2019-2020 BSC Catalog

198 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
attitudes, personal identity, and behavior. Students learn basic media literacy by
developing conceptual tools for thinking critically about mass media, with a special
emphasis on how various media shape and convey meaning; and the impact that the form,
function, and institutional production of media have on local, national, and global
communities. Fall.
MFS 177, 277, 377, 477 Special Topics in Media and Film Studies (1)
An exploration of a selected topic or problem in media and film studies. This course may
be repeated once for credit providing that the focus of the course is different.
Prerequisite: MFS 210 for MFS 377; MFS 220 for MFS 477.
MFS 201 CI, IA History of American Media (1)
An examination of the role of print media, radio and television, film, and computer
technology in shaping the transition of American society from traditional forms of print
and broadcast media to the rise of the information age. Emphasis will be placed on
students reading, seeing, and hearing original documents, broadcasts, and photos (or
commentaries upon them). A Community Interests and Interpretation or Analysis
designated course. (Also listed as HI 201.)
MFS 210 IA Film Analysis (1)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and tools of film analysis. The course
focuses on learning to isolate, describe, and analyze stylistic elements of film, as well as
film narrative and narration. This course serves two purposes: to provide the necessary
descriptive and analytic tools to excel in upper-level film courses; and to deepen the
student’s appreciation of cinema by encouraging the viewing of films as richly textured
works of art. An Interpretation or Analysis designated course.
MFS 220 CE Film Production I (1)
An intensive introduction to both documentary and fiction video production. The course
asks students to employ the conventions of classical storytelling to produce projects that
are clear, coherent, thoughtful, and emotionally engaging. Students will also learn
narrative structure, cinematography, sound, digital editing, and the state of the
contemporary film industry. Extensive filmmaking will occur on several weekends
throughout the term. A Creative Expression designated course. Prerequisite: AR 222,
MFS 100, MFS 210, or MFS 222.
MFS 221 Film Production II (1)
An advanced production course designed to build on filmmaking and storytelling skills
learned in MFS 220. Students will further enhance their technical skills while engaging in
diverse film exercises and assignments, including fiction and nonfiction. Upon
completion, students should be prepared to think critically about the production of a
senior-level capstone film project. Extensive filmmaking will occur on several weekends
throughout the term. Prerequisite: MFS 220.
MFS 222 CE Screenwriting (1)
An examination of screenwriting using classical narrative structure. The course focuses
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2019-2020