Cinema
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Dean: Paul Sherwin
School of the Arts
Department of Cinema
FA 245
Phone: 415-338-1629
Fax: 415-338-0906
E-mail: cinedept@sfsu.edu
Web Site: www.cinema.sfsu.edu
Chair: Daniel Bernardi
Graduate Office: FA 243
Phone: 415-338-1724
E-mail: cinegrad@sfsu.edu
Faculty
Professors: Bernardi, Clark, Goldner, Kovacs, Lau, Millsapps, Nichols, Sjogren,
Associate Professors: Gorzycki, Hammett, Jackson, Kerner, McBride, Rutsky, Snider
Assistant Professors: Elhaik, Hoxter, Ridgeway, Zhang
Programs
Program Scope
The Cinema Department was founded amid the political activism and artistic experimentation of the 1960s. Today, as it was then, the department is committed to a curriculum that 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 cinema 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 animation, filmmaking (documentary and fiction), media and culture, and screenwriting. Students are encouraged to combine courses from several areas in their major program. All areas lead to a B.A. in Cinema.
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 knowledge of cinematic tradition and 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. program 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; and 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.
Facilities
Department facilities include 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
Graduates of the program often work as independent film producers or in varying capacities within the film and media industry—as producers, directors creative executives, cinematographers, editors, sound recordists and mixers, animators, and multimedia artists. Many B.A. graduates continue with advanced studies in animation, filmmaking, media and culture, or screenwriting. The M.A. prepares graduates to work in areas of film and media distribution, exhibition, management, and applied film scholarship, and to teach or pursue doctoral study in cinema. The M.F.A. prepares graduates to work as independent filmmakers, 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 major are accepted by the University only for the fall semester. The application filing period is October 1 through November 30. Applications received outside of this filing period cannot be considered. This filing period only applies to students entering the University.
At the time of admission to the University, no special permission, application or portfolio is required to declare the cinema major. However, before advancing to the 300-level or higher courses all majors must:
- Complete the core courses with a grade of C or higher (CINE 200, CINE 202, and CINE 204, or CINE 301 or CINE 203 if taken before spring 2011).
- Complete the lower division requirements (including Segment II) of the General Education requirements at SF State or the equivalent at another institution.
Description of the Program
The Department of Cinema is committed to a program of film studies and production as a common enterprise. For this reason, 200-level Core courses and the 300-level Foundation courses are necessary prerequisites to advanced work in the major, including emphases. (Cinema GWAR courses are an exception; if the necessary prerequisites have been completed, GWAR courses may be taken concurrently with Foundation courses.) 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 departmental advisers and a schedule of their availability can be found on the department website. Consultation with an adviser is required:
- Upon completion of the Core courses, at which time the student should obtain a Cinema Undergraduate Advising Form (Blue Sheet) for future use. Students may not begin work on an emphasis without obtaining an adviser’s signature on this form.
- Prior to graduation.
Students are encouraged to consult with their adviser on a regular basis as they advance through the program. Students are also advised to consult with the University’s Advising Center for information about General Education and other University requirements.
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 are strongly encouraged to fulfill this requirement by earning a C or better in a CINE course with the GWAR designation.
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), completion of ENG 414, OR by earning a C or better in a CINE course with a GWAR designation.
Major Requirements.
The 45 unit minimum B.A. in Cinema program consists of a Core (13 units), Foundation (7 units), Emphasis (15 units), and Electives (10 units). All courses, except those in the Core, must be at the upper-division level (300-699).
Students may take CINE 324, CINE 325, and/or CINE 326 for a total of 4 units for credit as topics vary; no more than 3 units may count toward the major. Up to 9 units taken as CR/NC (credit/no credit) may count toward the major. Up to 6 transfer units from two-year institutions, in film/video production and/or screenwriting only, may count toward the major.
On-line course descriptions are available.
