Cinema and Television Arts

College of Arts, Media and Communication

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Chair: Robert Gustafson
Manzanita Hall (MZ) 195
(818) 677-3192
www.ctva.csun.edu

Faculty:

Eric Edson
Robert Gustafson
Michael Hoggan
Temma Kramer
Alexis Krasilovsky
Kenneth Portnoy
Jared Rappaport
Quinn Saunders
Mary C. Schaffer
John Schultheiss
Jonathan Stahl
Nate Thomas
Thelma Vickroy
Dianah Wynter

Emeritus Faculty:

John Allyn
Alan Armer
Bertram Barer
Ben Brady
Thomas Burrows
Emory Johnson
Frederick Kuretski
Ants A. Leps
Charles Lynch
Judith Marlane
Sidney Salkow
Donald Wood

Programs

Undergraduate

B.A., Cinema and Television Arts

Graduate

M.A., Screenwriting

The Department

The Department of Cinema and Television Arts is affiliated with the University Film and Video Association, the Broadcast Education Association and the National Association of Broadcasters. It founded KCSN (FM), a Public Radio station, 88.5 MHz, serving listeners in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Students may earn upper division credit for radio experience at KCSN. Majors also utilize television and film studios as part of their lab and theoretical instruction. The Department of Cinema and Television Arts administers the CSUN Center for Telecommunication Studies, the CSUN Cinematheque, and the Gallery of Film Poster Art, housed in Manzanita Hall. The Department also is an integral unit in the Entertainment Industry Institute, a joint project of the Colleges of Arts, Media, and Communication; Business Administration and Economics; and Engineering and Computer Science.

The Major

The Cinema and Television Arts major provides students with academic and professional training for careers in the entertainment industries and non-commercial/corporate media fields. The major prepares students for creative and management careers in commercial or public radio, television, film, and multimedia positions, as well as related scholarly areas. The program is strongly committed to a balance between theoretical and practical education.

The Options

The CTVA major prepares students in academic and creative aspects of the media disciplines through study in one of seven options:

Electronic Media Management Option: Operational and management aspects of independent, studio, and network electronic media including business structures, personnel, budgets, advertising, sales, research, and regulation of the media industries. A minor is also offered in this option.

Film Production Option: Conceptualization, production, directing, editing, and distribution of film projects for both entertainment and informational purposes.

Media Theory and Criticism Option: History, theory, and critical analysis of the culture of film and electronic media providing a background for all professional training, with specific preparation for careers in teaching or research.

Multimedia Production Option: Pre-production, production, and distribution of digital material for film, television and the World Wide Web. Students acquire effective computer skills to design websites, create streaming audio and video, design and create DVDs and CD-ROMS, and develop games in the interactive media environment.

Radio Production Option: Pre-production, production and post-production techniques for all radio formats–encompassing producing, directing and all other creative aspects of studio and field production.

Screenwriting Option: Research, structure, and writing for dramatic and non-dramatic scripts for film, radio, television, and multimedia.

Television Production Option: Pre-production, production and post-production techniques for all television formats–encompassing producing, directing and all other creative aspects of studio and field production.

The mission of all options is to instill in students the knowledge, expertise, and creative skills that will help them to achieve their goals in the fields of radio, television, film, or multimedia, and to promote the critical, analytical, and conceptual thinking that will enrich their academic and professional careers.

Careers

Some specific career choices for graduates of the Department of Cinema and Television Arts include the following:

Screenwriters or writers for television and film create scripts for motion pictures or television; for commercials; for promotional and public service announcements; for news; and for continuity material to introduce and connect various segments of musical, news, variety, magazine, and sports programs. They may work directly for a studio, station, or network; work on a free-lance basis; or may be under contract to independent production companies.

Those involved in radio, television, multimedia, or film production create, supervise, or assist in the entire range of activities in developing and executing projects. Creative occupations in this area include the selection of stories, talent, and materials; art, set, and lighting design; directing; cinematography and camera operation; audio recording and mixing; live television switching or editing; film editing; and other production and post-production technical functions. Positions are available in commercial film studios, independent production houses and studios, broadcast stations and networks, cable operations, video game companies, government agencies, hospitals, business corporations, educational institutions, and other organizations with audiovisual and multimedia facilities.

Multimedia specialists are involved in the research, design, production, and execution of interactive projects for CD Rom, DVDs, internet, mobile services and game applications.

Media management positions include broadcast station and network management, business and financial administration, programming operations, sales, and advertising. Film and media management opportunities include marketing, promotion, distribution, and exhibition.

Writing, production, and management careers also can lead to studio and independent producing of the coordination of all elements involved in the creation and distribution of any entertainment or non-commercial media product. This includes development and fundraising, securing broadcast and film rights for a project, hiring of talent for the project, overseeing writing and production aspects, arranging for distribution and exhibition.

