years

CO 351 Advanced Television and Video Production           (3)

This is an advanced course in the methods and techniques of television, film style theory and production. Emphasis will be placed upon producing, directing and editing studio and dramatic productions. Prerequisites: CO 251 and 281

Spring Even Years

CO 363 Digital Film Aesthetics and Production                  (3)

This course covers the vocabulary, methods and principles of film theory and the artistic elements in digital film production. Theoretical paradigms that may be covered include: realism, formalism, neo-formalism, auteur theory, structuralism, semiotics and Marxian film theory. Articles pertaining to Christian faith and film will also be explored. Film theory will serve as a foundation for the final project in the course. Students will produce a digital film production to be showcased at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: CO 211, 251, and 295

Spring Odd Years

CO 370 Argumentation and Persuasion                  (3)

This is an advanced course in oral communication with an emphasis on motivation and persuasion in such interaction. Argumentation is studied within the framework of the logos, pathos and ethos of persuasion. Principles are emphasized and applied through presentations and analyses of contemporary communication artifacts. Prerequisite: CO 215 or consent

Fall Even Years

CO 371 Nonverbal Communication               (3)

Students in this class examine the types and influences of nonverbal communication that are evident in most face-to-face communication situations. These include but are not limited to appearance, gestures, vocal behavior, space, touch, time and environment. Students will have the opportunity to conduct a small-scale research project on one aspect of nonverbal communication. Prerequisite: CO 111

Spring Odd Years

CO 381 Media Law                                        (3)

An overview of current law pertaining to the regulation of mass communication and its historical development in the United States will be the focus of this course. Landmark court decisions regarding the fairness doctrine, equal opportunities provision, libel, First Amendment and the Freedom of Information Act will be covered. Prerequisites: CO 211 and junior standing or consent

Spring Even Years

CO 395 Practicum in Communication                    

Students may gain practical on-campus experience in broadcasting, film, public relations or journalism through a variety of hands-on media experiences. On-campus practicums are one credit but may be repeated to the limits prescribed for each major.

CO 395FILM                   (1)

Film students participate in a variety of film productions through the practicum in film. Prerequisite: CO 295 or consent

Fall, Spring

CO 395HTV                 (1)

Broadcast students run the daily operation of the campus television news program, HTV. Prerequisite: CO 295 or consent

Fall, Spring

CO 395JOUR                   (1)

Journalism students meet weekly for coaching as they report for the campus newspaper, The Huntingtonian, or for a student-produced magazine.

Fall, Spring

CO 395PREL                   (1)

Public relations students work under the supervision of the Office of Public Relations, writing and editing college publications and planning events or public relations campaigns. Prerequisites: CO 241 and one credit of CO 395JOUR

Fall, Spring

CO 395RADIO

Broadcast students run the daily operation of the campus radio station, WQHC 105.5 FM. Prerequisite: CO 295 or consent

Fall, Spring

CO 421 Research Methods in Communication        (3)

This course introduces the methods used for the analysis and critique of various linguistic, pictorial and aural elements of communication for the purpose of becoming more discerning consumers of various forms of public and mass-mediated messages. Analysis includes public speeches, advertising campaigns, print media and radio and TV messages in contemporary and historical settings. Emphasis is given to quantitative research. Prerequisite: CO 266

Spring Even Years

CO 434 Advanced Audio Production                    (3)

An advanced audio production course providing students with audio theory and production practice. Students study advanced forms of editing musical and sound material in multi-track form. They also demonstrate mastery in audio effects, production mixing and audio post-production for video. Students learn to edit and mix audio using the industry standard ProTools. An extensive survey of the audio production industry will also be included while students apply theory and techniques acquired in previous production courses. Prerequisite: CO 231

Spring Odd Years

CO 441 Magazine and Feature Writing                    (3)

Students will generate, report and write nonfiction feature stories for newspapers and magazines (both online and traditional). Human interest, news, feature, personality profiles, personal narratives, how-to and historical stories will be included. Attention will be given to the way in which the targeted reading audience influences the way a story is crafted. Prerequisite: CO 241

Spring Odd Years

CO 481 Mass Communication                      (3)

Theories of communication systems will be explored, including the purposes and nature of mass communication and the effects of mass media. Students will examine the Christian role in media ethics, value formation and criticism. Prerequisites: CO 111, CO 211, and junior standing

Fall Even Years

CO 485 Senior Seminar                                (3)

Students in this course read qualitative studies and methodologies and conduct a major empirical research project in communication studies using ethnographic and critical research methods. Papers are presented in class or at an academic conference. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Spring Odd Years

CO 490 Independent Study                         (1-4)

Students earn credit for completing a creative research or communication project approved by the department. Prerequisites: Junior or senior communication major and consent

Fall, Spring

CO 495 Internship                                      (2-4)

For broadcasting, film, journalism and public relations students, this is a capstone opportunity for advanced work off campus in areas of concentration at radio or television stations, newspapers, magazines, public relations organizations and ad agencies. For communication studies students, the internship is a supervised field study involving communication with a communication organization. The student will complete a project for the organization and write a critical analysis paper about the experience. Prerequisites: Junior or senior communication major and consent

Fall, Spring

Courses in Digital Media Arts

DM 101 Introduction to Digital Media Arts     (3)

An introduction to the field of digital media arts. As future media artists, students are exposed to the creative potentials and social responsibilities of engaging with visual culture. Students create content in live-action video and animation and study issues in contemporary visual culture.