Core Courses (13 units)
Students must complete the core courses with a grade of C or better.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 200 | Introduction to Cinema Studies | 3 |
| CINE 202 | Introduction to Filmmaking | 3 |
| CINE 204 | Introduction to Filmmaking Lab | 1 |
| CINE 211 | Film History I | 3 |
| CINE 212 | Film History II | 3 |
Foundation Courses (7 units)
A foundation in theory vital to all cinema majors. Students should complete the foundation courses as soon as possible after they have satisfied the core course requirements. Completion of foundation courses with a grade of C or better is required for enrolling in emphasis courses. Other 300-level courses may be taken concurrently unless specific course prerequisites apply.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 303 GW | Writing About Cinema - GWAR (or other GWAR-designated CINE course) |
3 |
| CINE 340 | Critical Studies | 3 |
| CINE 341 | Critical Studies Discussion Group | 1 |
Note: A minimum of 40 upper division units must be completed for the degree (including upper division units required for the major, general education, electives, etc.). A student can complete this major yet not attain the necessary number of upper division units required for graduation. In this case additional upper division courses will be needed to reach the required total.
Emphases
Upon completion of Core and Foundation requirements, majors will choose a 15-unit area of emphasis that is designed to stimulate and engage students artistically and intellectually. The emphases and their descriptions are listed below.
Emphasis in Animation (15 units)
Animation is a rigorous, cross-disciplinary emphasis encouraging creative storytelling, social issue documentary and artistic experimentation. Using a variety of techniques: drawing, stop-motion, 2D/3D computer, mixed media and effects animation, students make short films and learn pre-production, production and post-production animation methods. Students gain a strong foundation in animation principles applicable to cinema as well as multimedia, the web, games, etc. Enrollment in all animation courses is open to all students with upper division standing and requires consent of instructor. Cinema majors must complete CINE 301 by the Portfolio Review.
Note: 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 Animation Selection Committee.
Animation Portfolio Review Guidelines
The Animation Portfolio Review is held in the fall semester only, the day before classes begin. The review is held in FA 325 at 10 a.m. (If classes begin on Monday, the review is on the previous Friday.) Students must bring an unofficial transcript and DARS report to this review.
Portfolio Guidelines
It is highly recommended that students take a beginning drawing and a life drawing class before the review. Portfolios should include a student’s strongest work and be limited to 20 pages assembled in one book.
- Four to six pages of life drawings done from live subjects (not from photographic references).
- Four to six pages of rough and gesture style sketches of animals and humans in motion (not from photographic or cartoon references).
- Two to four pages of color and design work that may include drawing, painting, photography, 2D and or 3D design.
- Two pages of recent personal work in any media.
- Optional: up to two animation or film samples in DVD format may be submitted.
Animation Emphasis Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 360 | Animation I | 3 |
| CINE 362 | Animation II | 3 |
| CINE 365 | History of Animation | 3 |
| CINE 466 | Animation III | 3 |
| CINE 468 | Advanced Animation Workshop | 3 |
Note: Animation students may substitute CINE 365, History of Animation, for either CINE 211 (CINE 311 before fall 2012; CINE 300 before spring 2011), or CINE 212 (CINE 312 before fall 2012; CINE 302 before spring 2011)
Emphasis in Filmmaking (15 units)
The production pathway provides students with the opportunity to develop the various crafts of filmmaking, including cinematography, directing, editing, and sound. Students apply these skills to the completion of well-executed short film projects spanning the genres of narrative, documentary, and experimental. To take upper division production courses, students must qualify for the production pool. See the department’s website for more information on the production pool process.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 310 | Workshop in Film Production | 3 |
| CINE 316 | Film Production Laboratory | 1 |
| Electives in Cinema Production | 11 | |
Emphasis in Media and Culture (15 units)
Cinema is a form of creative expression that influences, and is influenced by, artistic movements, cultural traditions, and individual inspiration. Student pursuing the Media Cultures pathway study aesthetics, authorship, genres, identify (including race, gender, and sexuality) and national cinemas within the broader context of the humanities. All cinema studies courses may be applied to this area of emphasis, with a minimum of 15 units required for completion of the emphasis. See the department’s website for more information.