Media theory and criticism graduates find positions as teachers, critics, and researchers. Students often go on to graduate school to prepare for teaching careers or advanced research positions. These include marketing and audience research, ratings, media buying, assessing programming strategies, and evolving media and technology strategies and expansion plans.

Academic Advisement

Advisement is recommended, but not required, for all Pre-CTVA majors. Appointments to meet with the Pre-CTVA advisor, Kathleen McWilliams, can be made by calling the department office.

Advisement is mandatory for CTVA majors. Prior to each semester’s course registration period, each major is required to meet with their faculty advisor to discuss course selection and assess the student’s academic progress. Once a schedule for the following semester is jointly approved the student receives departmental permission to register for classes online. Undergraduate advising for each of the seven options is as follows: Electronic Media Management-Robert Gustafson (option head); Film Production-Nate Thomas (option head), Michael Hoggan, Temma Kramer; Media Theory and Criticism-John Schultheiss (option head); Multimedia Production-Mary C. Schaffer (option head); Radio Production-Thelma Vickroy (option head); Screenwriting-Jon Stahl (option head), Eric Edson, Alexis Krasilovsky, Ken Portnoy, Jared Rappaport; Television Production-Thelma Vickroy (option head), Quinn Saunders, Dianah Wynter. The graduate coordinator is Eric Edson.

The Department of Cinema and Television Arts encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the Department.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

At the end of a program of study, students should (as reflected by the curriculum in their individual option) be able to:

understand and articulate the history, theories, and critical models of cinema and the electronic media;
research, structure, and write dramatic and non-dramatic scripts for cinema, television, and multimedia;
employ pre-production, production, and post-production techniques for all electronic and digital media formats in both the studio and the field;
conceptualize, produce, direct, edit, and distribute cinema projects for both entertainment and informational purposes;
operate and manage business structures, personnel, budgets, advertising, sales, research, and regulation of independent, studio, and network electronic media.

Requirement for Admission to the Major

Students must apply for admittance into the Pre-CTVA program as follows: All incoming freshmen and transfer students from other institutions must apply for admission on or before November 1 for the following academic year. The required CSU application documents should be sent to the Admissions and Records office. No supplemental materials are required for acceptance into the Pre-CTVA major. CSUN students wishing to change from another major into CTVA must have a minimum 2.0 gpa and may apply for admission into the CTVA major by submitting to Admissions and Records a Change of Major Form signed by the Department Chair. After successfully completing all requirements for the Pre-CTVA major listed below, and after completing at least 60 units of college/university-level course work, students should apply for admission into one of the CTVA major options by submitting to Admissions and Records a Change of Major Form signed by the Department Chair. As noted in the next section, there are additional requirements for admission into the Film and Screenwriting Options. Students applying for the Film or Screenwriting Option must meet various minimum grade requirements and must submit a portfolio for review and approval by the CTVA faculty; Screenwriting candidates must also pass an entrance exam. Deadline dates, exam dates and portfolio format requirements can be found on the department’s website and in the department office.

Special Course and Grade Requirements for the CTVA Major

All lower and upper division courses taken toward completion of the Pre-CTVA and CTVA requirements must be completed with a grade of C or better (except as noted below). Students intending to enter the Screenwriting Option must pass CTVA 220 with a grade of B- or better. Students intending to enter the Film Option must pass CTVA 250 with a grade of B- or better.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

1. Lower Division Required Courses (9-15 Units)

Electronic Media Management (12 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations of Media Writing (3)
Either CTVA 230 Fundamentals of Audio Production (3)
or CTVA 240 Fundamentals of Video Production (3)
or CTVA 250 Fundamentals of Film Production (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Electronic Media Management option can request that the Department approve a Change of Major upon successful completion of CTVA 100 and 210.

Film Production (15 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations of Media Writing (3)
ART 250 Photography I (3)
CTVA 250 Fundamentals of Film Production (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Film Production option must successfully complete all lower division requirements, and submit a portfolio for review before admission to the option is granted.

Media Theory and Criticism (9 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations of Media Writing (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Media Theory and Criticism option can request that the Department approve a Change of Major upon successful completion of CTVA 100 and 210.

Multimedia Production (12 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Art (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations Media Writing (3)

Select One of the Following Three Courses:

CTVA 230 Fundamentals of Radio Production (3)
CTVA 240 Fundamentals of Video Production (3)
CTVA 250 Fundamentals of Film Production (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Multimedia Production option can request that the Department approve a Change of Major upon successful completion of CTVA 100, 210 and either 230, 240. or 250

Radio Production (12 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations of Media Writing (3)
CTVA 230 Fundamentals of Audio Production (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Radio Production option can request that the Department approve a Change of Major upon successful completion of CTVA 100, 210 and 230.

