2019-2020 BSC Catalog

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
199
on conventional storytelling elements like goals, conflicts, development, and resolution
and how these are employed to clearly tell a story, engage the viewers’ attention, and
elicit emotions from the audience. Emphasis will be placed on using classical
storytelling devices in a coherent and creative manner. A Creative Expression
designated course.
MFS 240 Motion Picture Marketing (1)
An exploration of motion picture studio and independent film marketing. The course
explores market research, advertising strategies, image development, and creative
execution while focusing on the importance of understanding the interplay of markets,
industry, audience, consumers, and costs.
MFS 245 Producing Motion Pictures and Television (1)
An exploration of the role of the producer as the creative force behind motion picture and
television production. The course will guide a student from development to the screen.
MFS 250 GP History of Documentary Film (1)
An introductory survey of documentary film. The course will focus on some of the
major developments in documentary practice, while also considering a number of
theoretical issues in the documentary tradition, including the problem of objectivity, the
relationship between the documentary image and reality, and the mixing of fiction and
nonfiction modes. The goals of this course are to introduce students to the important
historical trends and concepts and to help develop the critical and analytical skills
needed to understand the structure, style, and rhetorical strategies of documentary film.
A Global Perspectives and Leadership Studies designated course. (Also listed as HON
250.)
MFS 260 African American Cinema (1)
A survey of the history of cinema produced by or featuring African Americans from the
birth of filmmaking to the present day. In examining movies over time, the course will
explore persistent problems of racism, exploitation, stereotypes, and image debates
within the black community.
MFS 293, 393, 493 Independent Study in Media and Film Studies (½ or 1)
Directed study for advanced students in the major. Specific guidelines concerning
independent study projects appear in the “Exploration Term and Contract Learning”
section of this catalog.
MFS 298, 398, 498 Teaching Experience in Media and Film Studies (½ or 1)
A teaching experience course. Specific guidelines concerning teaching experiences
appear in the “Teaching Experiences” section of this catalog.
MFS 300 CI Media and Society (1)
An exploration of the interactive relationship between media and society from political,
psychological, economic, and sociological perspectives. This course will focus on how
media sources, such as television, film, and the Internet, influence society at group and
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2019-2020