Cinema

College of Creative Arts
Dean: Kurt Daw

Department of Cinema
FA 245
415-338-1629
Fax: 415-338-0906
E-mail: cinedept@sfsu.edu
Web Site: www.cinema.sfsu.edu
Chair: Stephen Ujlaki

Undergraduate Office: FA 243, 415-338-6510
E-mail: cineprog@sfsu.edu

Graduate Office: FA 243, 415-338-1724
E-mail: cinegrad@sfsu.edu

Faculty

Professors—Clark, Goldner, Holmes, Kovacs, Lau, Millsapps, Nichols, Sjogren, Ujlaki

Associate Professors—Gorzycki, Hammett, Jackson, Kerner, McBride, Rutsky, Snider

Assistant Professors—Hoxter, Zhang

Programs

B.A. in Cinema
Minor in Cinema
M.A. in Cinema Studies
M.F.A. in Cinema

Program Scope

The Cinema Department was founded amid the political activism and artistic experimentation of the 1960s. Today, as it was then, the Cinema Department is committed to a curriculum which recognizes cinema as an independent, powerful, and unique medium of expression. Cinema programs combine theory and practice; students are encouraged to engage in scholarship and to pursue all forms of cinema production.

The goal of undergraduate instruction in the Cinema Department is to foster creative, critical, and independent endeavor as part of a liberal arts education. Students in the B.A. program complete core courses, including film history and critical studies, before continuing in advanced theory/criticism, screenwriting and production, or animation. Students are encouraged to combine courses from several areas in their major program. All areas lead to a B.A. in Cinema. A Minor in Cinema is also available.

The M.A. in Cinema Studies is intended for individuals who wish to pursue research and writing in selected areas of film scholarship. Students produce an M.A. thesis which allows for focused research on a specific topic, after gaining a background in narrative and non-narrative cinematic traditions, film criticism, and film theory.

The M.F.A. in Cinema emphasizes a knowledge of cinematic tradition, the development of individual creative vision and proficiency in technical crafts. The program integrates new processes, aesthetics, and technologies and encourages the development of original modes of expression. Course work emphasizes cinema production, with possible specialization in animation. Parallel course work in theory and aesthetics are included in years one and two.

The M.F.A. aims to: (1) provide students with rigorous, professional training in cinema production in conjunction with an understanding of cinema history, theory, and aesthetics; (2) inform students about current and emerging production practices and technologies to prepare them to become leaders and innovators in creating the cinema of the future; (3) prepare filmmakers who wish to teach cinema at the college or university level.

The department web site offers additional information: www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

General Education Classes in Cinema

The Cinema Department offers the following General Education courses to any San Francisco State University student:

Facilities

The Cinema Department facility includes a 150-seat screening theatre, a 2500' shooting stage, editing and post-production areas for both sprocket and electronic media, sound recording and mixing studios with digital audio workstations, an animation studio with film and computer workstations, an on-line computer laboratory, and the Cinema Studies Center.

Career Outlook

Cinema graduates often work as independent film producers or in varying capacities within the film industry—as producers, directors, cinematographers, editors, sound recordists and mixers, animators, and multimedia artists. Many B.A. graduates continue with advanced studies in either production or theory/criticism. The M.A. prepares graduates to work in areas of film distribution, exhibition, and applied film scholarship, and to teach or pursue doctoral study in cinema. The M.F.A. prepares graduates to work as independent producers, to assume creative professional roles within the film industry, or to teach at the college or university level.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CINEMA

Admission

Applications to the cinema major are accepted by the University only for the fall semester.

Applications for admission to the cinema major are accepted by the university's Office of Enrollment Services only during the application filing period of October 1 to November 30 (for admission the following fall semester). Applications received outside of this filing period cannot be considered. This filing period only applies to students entering the university.

Prerequisite Requirements. At the time of admission to the university, no special permission, application or portfolio is required to declare a major in Cinema. However, before advancing to the 300-level or higher courses all cinema majors must:

• Successfully complete the prerequisite core courses (CINE 200 and CINE 202 or CINE 301.)
• Complete their lower division requirements (including Segment II) of the General Education requirements at SFSU or the equivalent at another institution.