Screenwriting (12 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations of Media Writing (3)
Either CTVA 230 Fundamentals of Audio Production (3)
or CTVA 240 Fundamentals of Video Production (3)
or CTVA 250 Fundamentals of Film Production (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Screenwriting option must successfully complete all lower division requirements, and submit a portfolio for review and take the entrance exam before admission to the option is granted.

TV Production (12 lower division units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 220 Foundations of Media Writing (3)
CTVA 240 Fundamentals of Video Production (3)

NOTE: Pre-CTVA majors wishing to enter into the Television Production option can request that the Department approve a Change of Major upon successful completion of CTVA 100, 210 and 240.

2. Upper Division Required Courses (33-36 Units)

Before admittance to the CTVA major, students must complete all requirements for the Pre-CTVA major listed above. Pre-CTVA major students may not enroll in upper division CTVA courses without the consent of the instructor. Upon completion of the Pre-CTVA major, students must apply at the Department office for admittance to one of CTVA’s seven options. To meet each option’s specific requirements, students must complete all required courses and select additional Upper Division units in consultation with a faculty advisor in that option. Note that advisement is mandatory for all CTVA majors each semester. Each option provides an advisement form, available in the CTVA office, which lists both required and elective courses for the option. To fulfill the Department’s commitment to critical thinking and research skills, each option will require one course such as CTVA 301, 319, 400, or 401.

Required Upper Division Courses for Each Option:

A. Electronic Media Management Option (33 Units)

1. Required Courses

CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 480 Electronic Media Management (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 301 Design of Media Message (3)
CTVA 400 Media and Society (3)
CTVA 401 Mass Communications Research (3)

Select six of the following courses: (18 units)

CTVA 315 New Directions in Electronic Media Systems (3)
CTVA 362 Corporate and Instructional Media (3)
CTVA 384 Electronic Media Advertising (3)
CTVA 405 International Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 467 Management of Post Production for TV and Film (3)
CTVA 475 Audience Analysis (3)
CTVA 481 Network Practices (3)
CTVA 482 Network Program Development (3)
CTVA 487 Regulation of Electronic Media (3)
AMC 386 A-Z Survey of the Entertainment Industry (3)

Additional Units: Select 6 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Electronic Media Management.

General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning, and the major.

Total Units in the Major: 45
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units 27
Total Units Required for a B.A. Degree: 120

B. Film Production Option (33 Units)

1. Required Courses (24 units)

CTVA 310 History of American Cinema (3)
CTVA 319 Criticism in Cinema and Television Arts (3)
CTVA 329C Program Production (3)
CTVA 350 Film Directing (3)
CTVA 351 Anatomy of Film Producing (3)
CTVA 355 Intermediate Film Production (3)
CTVA 452 Senior Film Project (3)
CTVA 494C Internship (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 356 Advanced Film Editing (3)
CTVA 357 Advanced Cinematography (3)
CTVA 358 Advanced Film Sound (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 410 Advanced Film Theory: Studies in Film Style (3)
CTVA 412 Analysis of Classic Film Makers (3)
CTVA 413 Women as Filmmakers (3)
CTVA 415 International Cinema (3)
CTVA 416 Documentary Tradition in Film and Video (3)

Additional Units: Select 3 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Film Production.

General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning and the major.

Total Units in the Option: 48
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units: 24
Total Units Required for the Degree: 120

C. Media Theory and Criticism Option (36 Units)

1. Required Courses (9 units)

CTVA 309 Film as Literature (3)
CTVA 319 Criticism in Cinema and Television Arts (3)
CTVA 400 Media and Society (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 301 Design of the Media Message (3)
CTVA 401 Mass Communications Research (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 310 History of American Cinema (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 315 New Directions in Electronic Media Systems (3)
CTVA 405 International Broadcasting (3)

Select three of the following courses: (9 units)

CTVA 410 Advanced Film Theory: Studies in Film Style (3)
CTVA 412 Analysis of Classic Film Makers (3)
CTVA 413 Women as Filmmakers (3)
CTVA 415 International Cinema (3)
CTVA 416 The Documentary Tradition in Film and Video (3)

Additional Units: Select 9 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Media Theory and Criticism.

General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning and the major.

Total Units in the Option: 45
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units: 27
Total Units Required for a B.A. Degree: 120

D. Multimedia Production Option (33 Units)

1. Required Courses (24)

CTVA 301 Design of Media Message (3)
CTVA 315 New Directions/Elec Med Systems (3)
CTVA 327 Writing for Industrial Media (3)
CTVA 362 Corporate and Instructional Media (3)
CTVA 361 Computing for Multimedia (3)
CTVA 461 Interactive Media (3)
CTVA 464 Multimedia Design (3)
CTVA 468 Multimedia Production (3)

Select one of the following courses:

CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 310 History of American Cinema (3)

Additional Units: Select 6 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Multimedia Production.