Emphasis in Screenwriting (15 units)
The practice of screenwriting shapes entertainment, challenges social convention, and informs global culture. For this reason students in the screenwriting pathway hone the necessary skills to craft compelling narratives that provoke, inspire, and entertain diverse audiences. Students that elect this pathway often graduate with two or more scripts they can use as evidence of their training.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 356 | Fundamentals of Screenwriting | 3 |
| CINE 454 | Writing Short Films | 3 |
| CINE 456 | Feature Screenwriting I | 3 |
| CINE 554 | Writing for Documentary and Nonfiction Film | 3 |
| CINE 556 | Feature Screenwriting II | 3 |
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.
Master of Arts in Cinema Studies
Admission to the Program
The 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 cinema department. 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 course in film theory.
The admission materials specifically requested by the department include:
- A one to two page résumé summarizing the applicant’s education, awards or recognition, work experience, languages, and special skills.
- A personal statement (two pages, 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 (seven to 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 (two pages 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.
- Official 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 department’s 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 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.
Core Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 700 | Introduction to Graduate Study | 3 |
| CINE 721 | Non Narrative Film | 3 |
| CINE 722 | Narrative and the Independent Tradition | 3 |
| CINE 740 | Seminar in Film Theory | 3 |
| CINE 745 | Seminar in Film History and Criticism | 3 |
| CINE 852 | Directed Experience in Film Education | 3 |
| CINE 897 | Research Projects in Cinema Studies | 3 |
| CINE 898 | Master's Thesis | 3 |
Elective units: selected on advisement: 6
Minimum total: 30
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 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. 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 include:
- A one to two page résumé summarizing the applicant’s education, awards or recognition, work experience, travel, languages, and special skills.
- A personal statement (three pages 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 (seven to 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 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. One letter from a former professor is recommended. The department does not provide official recommendation forms.
- Official transcripts: Send two official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies with the CSU application.
Three copies of all written materials (including the original) must be submitted to the department. If letters of recommendation are to be 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
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 graduate committee and the dean of the University 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. Additionally, all graduate students who have completed CINE 894 must enroll in the University’s required continuous enrollment course until the term of graduation.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: First level proficiency is assessed by the grade of B or better in CINE 701.
Level Two: Second level proficiency is assessed by means of the creative work proposal normally prepared in CINE 770.
Advancement to Candidacy
Students must meet all general University requirements for advancement to candidacy, and receive a B or better in all required courses for the MFA degree, as well as successfully pass all formal reviews (first year script review, first year progress review, thesis proposal review, and thesis committee review).
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.
First Year
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 701 | Creative Process I | 3 |
| CINE 710 | Production Practice I | 3 |
| CINE 711 | Production Practice II | 3 |
| CINE 721 | Non Narrative Film | 3 |
| CINE 712 | Production Practice III | 3 |
| CINE 722 | Narrative and the Independent Tradition | 3 |
Total: 18
Second Year
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 702 | Creative Process II | 3 |
| CINE 770 | Seminar in Film Production Research | 3 |
| CINE 726 | Cinema Theory II | 3 |
| In addition, students must complete two of the following in the second or third year | 6 | |
| CINE 761 | Writing and Directing for Cinema | |
| CINE 762 | Advanced Cinematography and Lighting | |
| CINE 763 | Projects in Advanced Editing | |
| CINE 755 | Feature Screenwriting | |
| CINE 713 | Animation Workshop | |
| In addition, students must complete one of the following | 3 | |
| CINE 724 | Cinema Theory I | |
| CINE 740 | Film Theory | |
| CINE 745 | Film History and Criticism | |
| Or other graduate level theory course pre-approved by MFA Coordinator | ||
Total: 18
Third Year
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 894 | Creative Work Project | 3 |
| Additional Required Course | ||
| CINE 852 | Directed Teaching Experience in Film Education | 3 |
Total: 6
Elective Units
Elective units chosen upon consultation with a graduate adviser from upper division production courses, animation courses, graduate film studies seminars, and approved courses from related disciplines. May be taken in any year. 18 units.
Total for degree: 60