Change of Major Applicants. Undeclared majors and students enrolled in other disciplines at San Francisco State University who seek to change their major to cinema must have:

• successfully complete the prerequisite core courses (CINE 200 and CINE 202 or CINE 301.)
• completed their lower division requirements (including Segment II) of the General Education requirements at SFSU or the equivalent at another institution.

Description of the Program

The Cinema Department is committed to a program of film studies and production as a common enterprise. For this reason, it offers 300-level courses in both studies and production that are necessary prerequisites to advanced work in the major. Students who wish to enroll in advanced (400-level and above) courses must first complete the appropriate foundation courses (300-level) as listed below. Prerequisites listed for all courses are strictly enforced.

Students should be aware that filmmaking is time-consuming and expensive. Although course requirements seldom demand it, students often spend considerable sums of money on their film projects. Production courses require hands-on practice and experience; this necessarily limits the number of students enrolled in such courses.

Advising Process. A list of Cinema Departmental advisers and a schedule of their availability can be found on the department website. It is the student’s responsibility to consult with an adviser regularly. Consultation with a Cinema Department adviser is required at three different times in the program.

1. The student is required to have an initial meeting with a Cinema Department adviser, at the latest, upon entry to the Foundation Course level, at which time the student should obtain a Cinema Undergraduate Advising Form (Blue Sheet) for future use. No student may take Advanced Cinema Studies, advanced production, Advanced Screenwriting, or Animation Courses without obtaining an adviser’s signature on this form.
2. Upon completion of the foundation courses in Cinema, the student must again obtain the adviser’s signature.
3. Prior to graduation, the student must obtain the adviser’*s signature on the completed Undergraduate Application for Baccalaureate Degree.

Students are encouraged to consult with their Cinema Department advisers on a continuing basis as they proceed through the program. In addition to meeting with Cinema Department advisers concerning departmental requirements, students are also advised to consult a University Counselor for advising concerning university requirements.

Major Requirements. All undergraduate majors are required to complete at least 45 upper division units in Cinema or approved electives in related disciplines.

Students may take CINE 325 for a total of 4 units for credit as topics vary; no more than 3 units can count toward the major. Up to 9 units taken as CR/NC (credit/no credit) may count toward the cinema major. Up to 6 transfer units from two-year institutions, in film/video production and/or screenwriting only, may count toward the cinema major. Courses in film history and film studies at two-year institutions cannot be counted toward the major.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Prerequisite Courses

All cinema majors must successfully complete the prerequisite core courses with a grade of C or better. CINE 202 and CINE 301 count as credit toward the major.

Foundation Courses

These courses provide a foundation of skills and knowledge vital to all cinema majors. Students should complete these courses as soon as possible after they have satisfied the prerequisite core requirements. Completion of all foundation courses with a C or better is a prerequisite for enrolling in advanced production courses. The only exception is when students have taken and successfully passed two of these three courses and are concurrently enrolled in the third. Most 400-level Cinema courses also require at least TWO foundation courses as prerequisites. Other 300-level courses may be taken concurrently unless specific course prerequisites apply.

Following successful completion of the foundation courses, students may pursue their own interests in their coursework, so long as they complete 32 upper division units in cinema or approved electives in related disciplines.

Writing Competence & Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

Good writing skills are necessary for success in the cinema major. Students who have difficulty writing should improve their skills by taking composition courses or by completing writing tutorials.

Like all undergraduate students, cinema majors must demonstrate upper-division written English proficiency. Cinema majors who were first-time college students in Fall 2008 or later must satisfy this requirement by earning a C or better in CINE 303 GW.

Cinema majors who were first-time college students prior to Fall 2008, and who have been enrolled at least one semester each calendar year, may choose to meet this requirement by passing the Junior English Proficiency Test (JEPET) (or ENG 414) OR by earning a C or better in CINE 303 GW.