General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning, and the major.

Total Units in the Option: 45
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units: 27
Total Units Required for the Degree: 120

E. Radio Production Option (33 Units)

1. Required Courses: (3 units)

CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 330 Advanced Audio Production (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 301 Design of the Media Message (3)
CTVA 319 Criticism in Cinema and Television Arts (3)
CTVA 400 Media and Society (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 315 New Directions in Electronic Media Systems (3)
CTVA 487 Social Controls and Regulation of Electronic Media (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 320 Writing for Film and Television (3)
CTVA 327 Writing for Industrial Media (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 361 Computing for Multimedia (3)
CTVA 362 Corporate and Instructional Media (3)
CTVA 480 Electronic Media Management (3)

Select three of the following courses: (9 units)

CTVA 384 Electronic Media Advertising (3)
CTVA 401 Mass Communications Research (3)
CTVA 475 Audience Analysis (3)
CTVA 481 Network Practices (3)
CTVA 482 Network Program Development (3)

Additional Units: Select 6 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Radio Production.

General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning and the major.

Total Units in the Option: 45
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units: 27
Total Units Required for a B.A. Degree: 120

F. Screenwriting Option (33 Units)

1. Required Courses: (12 units)

CTVA 309 Film as Literature (3)
CTVA 320 Writing for Film and Television (3)
CTVA 420 Screenplay Adaptation (3)
CTVA 425 Advanced Screenwriting (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 301 Design of the Media Message (3)
CTVA 319 Criticism in Cinema and Television Arts (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 310 History of American Cinema (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 327 Writing for Industrial Media (3)
CTVA 428 Writing Screenplay Comedy (3)

Select one of the following courses: (3 units)

CTVA 350 Film Directing (3)
CTVA 440 Theory and Techniques of Television Directing (3)

Additional Units: Select 9 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Screenwriting.

General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning and the major.

Total Units in the Option: 45
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units: 27
Total Units Required for a B.A. Degree: 120

G. Television Production Option (33 Units)

1. Students in the Television Production Option will take 33 upper division units as indicated below:

CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)
CTVA 340 Advanced Video Audio Production and Editing (3)
CTVA 341 Single-Camera Video Production and Editing (3)
CTVA 440 Theory and Techniques of TV Directing (3)

One of the following: Skill Area

CTVA 342 Digital Cinematography (3)
CTVA 352 Nonlinear Digital Editing (3)
CTVA 358 Advanced Film Sound (3)
CTVA 359 Post Production Sound (3)

One of the following: Critical Reasoning

CTVA 301 Design of the Media Message (3)
CTVA 319 Criticism in Cinema and TV (3)
CTVA 400 Media and Society (3)
CTVA 416 Documentary Tradition (3)

One of the following: Senior Level Capstone Production

CTVA 441 Directing the TV Documentary (3)
CTVA 442 Directing TV Drama/Comedy (3)
CTVA 443 Magazine Format Video (3)

Two of the following:

CTVA 327 Writing for Industrial Media (3)
CTVA 384 Electronic Media Advertising (3)
CTVA 480 Electronic Media Management (3)
CTVA 481 Network Practices (3)
CTVA 482 Network Program Development (3)
CTVA 475 Audience Analysis (3)
CTVA 487 Regulation of Electronic Media (3)

2. Additional Units

Select 6 additional units in CTVA or an allied field, with the approval of an advisor, as prescribed in the official departmental advisement form for Television Production.
General Education: CTVA 100 can be counted toward GE Lifelong Learning and the major.
Total Units in the Option: 45
General Education Units: 48
Additional Units: 27
Total Units Required for a B.A. Degree: 120

Minor in Media Management

18 unit minor with emphasis in Media Management: This minor provides a focused course of study in management issues encountered in entertainment media management.

1. Required Courses (9 Units)

CTVA 100 Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3)
CTVA 210 Television-Film Aesthetics (3)
CTVA 305 History of Broadcasting (3)

2. Upper Division Required Elective Courses (9 Units)

Select three from the following courses:

CTVA 351 Anatomy of Film Producing (3)
CTVA 384 Electronic Media Advertising (3)
CTVA 475 Audience Analysis (3)
CTVA 480 Electronic Media Management (3)
CTVA 481 Network Practices (3)
CTVA 482 Network Program Development (3)
CTVA 487 Social Controls and Regulation of Electronic Media (3)
CTVA 494C Internship (3)

Total Units in the Minor: 18

The Graduate Program: M.A. in Screenwriting

The graduate program presupposes a strong undergraduate preparation or equivalent professional experience in screenwriting. The Master’s program calls for more intensive study, focuses on evaluation of student’s scripts and the development of creative, analytical and research techniques culminating in a screenplay/thesis project. The program offers no studio-based production instruction.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree

A. Program Admission Requirements Classified Status:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: Students lacking a sufficient academic or professional background in Television or Film will be expected to expand their knowledge of those fields through enrolling in courses assigned by the Graduate Advisor;

2. a 3.0 grade point average in an undergraduate major and in all Cinema and Television Arts courses taken;

3. a 3.0 grade point average for all undergraduate work undertaken. Candidates with outstanding professional records may seek, with substantial justification, an exception to conditions 1 and 2 above;

4. completion of general requirements for classified graduate status:

an above average score on the GRE verbal portion;
a passing score on the Writing Proficiency Exam administered by California State University;

5. submission of 3 letters of recommendation.

