A.A. in Film Studies
Film Studies introduces students to the history of film, exploring film as an artistic, cultural and social phenomenon. The program also provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation in film analysis and production. Students will have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses from film appreciation and history to acting, screenwriting and videography, providing students with both theoretical and hands-on experience in filmmaking and production. Film Studies will prepare students for transfer to a university and/or for various professions, including but not limited to, filmmaking, writing, acting, advertising, film business and film production.
A.A. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Film Studies A.A. Degree will:
1. Critically analyze film, television and/or digital media works for formal, thematic and cultural meaning.
2. Evaluate the ways in which film is influenced by personal, cultural and/or societal expressions.
3. Understand and demonstrate basic skills in film production related to the area of emphasis.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| ART 199 | Motion Picture Appreciation | 3 |
| or ART 199H | Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors | |
| ART 200 | History of Motion Pictures: 1895-1945 | 3 |
| ART 201 | History of Motion Pictures 1945-Present | 3 |
| Areas of Emphasis (select one) | ||
| Select one of the following areas of emphasis - Acting, Screenwriting, Production or History/Criticsm - and complete all required courses and electives within that area. | ||
| 1) Acting | ||
| Required courses: | ||
| Camera Acting I - Beginning | 3.5 | |
| Camera Acting II - Intermediate | 3.5 | |
| Camera Acting III - Intermediate/Advanced | 3.5 | |
| Camera Acting IV - Advanced | 3.5 | |
or THEA 212 | The Business of Acting | |
| 2) Screenwriting | ||
| Required courses: | ||
| Stage and Screenwriting - Beginning | 3 | |
| Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate | 3 | |
| Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate/Advanced | 3 | |
| Stage and Screenwriting - Advanced | 3 | |
| 3) Production | ||
| Required course: | ||
| Video for Photographers | 3 | |
| Select three (3) of the following courses: | ||
| Intermediate Video for Photographers | 3 | |
| Introduction to Tech for Theatre, TV and Film | 3 | |
| Introduction to Lighting for Theatre, Television and Film | 3.5 | |
| Introduction to Live Video Event Production | 3 | |
| Stage and Project Management for Theatre, TV and Film | 3 | |
| Introduction to Production Management | 3 | |
| Introduction to Production Management Practicum | 3 | |
| 4) History/Criticism | ||
| Required courses: | ||
| Cultural History of American Films | 3 | |
| Film as Literature | 3 | |
or ENGL 291H | Film as Literature - Honors | |
Two (2) courses from other emphases | 6-7 | |
| Total Units | 21-23 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Examples
These maps represent four possible pathways through the program and are only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.
Acting Emphasis Map:
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| REC 100 | Survey of Entertainment Technology | 4 |
| REC 103 | Introduction to Audio Engineering | 4 |
| THEA 211A | Camera Acting I - Beginning | 3.5 |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
| Units | 15.5 | |
| Winter Term 1 | ||
| MATH 144 |
Technical Mathematics or Mathematics for Everyday Living - A Liberal Arts Course or Introductory Statistics or Introductory Statistics - Honors |
4 |
| Units | 4 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ART 200 | History of Motion Pictures: 1895-1945 | 3 |
| THEA 211B | Camera Acting II - Intermediate | 3.5 |
| ETHN 101 or ETHN 116 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies |
3 |
| ENGL 103 |
Composition and Critical Thinking or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 12.5 | |
| Summer Term 1 | ||
| HIST 107 |
History of the United States before 1877 or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors or History of the United States since 1877 or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors or History of the African-Americans to 1876 or History of the African-Americans since 1876 or History of Women in the United States |
3 |
| ART 199 or ART 199H |
Motion Picture Appreciation or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 6 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| ART 201 | History of Motion Pictures 1945-Present | 3 |
| THEA 211C | Camera Acting III - Intermediate/Advanced | 3.5 |
| ANTH 212 | Introduction to Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 212L | Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab | 1 |
| ENGL 290 | Ethnic Voices in Film | 3 |
| Units | 13.5 | |
| Winter Term 2 | ||
| KIN 170 |
Fitness for Life or Health and Wellness in Society or Health and Wellness - Honors or Introduction to Nutrition |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| THEA 211D or THEA 212 |
Camera Acting IV - Advanced or The Business of Acting |
3 |
| POLI 103 or POLI 103H |
American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors |
3 |
| SPCH 100 |
Interpersonal Communication or Interpersonal Communication - Honors or Public Address or Public Address - Honors or Small Group Communication |
3 |
| ASTR 115 |
Planetary Astronomy or Planetary Astronomy - Honors or Life In The Universe or Physical Oceanography or Introduction to Forest Ecology or Physical Geography or Introduction to Weather and Climate |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Total Units | 66.5 | |
Note: Course selections may affect total unit value.