Fall

DM 110 Animation I: Traditional Media                (3)

A survey course focusing on the fundamentals of animation using flipbooks, clay and a variety of traditional and organic animation media. This course serves as an introduction both to the art of making animation and to the preliminary challenges of combining traditional media with digital technology. Prerequisite:  DM 101

Spring

DM 203 Storyboard and Concept                  (3)

Explores digital animation as a powerful storytelling medium. Students learn the two fundamental tools that have grown out of the entertainment industry – the storyboard and concept development. Through various techniques, students discover how to create new stories that can be developed into short films. By the end of the semester each student will have a sketchbook of story ideas and one fully developed concept as the basis for making a short film. Prerequisite:  DM 101

Fall

DM 210 Animation II: Advanced Traditional Media    (3)

A continuation of traditional animation processes introduced in DM 110. Students develop advanced skills in particular traditional media techniques by creating more focused (and fewer) projects than in DM 110. In the process, students gain an immersive experience in stop-motion animation and drawn animation. Prerequisites:  DM 110 and AR 115

Fall

DM 220 3D Computer I: Foundations                 (3)

An introduction to the 3D graphic production environment. This course provides students with the basic tools they can use to explore 3D animation software interface and, further, give them opportunity to practice the techniques of modeling, texturing, lighting and rigging to execute a range of simple to moderately complex animated scenes. Prerequisite:  DM 110

Fall

DM 230 Digital Production Strategies                    (3)

This course gives the student a working knowledge of the digital animation studio and how it can be used to get from an idea to a completed film in the digital 2D production environment. Students will be exposed to tools and concepts designed by the industry for larger format productions such as digital ink and paint, basic compositing and the digital production pipeline. Prerequisite:  DM 210

Spring Odd Years

DM 240 Web-Based Animation                   (3)

Students use industry standard, vector-based animation systems to create animated content for the Internet. This includes streaming animated short films, publishing interactive content and constructing interactive venues, which they will use in subsequent digital media courses. Prerequisite:  DM 110

Spring Even Years

DM 320 3D Computer II: Character Design                (3)

This class focuses on 3D character design, while exposing students to more advanced 3D computer graphics toolsets and concepts. Over the course of the semester, students will work on designing their own characters for use in a 3D animation environment, from creating back stories for their own characters, to drawing and sketching and designing the look of their characters on paper, to using state-of-the-art character building tools. Good character design is an essential part of digital media storytelling and is a skill that when developed can help students continue to discover and hone their artistic voices. It also requires specific education from the technical to the aesthetic aspects of the craft. Prerequisites:  DM 220 and CS 116

Spring

DM 330 Short Form Film Production                   (3)

This is a production course for both live-action and animation students. Storytelling and filmmaking techniques learned in previous courses are applied by students as they produce multiple short films, each differing in intensity and medium. Students also learn to set schedules, budgets and various production perimeters. Prerequisites:  DM 203; DM 210 or CO 251

Spring Even Years

DM 340 Motion Graphics                       (3)

Students learn to maximize the creative possibilities of motion graphics as a powerful post-production tool, including the ability to create video collage, green screen compositing, animated title sequences and various other visual effects to enhance their film productions. Prerequisites:  CO 295, AR 241R, and AR 241V

Fall

DM 350 Web Presentation                      (2)

An instruction in the history of the World Wide Web as an inter-active medium as well as oversight and dedicated time to work on the primary delivery system for all of a student’s work. Attention is given to creating an on-line portfolio that users can navigate with ease, including the ability to construct interactive forums and updateable venues. Prerequisites:  AR 241R, AR 241V, and junior standing

Spring

DM 360 Writing for the Screen                      (3)

Students in this course study writing for film using computerized screenwriting programs. Attention is given to both the Hollywood and independent film story structure. Students will read and critique a variety of script types and write their own screenplays. Prerequisite:  CO 111 or consent

Fall Even Years

DM 405 Documentary Film                     (3)

Documentary films tell factual stories using narrative story-telling techniques. In this course, students view and study effective documentary films while applying the basic techniques of filmmaking and journalistic reporting a documentary film as their final project. Attention is given to representational and aesthetic strategies. Prerequisites:  CO 251 and 333FS

Fall Even Years

DM 420 3D Computer III: Environments                    (3)