B. Special Requirements

A minimum of 30 units of approved graduate work is required for the degree. University regulations require that at least 18 units of the program shall be 500 and 600-level courses. Students applying more than 36 units of course work to their graduate program must take at least 70 percent of their courses in 500 and 600-level classes. The 30 minimum units shall be comprised of the following:

1. Required Courses (24 Units)

CTVA 500 Studies in History (Core) (3)
CTVA 501 Studies in Theory (Core) (3)* (*CTVA 500 is a prerequisite for CTVA 501)
CTVA 525 Seminar in Screenwriting (3) May be taken concurrently with CTVA 500
CTVA 602 Seminar in Research Methods (3)* (*CTVA 602 is a prerequisite for CTVA 692)
CTVA 622 Department Colloquium (3) May be taken concurrently with CTVA 501
CTVA 692 Research Practicum (3)
CTVA 697 Comprehensive exam (3)
CTVA 698 Thesis or Thesis Project (3)

2. Electives (12 Units)

Students shall take these units with the prior approval of the Graduate Advisor. These must be 400, 500, or 600-level courses in an analytic, professional or methodological area in CTVA or related disciplines. Students may not register for more than three 400-level courses.
CTVA 420 Screenplay Adaptation (3)
CTVA 425 Advanced Screenwriting (3)
CTVA 428 Writing Screenplay Comedy (3)
CTVA 512 Seminar in Film Theory (3)
CTVA 532 Seminar in Analysis of Media Performance (3)
CTVA 595A-I Studies in Mass Communication (3)
CTVA 699A-C Independent Study (3)
CTVA 694A-F Internships (1-6)
CTVA 696 Directed Research (3)