Screenwriting Emphasis Map:
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| THEA 204A | Stage and Screenwriting - Beginning | 3 |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
| MATH 160 |
Mathematics for Everyday Living - A Liberal Arts Course or Introductory Statistics or Introductory Statistics - Honors |
4 |
| ART 199 or ART 199H |
Motion Picture Appreciation or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Winter Term 1 | ||
| PHTO 102 | Intermediate Photography | 3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ART 200 | History of Motion Pictures: 1895-1945 | 3 |
| THEA 204B | Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate | 3 |
| ETHN 101 or ETHN 116 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies |
3 |
| ENGL 103 |
Composition and Critical Thinking or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Summer Term 1 | ||
| HIST 107 |
History of the United States before 1877 or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors or History of the United States since 1877 or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors or History of the African-Americans to 1876 or History of the African-Americans since 1876 or History of Women in the United States |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| ART 201 | History of Motion Pictures 1945-Present | 3 |
| THEA 204C | Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate/Advanced | 3 |
| ANTH 212 | Introduction to Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 212L | Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab | 1 |
| ENGL 290 |
Ethnic Voices in Film or Film as Literature or Film as Literature - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Winter Term 2 | ||
| KIN 170 |
Fitness for Life or Health and Wellness in Society or Health and Wellness - Honors or Introduction to Nutrition |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| THEA 204D | Stage and Screenwriting - Advanced | 3 |
| POLI 103 or POLI 103H |
American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors |
3 |
| SPCH 100 |
Interpersonal Communication or Interpersonal Communication - Honors or Public Address or Public Address - Honors or Small Group Communication |
3 |
| ASTR 115 |
Planetary Astronomy or Planetary Astronomy - Honors or Life In The Universe or Physical Oceanography or Introduction to Forest Ecology or Physical Geography or Introduction to Weather and Climate |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Note: Course selections may affect total unit value.
Production Emphasis Map:
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| PHTO 101 | Basic Photography | 3 |
| ART 199 or ART 199H |
Motion Picture Appreciation or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors |
3 |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
| MATH 160 |
Mathematics for Everyday Living - A Liberal Arts Course or Introductory Statistics or Introductory Statistics - Honors |
4 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Winter Term 1 | ||
| PHTO 102 | Intermediate Photography | 3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ART 200 | History of Motion Pictures: 1895-1945 | 3 |
| PHTO 102 | Intermediate Photography | 3 |
| THEA 120 | Introduction to Tech for Theatre, TV and Film | 3 |
| ENGL 103 |
Composition and Critical Thinking or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors or Interpersonal Communication or Interpersonal Communication - Honors or Public Address or Public Address - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Summer Term 1 | ||
| HIST 107 |
History of the United States before 1877 or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors or History of the United States since 1877 or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors or History of the African-Americans to 1876 or History of the African-Americans since 1876 or History of Women in the United States |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| ART 201 | History of Motion Pictures 1945-Present | 3 |
| PHTO 204 | Video for Photographers | 3 |
| ANTH 212 | Introduction to Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 212L | Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab | 1 |
| THEA 140 |
Introduction to Lighting for Theatre, Television and Film or Introduction to Live Video Event Production or Stage and Project Management for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Production Management or Introduction to Production Management Practicum |
3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Winter Term 2 | ||
| KIN 170 |
Fitness for Life or Health and Wellness in Society or Health and Wellness - Honors or Introduction to Nutrition |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| PHTO 207 | Intermediate Video for Photographers | 3 |
| ENGL 290 | Ethnic Voices in Film | 3 |
| ETHN 101 or ETHN 116 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies |
3 |
| POLI 103 or POLI 103H |
American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Note: Course selections may affect total unit value.
