Cinema

College of Creative Arts
Dean: Keith Morrison

Department of Cinema
FA 245
415-338-2466
Fax: 415-338-0906
E-mail: cinedept@sfsu.edu
Chair: Patricia Amlin

Undergraduate Office: FA 243
415-338-6510

Graduate Office: FA 243
415-338-1724

Faculty

Professors—Clark, Ferrero, Goldner, Kasdan, Kitses, Kovacs, Lewis, R., Nichols

Associate Professors—Amlin, Holmes, Millsapps, Veeder

Assistant Professor—Lippit

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 sixties. 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. The M.A. provides a foundation in film history, theory, and criticism, and prepares the student for further study at the Ph.D. level. A thesis project allows for focused research on a specific topic.

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.

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 is housed in one of the most comprehensive and modern production facilities in Northern California. The state-of-the-art 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 applied film scholarship or to pursue doctoral study in cinema. The M.F.A. degree 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 to the Program

Applications to the cinema major are accepted only for the Fall term.

Application Filing Periods. Applications for admission to the Cinema Department are accepted by the university's Office of Enrollment Services only during the application filing period of November 1-30 (for admission the following Fall). Applications received outside of this filing period cannot be considered.

At the time of admission to the university, no special permission or application is required to declare a major in cinema; however, before advancing to the 300-level or higher courses in the cinema program, all declared cinema majors must:

• Complete the prerequisite core courses (CINE 200, 202) with a grade of B or better in each course;
• Complete their lower division requirements (including Segment II) of the General Education requirements at SFSU or the equivalent at another institution;

Exemption examinations are possible in lieu of each core course. Students who do not meet the grade point criteria in CINE 200 and CINE 202 may file a written appeal for permission to enroll in upper division courses. New and prospective students should consult with the undergraduate advising office for more information.

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:

• Completed the prerequisite core courses (CINE 200, 202) with a grade of B or better in each course;
• Completed their lower division requirements (including Segment II) of the General Education requirements at SFSU or the equivalent at another institution;

Writing Competence. Good writing skills are necessary for success in the cinema major. Completion of second year written composition (ENG 214 or equivalent including courses designed for non-native speakers of English) with a grade of C or better is a prerequisite for CINE 340, Critical Studies. Students who have already passed the Junior English Proficiency Essay Test (JEPET) or equivalent may also be admitted to CINE 340. Students who have difficulty writing should improve their skills by taking composition courses or by completing writing tutorials.

Description of the Program

Advising Process. Upon enrollment in the program, each cinema major is assigned a major adviser. It is the student's responsibility to consult with his/her adviser prior to starting classes. Consultation with an adviser is required at three different times in the program.

• Upon entry to SFSU as stated above.
• The student must obtain his/her adviser's signature on the Cinema Undergraduate Advising Form upon completion of prerequisite core courses. No student may advance beyond the prerequisite core without an adviser's signature on their Cinema Undergraduate Advising Form. The department chair must also sign this document and a copy must be on file in the undergraduate advising office.
• Before advancing beyond the 300-level courses in cinema, the student must again obtain his/her adviser's signature certifying that he/she has completed the foundation courses with a B- (2.7) grade point average.

Students are encouraged to consult with their advisers on a continuing basis as they proceed through the program.

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

The department's commitment is to a program of 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 should be aware that filmmaking is time-consuming and expensive. Although course requirements seldom demand it, students may spend considerable sums of money on their film projects. All production courses, because they require hands-on practice and experience, necessarily limit the number of students enrolled. Enrollment in 400-level advanced production courses requires submission of portfolio materials; students who wish to enroll in these courses should consult their major adviser or the department undergraduate advising office about portfolio requirements and deadlines.

Please note that successful completion of prerequisite core requirements and consultation with a major adviser are necessary for enrollment in all other cinema courses. Students who wish to enroll in advanced courses must first complete the appropriate foundation courses as listed below. Prerequisites listed for all courses are strictly enforced.

Lower division cinema courses may be approved for general education purposes, but they do not count toward the major. Only one unit of CINE 325 will count toward the major. Up to seven units taken as CR/NC (credit/no credit) may count toward the cinema major. Up to six transfer units from two-year institutions may count toward the cinema major; these courses must be equivalent to Screenwriting I (CINE 355) or Film Production I (CINE 310). Lower division courses equivalent to CINE 200 will not count toward the major.

Online course descriptions are available.

Prerequsite Core Courses

All cinema majors must complete the prerequisite core with a grade of B or better in each course. An exemption examination is possible in lieu of each core course.

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. All other 300-level courses may be taken concurrently unless specific course prerequisites apply. No courses beyond the 300-level may be taken until the foundation courses have been completed with a grade of B- (2.7) in the foundation courses.

Following the foundation courses, students are required to complete a number of 300-level before advancing to 400-level and above courses. These courses are listed below. The number of places available in these courses is limited, and students may be required to meet additional criteria before enrolling.

Cinema Studies

Students who have completed the foundation courses and who wish to enroll in advanced cinema studies courses must complete the following courses:

Production

Students who have completed the foundation courses and who wish to enroll in advanced production courses must complete the following courses:

Advanced production courses have limited enrollment. Students who wish to enroll in advanced production courses including animation must submit materials to the Undergraduate Selection Committee. A number of students, commensurate with the number of places in advanced production, will be selected.

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 can 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 300 or CINE 302.

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 twenty (20) units, planned and approved by an undergraduate adviser, is required. Ten 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 application 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 (3 page 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.

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. This information is also available on the Cinema Department Web site: http://www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: first level proficiency is assessed by means of the Graduate Essay Test (GET). 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.

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 Extended Learning's CINE 890.

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 challenged through exploration of different modes of expression, aesthetics, and technologies; each student conducts research and produces work that requires original thinking, which the student can apply to other problems, technologies, and ways of seeing.

In the third part of the program, students complete an internship and produce a creative work project that is a synthesis 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 application 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 potiential will be considered for admission to the program.

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 (4 page maximum). The applicant should discuss his/her aspirations, influences, aesthetics, and goals as a filmmaker, and should include comments on: the areas of film s/he would like to concentrate on, how theory informs his/her practice as a filmmaker, and the goals he/she intends to pursue upon completion of the M.F.A.
• An example of creative work, such as film, video, photographs, prints, paintings, or slides. Applicants with no experience in the visual arts may send other evidence of creative achievement such as short scripts, novels, plays, short stories, poems, or musical compositions. Applicants are encouraged to send a range of materials. For example, an applicant who has produced a video tape may also include other creative work such as photographs or poetry.
• 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.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's creativity and intelligence as well as to the quality of past work and potential of future achievements.

All prospective M.F.A. students must contact the Cinema Department Graduate Office for specific information about the department's application process. For further information about the M.F.A., departmental procedures and activities, production costs, and other advising matters, write: Graduate Committee, Department of Cinema, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco CA 94132. Additional information and application forms are available on the Cinema Department Web site: http://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 progress review at the end of the first year, a formal presentation of second year research, and a documented public screening of the student's creative work 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 Session course, or Extended Learning's CINE 890.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: first level proficiency is assessed by means of the Graduate Essay Test (GET). 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.

Required Courses

All M.F.A. students must complete 44 units of required classes and 16 units of electives. First and second year courses must be taken in sequence.