Total Units Required for the Degree: 30

Course List

CTVA 100. Introduction to Mass Communication Arts (3): Not open to students with credit in JOUR 100. Survey of the fields of radio, television, and film as they relate to other mass media. Comparative analysis and evaluation, including historical, societal, legal, and individual considerations. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning) (IC)
CTVA 210. Television-Film Aesthetics (3): TV and film communicative art forms. Representative films and television programs are exhibited and analyzed. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities) (IC)
CTVA 220. Foundations of Media Writing (3): Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement.Required of all pre-majors. Basic introductory course in writing for the film and electronic media, with emphasis on preparing scripts in proper formats. Includes a writing evaluation component as part of the course requirement.
CTVA 230. Fundamentals of Audio Production (3): Introductory course in audio production. Training in digital production, audio console operation, use of tape recorders and microphones, tape editing, program formats, and announcing. Lab with accompanying lecture, 4 hours per week.
CTVA 240. Fundamentals of Video Production (3): Basic introduction to all aspects of television studio production, audio and video; microphones, audio recorders, cameras, lenses, switching, and lighting equipment. Principles of graphics and scenery. Lab with accompanying lecture, six hours per week.
CTVA 250. Fundamentals of Film Production (3): Prerequisite: ART 250.Introductory course in Television-Film Production. Use of film as creative medium and art form in mass communication, using 16mm production techniques. Six hours lab per week.
CTVA 301. Design of the Media Message (3): Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement.Fundamentals of researching and designing the informational media program. Principles of determining audience needs, research, analysis and design, and program structure as they apply to documentaries, motivational programs, and other educational and propaganda messages. Regular written assignments required.
CTVA 305. History of Broadcasting (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Radio and television broadcasting: beginnings, development, commercial and noncommercial support, regulations, impact on society, programming, and future of telecommunications.
CTVA 309. Film as Literature (3): Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement.Survey of the art of the cinema in order to establish a unique visual literature with its own critical standards. Feature films of various types and from diverse sources are screened. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities)
CTVA 310. History of American Cinema (3): Prerequisites: Completion of lower division writing requirement and CTVA 100.History of the development of American Cinema: formats, film aesthetics, societal impact, evolution as an entertainment medium. Screening and evaluation of representative films.
CTVA 315. New Directions in Electronic Media Systems (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100.Examination of electronic media systems for program production and dissemination, as well as implications for producers, regulators, and society as a whole.
CTVA 319. Criticism in Cinema and Television Arts (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 210; lower division writing requirement. Analysis of social, cultural, literary and moral aspects of radio, television, and film. Examination of media as distributors of information, propaganda, and entertainment. Regular written assignments required; the writing of critical analyses.
CTVA 320. Writing for Film and Television (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 220. Basic dramatic screenwriting techniques for television and film. Disciplines of plot construction, characterization and dialogue are examined.
CTVA 327. Writing for Industrial Media (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 220. Theory, history and principles of writing industrial film and television programs for business, government, and other organized groups.
CTVA 329ABC. Program Production (1-3): Prerequisite: Instructor consent. CTVA 230 is required for all students working at KCSN. Principles of management, programming, and production with practical application. Students must work at least three hours a week for 1 unit. Maximum of six units allowable. (Credit/No Credit only)
CTVA 330. Advanced Audio Production (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 230. Techniques of studio and remote audio production. Creation of radio magazine features. Training in use of sound effects, dramatic production, multi-track recording, digital production and mixing. Lab with accompanying lecture, 4 hours per week.
CTVA 340. Advanced Video Production and Editing (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 240. Advanced course in the creative use of television studio cameras, lighting, sound, computer graphics and editing principles in television productions including interview and dramatic formats. Both group and individual projects are structured around theory and practice. Lab with accompanying lecture, six hours per week.
CTVA 341. Single-Camera Video Production and Editing (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 340. Overview of the theory and practice of electronic field production. Examines the technical and aesthetic requirements of single-camera video production and editing. Six hours of lecture and lab activity per week.
CTVA 342. Digital Cinematography (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 240 or 357.Advanced course with a specialized foundation in digital cinematography. The course will explore the theory and professional practice of digital cinematography for television and film. Topics include history, theory, composition, visual design, lighting, and special effects. Dual emphasis on individual creativity and production group dynamics. Three hours lecture; three hours lab per week.
CTVA 350. Film Directing (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 250. Examination of basic creative elements and technical approaches necessary to achieve professional excellence in film direction. Lab six hours per week.
CTVA 351. Anatomy of Film Producing (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 240 or 250. Organization and management for both independent and studio film production. Basic business procedures, financing, budgeting, distribution, exhibition, legal matters, the development of entrepreneurial skills, and structure, practices, and current trends of the industry.
CTVA 352. Nonlinear Digital Editing (3): Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: CTVA 341 or 355.Overview of the theory and practice of nonlinear editing for video and film utilizing nonlinear digital editing work stations. Examines the technical and aesthetic requirements of editing through the use of professional film and video dailies. Gives the student fundamental knowledge and experience the Editor and Assistant Editor must have to run a digital editing system. Three hours of lecture; three hours of lab activity per week.
CTVA 355. Intermediate Film Production (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 250.Intermediate course in 16mm production with emphasis on story and the creative use of the motion picture camera, sound, editing, and other aesthetic elements. Six hours of lab per week.
CTVA 356. Advanced Film Editing (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 355. Advanced course in post-production film technique and aesthetics, including the analysis, application and mastery of editing styles. Six hours of lab per week.
CTVA 357. Advanced Cinematography (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 355.Advanced course in film production techniques and aesthetics, including detailed examination of film grammar as it is created in the camera, lighting technology and practice, camera technology, optics of lenses and their effect on aesthetics, principles of composition, new technologies computerized application and special cinematic situations (infrared, underwater and macro-cine). Six hours of lab per week.
CTVA 358. Advanced Film Sound (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 355. Advanced course in the theory and practice of sound gathering and mixing for motion picture production including technical and aesthetic requirements. Use of various technologies and microphones. Presents the mix and post production sound editing. Three hours lecture; three hours lab per week.
CTVA 359. Post Production Sound Design for Film and Electronic Media (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 355 or 340.Advanced course with a specialized foundation in post production sound recording and mixing. The course will explore the theory and professional practice of sound design for film and electronic media. Topics include history, theory, dialogue editing, sound effects, Foley, ADR, and surround sound. Dual emphasis on individual creativity and production group dynamics. Three hours lecture; three hours lab per week.
CTVA 361. Computer Fundamentals for Multimedia (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. General introduction to computers and their use in multimedia design, production, distribution, and in desktop video. Covers computer fundamentals, the use of the graphic user interface, and provides an overview of the use of computers in multimedia and familiarizes students with appropriate software. Six hours per week.
CTVA 362. Corporate and Instructional Media (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Study of contemporary practices in corporate, school, medical, and civic media, as they relate to educational, training, and motivational purposes. Examination of audience needs, objectives, design and writing, production, distribution, utilization, and evaluation.