History/Criticism Emphasis Map:
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 136 | Cultural History of American Films | 3 |
| MATH 160 |
Mathematics for Everyday Living - A Liberal Arts Course or Introductory Statistics or Introductory Statistics - Honors |
4 |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
| ART 199 or ART 199H |
Motion Picture Appreciation or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 14 | |
| Winter Term 1 | ||
| HIST 107 |
History of the United States before 1877 or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors or History of the United States since 1877 or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors or History of the African-Americans to 1876 or History of the African-Americans since 1876 or History of Women in the United States |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| ART 200 | History of Motion Pictures: 1895-1945 | 3 |
| PHTO 204 |
Video for Photographers or Intermediate Video for Photographers or Introduction to Tech for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Lighting for Theatre, Television and Film or Stage and Screenwriting - Beginning or Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate or Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate/Advanced or Stage and Screenwriting - Advanced or Camera Acting I - Beginning or Camera Acting II - Intermediate or Camera Acting III - Intermediate/Advanced or Camera Acting IV - Advanced or Introduction to Live Video Event Production or Stage and Project Management for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Production Management or Introduction to Production Management Practicum |
3 |
| ETHN 101 or ETHN 116 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies |
3 |
| ENGL 103 |
Composition and Critical Thinking or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Summer Term 1 | ||
| KIN 170 |
Fitness for Life or Health and Wellness in Society or Health and Wellness - Honors or Introduction to Nutrition |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| ART 201 | History of Motion Pictures 1945-Present | 3 |
| ANTH 212 | Introduction to Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 212L | Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab | 1 |
| PHTO 204 |
Video for Photographers or Intermediate Video for Photographers or Introduction to Tech for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Lighting for Theatre, Television and Film or Stage and Screenwriting - Beginning or Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate or Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate/Advanced or Stage and Screenwriting - Advanced or Camera Acting I - Beginning or Camera Acting II - Intermediate or Camera Acting III - Intermediate/Advanced or Camera Acting IV - Advanced or Introduction to Live Video Event Production or Stage and Project Management for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Production Management or Introduction to Production Management Practicum |
3 |
| ENGL 291 or ENGL 291H |
Film as Literature or Film as Literature - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| ENGL 290 | Ethnic Voices in Film | 3 |
| SPCH 100 |
Interpersonal Communication or Interpersonal Communication - Honors or Public Address or Public Address - Honors |
3 |
| POLI 103 or POLI 103H |
American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors |
3 |
| ASTR 115 or ASTR 115H |
Planetary Astronomy or Planetary Astronomy - Honors |
3 |
| PHTO 204 |
Video for Photographers or Intermediate Video for Photographers or Introduction to Tech for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Lighting for Theatre, Television and Film or Stage and Screenwriting - Beginning or Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate or Stage and Screenwriting - Intermediate/Advanced or Stage and Screenwriting - Advanced or Camera Acting I - Beginning or Camera Acting II - Intermediate or Camera Acting III - Intermediate/Advanced or Camera Acting IV - Advanced or Introduction to Live Video Event Production or Stage and Project Management for Theatre, TV and Film or Introduction to Production Management or Introduction to Production Management Practicum |
3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Note: Course selections may affect total unit value.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.