This class focuses on developing individual 3D rendering styles, 3D space composition and aesthetics. This includes working on 3D environments, advanced lighting techniques and non photo-realistic rendering. Over the course of the semester, students will work on designing their own 3D environments, as well as work on creating an individual visual voice within the 3D computer graphics medium. Techniques developed in this class are meant to be applied to senior projects. Prerequisite:  DM 320

Fall

DM 430 Animation Studio                         (3)

Practice in small group task collaboration to create an animated short film. The project brings together the skills learned in smaller animation projects in previous courses for the student’s first effort at a more sustained collaborative effort. Students use the principles of project management and storyline development learned in earlier courses to produce a work of animated art that others can view and appreciate. This course is a prelude to Senior Project. Prerequisites:  DM 330 and 420

Fall

DM 440 Senior Project                          (3)

An experience that showcases the cumulative skills, concepts and artistic development of students’ careers in digital media arts at Huntington University. Students create a live-action film, an animated film or an interactive media project that represents the students’ accomplishments and growth in digital media arts as well as their potential for more sophisticated productions in the field or in graduate school after graduation. Prerequisite:  DM 330 or live-action equivalent

Spring

DM 495 Internship in Digital Media Arts                        (2-4)

A capstone opportunity for advanced real-world work off campus in digital media arts. The digital media arts internship is a supervised field study with outside businesses or organizations with departments in animation or live-action. The student will complete a project for the organization and fulfill reflection paper or portfolio requirements as assigned by the DMA faculty. Prerequisites:  Junior or senior standing and consent

Fall, Spring, Summer

Los Angeles Film Studies Program

Students who choose to attend the Los Angeles Film Studies Center are exposed to a true “behind-the-scenes” look at the work and workings of Hollywood, yet at the same time are a part of a Christian based educational program committed
to understanding what it means to be “salt and light” in this unique and powerful industry. The entire experience of classes, internships and Christian fellowship provides the student with an opportunity to test his or her interest in pursuing a career in the mainstream entertainment industry.

FS 391 Theology in Hollywood                       (4)

This course encourages the development of the necessary skills for analysis of the culture of Hollywood, its role in popular culture and the theological intersections therein. The course seeks theological engagement with the culture of Hollywood and cinema by investigating some of the social, ethical and psychological implications of film upon theology. The course is presented in four modules, each building on the content of the previous module: 1) an analysis of the culture of Hollywood; 2) a study of theology/Bible and engagement with Hollywood and cinema; 3) Christian ethics and the culture of Hollywood; and 4) a capstone examination of Christian vocation in Hollywood. All students participate in a team-taught lecture seminar led by a professor of theology. Students also participate in small group tutorials, service learning and discussions.

Fall, Spring

FS 392 Motion Picture Production                       (3)

This is an intense, hands-on course in short film production. Students individually write, shoot, direct and edit their own projects. Visual storytelling is achieved through developing skills in directing, cinematography and editing. The course is designed to enable both novice and advanced students to develop their integration of story with technical skill. The course is taught by professional, experienced Christian filmmakers with credits in the Hollywood industry.

Fall, Spring

FS 393 Professional Screenwriting                          (3)

This is a course in contemporary screenwriting, including an under-standing of dramatic structure, character and dialogue development and the writing process. Students complete a full-length screenplay for a feature film or "movie-of-the-week." Whether novice or advanced, students are expected to develop and improve their skills. Emphasis is given to the role of Christian faith and values as they relate to script content. The course is taught by a working, credited Christian screenwriter.

Fall, Spring

FS 394 Hollywood Production Workshop                         (3)

Students work collaboratively in groups to create a festival-ready piece, including all the legal documentation and rights to enable the finished production to qualify for festival submission. The course offers students the opportunity to make a motion picture production using Hollywood locations, resources and protocol. Students participate in a competitive vetting process of scripts, pitches and meetings much like the process of the professional industry. For example, those who want to direct submit reels for review by a selection panel. This course operates as a community building experience in which all students participate in at least one key role in the production process. The course also offers small group tutorials for each student’s production position. The workshop environment is specifically designed to meet the needs of both novice and experienced students. The major emphases of the course are the importance of each contribution to a production, the process of production and effective production management. This course compliments the more specialized, skill-focused elective courses and is taught by professional, experienced Christian filmmakers with credits in the Hollywood industry.

Fall, Spring

FS 495 Internship: Inside Hollywood                         (6)

Students participate in an internship experience in some aspect of the Hollywood entertainment industry. These are non-paying positions primarily in an office setting such as development companies, agencies, management companies, post-production facilities, etc. Students work 20 to 24 hours a week, spread over a three day schedule and accumulate 200 to 250 hours for the semester. Orientation to the internship includes an overview of the creative and operational aspects of the Hollywood entertainment business, including the Christian's role working therein. The internships do not include positions on actual filmmaking locations. Instead, students work in offices as support personnel to producers, writers, directors, agents, post-production personnel and others involved in the total process of producing and distributing a major motion picture. The LAFSC provides interns to many of the major companies within Hollywood.

Fall, Spring

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