CTVA 384. Electronic Media Advertising (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Advertising as economic support for broadcast media. Audience, market surveys, network, affiliate rate structures. Impact of Radio-TV advertising on local and national economy.
CTVA 395. Independent Senior Projects (3): Prerequisites: Senior status; approval of project by a faculty advisor in that option.Independent work with faculty supervision in Cinema and Television Arts.
CTVA 400. Media and Society (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Examination of contemporary views of media and societal effects. Analysis of McLuhan, Meyrowitz, Postman, and other theorists. Effects of TV violence.
CTVA 401. Mass Communications Research (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Inquiry into research methodology in mass communication. Emphasis on solution of research problems in areas relating to the mass media.
CTVA 405. International Broadcasting (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Comparative examination of broadcasting in foreign nations. Analysis of how radio and television reflect the social and political life of each country.
CTVA 410. Advanced Film Theory: Studies in Film Style (3): Prerequisites: Completion of lower division writing requirement, CTVA 210 or 310.Study of realistic and expressive elements as reflected in selected film and literary references. Emphasis on aesthetic implications and significance of directorial, thematic, cinematographic approaches and techniques in the film medium. Regular written assignments required.
CTVA 412. Analysis of Classic Film Makers (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 210 or 310; completion of lower division writing requirement. In-depth analysis of the unique personal visions and creative accomplishments of specially selected film artists, studied from the point of view of technique, visual style, content, sociological implications. Regular written assignments required
CTVA 413. Women as Filmmakers (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 210 or 310; completion of lower division writing requirement.Examination of the careers and film productions of various internationally recognized women filmmakers (directors, writer directors, etc.), focusing on their unique contributions in content and style. Emphasis on the present-day scene with films or video from France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the U.S. Regular written assignments required.
CTVA 415A-Z. International Cinema (3): Prerequisites: Completion of the lower division writing requirement; CTVA 210 or 310. In-depth analysis of the creative accomplishments of the aesthetic and socioeconomic influences on the cinematic art of a single nation or geographic region other than the U.S. Specific nations or regions will vary from semester to semester. Up to two different sections of this course may be taken for credit in the following areas: (A) Australia, (B) Britain, (C) China, (D) Canada, (E) Eastern Europe, (F) France, (G) Germany, (H) Hispanic, (I) Italy, (J) Japan and (S) Survey of a variety of countries. Regular written assignments required.
CTVA 416. The Documentary Tradition in Film and Video (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 210. Examination of the history, functions, ethics, and aesthetics of the documentary in both theatrical and television formats. Screening of works from U.S. and international sources, including those which represent the documentary purposes of observation, analysis, persuasion, and aesthetic expression. Regular critical writing assignments required.
CTVA 420. Screenplay Adaptation (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 320. Advanced development of student skills and techniques, with emphasis on the adaptation of a published literary work. Available for graduate credit.
CTVA 421. Writing the Short Film (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 220 and either 320 (for Writing Option) or 355 (for Film Option) and instructor consent. Must be taken prior to submission of the senior film proposal. For those who intend to write short film screenplays to be used for senior film productions. Via lectures, discussions and readings, provides dramatic principles pertinent to the writing of a short film script. Students are guided incrementally, in a workshop setting, through the development of several drafts of the screenplay. Final outcome is a 10-15 page, production-ready shooting script. Available for graduate credit.
CTVA 425. Advanced Screenwriting (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 420. Advanced problems in writing drama, program specials. Available for graduate credit.
CTVA 428. Writing Screenplay Comedy (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 220.Examination of theory, spectrum and structures of comedy as well as the writing of comedy scenes and screenplays. Available for graduate credit.
CTVA 440. Theory and Techniques of TV Directing (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 240.Theories and techniques of TV directing. Unique characteristics of video as they affect the art of directing. Screening and critique of representative TV programs.
CTVA 441. Directing the TV Documentary (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 341. Advanced television directing course emphasizing educational and documentary formats. Both studio and remote production assignments. Lab with accompanying lecture, six hours per week.
CTVA 442. Directing the TV Drama/Comedy (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 340; 440.Advanced television directing course emphasizing dramatic formats. Producing and directing live and recorded studio situation comedy and drama programs. Six hours lab per week.
CTVA 443. Magazine Format Video Production (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 341. Examines the methods and equipment which are utilized in the design and production of “magazine format” video production. Such programs combine scripted information, spontaneous discussion and pre-edited videotape segments. Six hours per week.
CTVA 452. Senior Film Project (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 356 or 357 or 358 and Senior-status.Capstone course using applied theories and techniques of film production. Approval of instructor required. Lab with accompanying lecture, Nine hours per week.
CTVA 461. Interactive Multimedia Development (3): Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: CTVA 362; completion of lower division writing requirement. Overview and analysis of computer-based interactive multimedia. Introduction to design parameters, premastering, and implementation issues for academic corporate, and consumer systems. Regular written assignments required.
CTVA 464. Multimedia Design (3): Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: CTVA 362.Study of the basic theories and techniques of multimedia production. Covers establishment of goals and objectives, program design and production practices, project validation, and utilization.
CTVA 467. The Management of Post Production for Television and Film (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Advanced course on the management processes involved in post production, including scheduling and budgeting, setting up and managing an edit room, and planning and carrying out cost-effective on-line, sound mixing, color correction and titling sessions for accurate and on-time project delivery.
CTVA 468. Multimedia Production (3): Prerequisite: Senior status. Production of a multimedia program. Lab with accompanying lectures, six hours per week.
CTVA 475. Audience Analysis (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100.Lecture-discussion of mass audiences and the techniques used to study their wants, needs, motives, attitudes, opinions, and behavior. Survey of audience measurement techniques.
CTVA 480. Electronic Media Management (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Study of business problems of station operations. Stress placed upon case studies of stations.
CTVA 481. Network Practices (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Network as unique development in broadcasting, its role in distribution of information, and the national economy.
CTVA 482. Network Program Development (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 100. Theoretical and practical problems in producing current network television programs.
CTVA 487. Social Controls and Regulation of Electronic Media (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 100. Legal and social controls in the regulation of electronic media including broadcasting, cable television, common carriers, and communication satellites. Regulatory efforts of federal agencies such as the FCC, and controlling influences of public interest groups and the electronic media industry itself.
CTVA 494A-F. Internship (1-6): Prerequisite: CTVA majors and minors, approval through application and instructor consent. Extensive on-the-job training in specific areas of Radio, TV, or Film production or administration. Maximum six units. Academic Internship Course. (Credit/No Credit only)
CTVA 495A-Z. Current Trends in Television and Film (3): Prerequisites: CTVA Major; completion of core requirements in option.Investigation of selected contemporary issues and practices in television and film. Emphasis on analysis of current trends, ethical issues and specialized operations in the entertainment business. These courses utilize industry professionals sharing their expertise in focused areas such as agency management and postproduction operations. Regular written assignments and examinations required.
CTVA 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses (3): Prerequisite: 1 year of appropriate lower division courses in CTVA. Course content to be determined.
CTVA 499A-C. Independent Study (1-3)