Cinema majors must take CINE 303 GW after completing the lower division writing requirements and are encouraged to take CINE 303 GW before completing 90 units.

Animation

The animation curriculum provides students with a foundation in the processes involved in developing animated films from initial planning through shooting and post-production. Students work in a variety of techniques, including cel, model, computer, and effects animation. Advanced animation study may emphasize either film animation or computer animation.

NOTE: Enrollment in all animation courses requires consent of instructor. Admission to CINE 360 is limited and requires a portfolio review. Another review is required for entry into advanced courses; students who wish to enroll in CINE 466 or CINE 660 must submit materials to the Undergraduate Selection Committee.

NOTE: Animation students may substitute CINE 365 for either CINE 311 or CINE 312.

MINOR IN CINEMA

This program does not lead to a credential or degree, but is intended to give students an opportunity to further their interests in Cinema in an organized manner. A minimum of 20 units, planned and approved by an undergraduate adviser, is required. 10 of these units must be upper division units.

MASTER OF ARTS IN CINEMA STUDIES

Admission to the Program

The Cinema Department accepts a small number of new M.A. students for the fall semester only.

Application for admission requires two distinct processes: (1) application to the graduate admissions office of the university as specified in this Bulletin, and (2) submission of M.A. application (found on the department website) and materials specifically requested by the Department of Cinema. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with degrees in areas other than film who show exceptional potential will be considered for admission to the program if they have completed at least three advanced courses in film study, including one in film theory.

The admission materials specifically requested by the Department of Cinema include:

• A resume (1-2 pages) summarizing the applicant's education, awards or recognition, work experience, languages, and special skills.
• A personal statement (2 page, 500 words maximum). The applicant should discuss an aspect of film study/work already completed and should address the following: What engaged you about it? What conclusions did you reach? In what ways might you further pursue this or other work? (If a non-film major, applicant should describe an aspect of work done in major area.)
• An example of academic writing (7-12 pages) which illustrates the applicant's ability to make and support a thesis as well as familiarity with scholarly form and expository style. Papers from the film discipline are most useful, but other academic work is acceptable.
• A thesis proposal (2 page maximum). Applicant should describe the general area or, if possible, the specific topic, and should address the following: What is the issue? What will your perspective be? What importance does this topic have for film study in general? (This topic need not be binding; it helps the department determine if resources match the applicant's needs.)
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's scholarship and potential for success in a graduate program.
• Unofficial transcripts; send two official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies with the CSU application.
• The GRE is NOT required.

All prospective M.A. students may contact the Cinema Department Graduate Office for specific questions and application forms. Write: Graduate Committee, Department of Cinema, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 or by e-mail at cinegrad@sfsu.edu. This information is also available on the Cinema Department web site: www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: first level proficiency is assessed by means of written work completed in CINE 700, Introduction to Graduate Study. Level Two: second level proficiency is assessed by means of the thesis proposal normally prepared in CINE 897.

Advancement to Candidacy

Prior to admission, M.A. candidates must have successfully completed three undergraduate film studies courses beyond the introductory level, including one course in film theory (stressing a critical approach or methodology). Deficiencies will be identified on admission to the program and should be completed as soon as possible. All deficiencies must be satisfied prior to advancement to candidacy.

Required Courses for M.A. in Cinema Studies

All students must complete at least 30 units, including the following courses. Upper division courses not used to satisfy graduate admission deficiencies are acceptable as electives on approval by a graduate adviser.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN CINEMA

The 60-unit M.F.A. program is divided into three distinct parts which should be completed in three years, plus time required for creative work production. During the first year, students build a foundation through the study of technical crafts, aesthetics and theory, and creative conceptualization, enabling them to develop and express themselves in the language of images and sounds.

In the second year, this foundation is broadened through advanced courses that lead to the production of creative work demonstrating original thinking, conceptual clarity, technical skill, and the refinement of a personal aesthetic. Second year work also is geared to prepare each student to successfully complete the thesis proposal.