Graduate Courses – Screenwriting

Only courses at the 400, 500, or 600-level carry credit toward the master’s degree in Screenwriting.

CTVA 500. Theory and History of Cinema and Electronic Media (3): Prerequisite: Graduate status. Survey of the history of cinema/electronic media and cinema and electronic media theory and criticism from the silent era through the fifties.
CTVA 501. Theory and History of Cinema and Electronic Media II (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 500. Survey of the history of cinema/ electronic media as well as cinema and electronic media theory and criticism, from the fifties to the present.
CTVA 512. Seminar in Cinema and Contemporary Media Theory (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 500. Seminar in specific cinema and/or electronic media theory. Includes analysis and evaluation of the works of major cinema and media theorists.
CTVA 525. Seminar in Screenwriting (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 425; CTVA 501. Identification and analysis of the student writer’s creative strengths and weaknesses. Format includes exercises and original screenplay material specifically designed to strengthen narrative skills.
CTVA 532. Seminar in Analysis of Media Performance I (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 500. Extended application of research and evaluation techniques as used in mass communication research to describe the quality of broadcast and film media performance.
CTVA 595A-I. Studies in Mass Communication (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 500. Supervised graduate studies in Cinema and Television Arts Mass Communication. Faculty members will direct the studies of a small group of students in the following general areas with exact content to be determined: (A) Advanced Research, (B) History, (C) Theory; (D) Writing, (E) Radio/TV Production, (F) Film, (G) Educational Media, (H) Management and (I) International Communication.
CTVA 602. Seminar in Research Methods (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 500. Scope and methods of research in mass communication, including review of literature, statement of research problem, research design, collection and analysis of data and information, and writing the research report.
CTVA 622. Department Colloquium (3): Prerequisite: CTVA 500. Intensive study of contemporary issues in Screenwriting by Graduate Faculty on a rotating basis.
CTVA 692. Research Practicum (3): Prerequisites: CTVA 501 and 602.Instruction and individualized guidance in the preparation of thesis or project proposals, including introduction, literature and methodology.
CTVA 694A-F. Internship (1-6): Prerequisites: CTVA 602 and approval of graduate advisor.Intensive on-the-job training beyond the entry level in radio, television, and allied industries.
CTVA 696. Directed Graduate Research (3)
CTVA 697A. Comprehensive Examination (1): Written and oral examination in the major field.
CTVA 698A-F. Thesis or Graduate Project (1-6): Prerequisites: CTVA 501; 602; approval of graduate advisor.
CTVA 699A-C. Independent Study (1-3): Prerequisites: CTVA 500; 602; approval of sponsoring faculty member.