In the third part of the program, students complete a creative project that is a culmination of previous work and a reflection of the development of the student's creative voice. M.F.A. students are also expected to gain teaching experience as teaching assistants or teaching associates in the Cinema Department.

Admission to the Program

The Cinema Department accepts new M.F.A. students for the fall term only.

Application for admission requires two distinct processes: (1) application to the graduate admissions office of the university as specified in this Bulletin, and (2) submission of M.F.A. application (found on the department website) and materials specifically requested by the Department of Cinema. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with degrees in areas other than film who show exceptional potential will be considered for admission to the program.

Applicants must meet all general university requirements for admission. Prior to admission, all candidates must have completed two courses in cinema studies beyond the introductory level. One of these courses must be in film theory, stressing critical approach or methodology; the other must be in cinema history. One introductory course in 16mm film production and a basic course in Final Cut Pro digital editing, or equivalent experience is required.

The admission materials specifically requested by the Department of Cinema include:

• A resume (1-2 pages) summarizing the applicant's education, awards or recognition, work experience, travel, languages, and special skills.
• A personal statement (3 page maximum) discussing aesthetic influences, creative interests, and professional aspirations as a filmmaker, including comments on: the areas of film on which the applicant would like to concentrate, how theory informs his/her work as a filmmaker, and the goals he/she intends to pursue upon completion of the M.F.A.
• An example of academic writing (7-12 pages) which illustrates the applicant's ability to make and support a thesis as well as familiarity with scholarly form and expository style. Papers from the film discipline are most useful, but other academic work is acceptable. No journalistic “review” essays or scripts are accepted.
• An example of creative work: An example of moving image work is required. In addition to film/video work, examples of other creative work, such as photographs, paintings, or creative writing are also accepted.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's creativity and aptitude as well as to the quality of past work and potential of future achievements. The department does not provide official recommendation forms.
• Unofficial transcripts: Send two official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies with the CSU application.

Four copies of all written materials (including the original) must be submitted to the Cinema Department. If letters of recommendation are sent directly to the Cinema Department from previous educational institutions or from the writers of the letters of recommendation, one copy of each document is acceptable. Failure to meet these specifications may result in disqualification of the application.

For further information about the M.F.A., departmental procedures and activities, production costs, and other advising matters, write: Graduate Assistant, Department of Cinema, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco CA 94132 or e-mail: cinegrad@sfsu.edu. Additional information and application forms are available on the Cinema Department web site: www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

Completion of the Degree

To complete the degree, each student must satisfy the university and Cinema Department requirements as stated in this Bulletin. In addition to successful completion of the course of study, each student must meet departmental requirements that include a formal script review at the end of the first semester, a formal progress review at the end of the first year, a formal presentation and faculty evaluation of the creative work project proposal at the end of the second year upon which advancement to candidacy is contingent, and a documented public screening of the student’s creative thesis project.

Under certain circumstances up to 24 units of graduate credit from a M.A. program in film production may be applied toward the M.F.A. Before any such request is considered, all admission requirements must be met and all previous course work must be reviewed and approved by the Cinema Department graduate committee and the dean of the Graduate Division.

Enrollment in an upper division or graduate-level cinema course is required in the semester of graduation. Registration may be in a regular university course, summer sessions, or College of Extended Learning's CINE 890.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: first level proficiency is assessed by means of written work completed in CINE 700, Introduction to Graduate Study. Level Two: second level proficiency is assessed by means of the creative work proposal normally prepared in CINE 770.

Advancement to Candidacy

Applicants must meet all general university requirements for advancement to candidacy. Prior to admission, all candidates must have completed two courses in cinema studies beyond the introductory level. One of these courses must be in film theory, stressing critical approach or methodology; the other must be in cinema history. One introductorty course in 16mm film production and a basic course in Final Cut Pro digital editing, or equivalent experience is required.

Required Courses

All M.F.A. students must complete 42 units of required classes and 18 units of electives. First and second year required courses must be taken in sequence. Advancement to second and third year of the program is contingent on faculty review and approval by the MFA Coordinator.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.