2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts: Conservatory of Motion Pictures
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Michael Kowalski, M.A., Interim Dean
Dan Leonard, MFA, Associate Dean
Professors: Badham, Bettman, Blaustein, Cheney, Chichester, Coolidge, Dill, Doyle, Fredrick, Funk, Jensen, Kowalski, Kroyer, Leonard, Rose, Seydor, Slowensky, Ward;
Artistic Professors: Jech, Swimmer;
Associate Professors: Arundale, Carman, Deck, Fuery, Gardner, Gulino, Kost, Lane, Lee, Nathan, Paura, Schwartz, Wolansky;
Artistic Associate Professors: Knox, Rosenberg, Rowe, Warren;
Assistant Professors: Finch, Fugate, Gilois, Goldberg, Hirsen, Rosenthal, Rubin, Young;
Artistic Assistant Professors: Aguero, Condon, Dutcher, Marcus, Pavelin, Rote, Thibault, Trela;
Instructor: Walther.
The graduate programs are housed in the Conservatory of Motion Pictures within the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
The Master of Arts in Film Studies program provides students with an in-depth knowledge of film history, film theory and film analysis and an intense academic and creative research experience.
The Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Filmmaking prepares students to develop strong original content as documentary storytellers in the fields of film and television.
The Master of Fine Arts in Film Production program provides students with a specialized course of study that prepares them for production-oriented careers in the film and television arts as directors, editors, cinematographers or sound designers.
The Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing program provides students with a course of study that prepares them for careers as producers or business and creative executives in the film and television arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Production Design program provides students with a course of study that prepares them for careers as production designers, art directors and set designers in the film and television arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting program provides students with a course of study that prepares them for careers as writers in the film and television arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Television Writing and Producing provides students with direct experience in both writing and producing, preparing them not only to create the vision of a show as a writer but also to realize that vision as a producer managing the processes of production.
The Master of Business Administration/Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing offered in collaboration with the Argyros School of Business and Economics provides unique training to students who want to develop their skills in business administration with a focus on business practices and careers in the film and television industry in management or executive level positions at production companies, talent agencies, studios or television networks.
The Juris Doctor/Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing offered in collaboration with the Fowler School of Law provides unique training to students who want to practice law in the entertainment industry, either as in-house counsel to production companies, talent agencies, film studios or television networks, in law firms that specialize in entertainment law or who want to be film and television producers or film and television executives in studios or independent production companies.
Admission and Prerequisites
The Conservatory of Motion Pictures welcomes applications for graduate study from students with baccalaureate degrees in any discipline. Admission to the program is based on the following requirements, as outlined in the graduate supplemental application for the Conservatory of Motion Pictures:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admission.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic, professional or personal qualities.
- Creative or scholarly portfolio list: A listing of activities that demonstrates the student’s creative or scholarly potential.
- Personal statement/letter of intent: A statement of intent describing why the applicant wants to attend film school.
- Creative or scholarly writing assignments: As outlined in the graduate supplemental application for the Conservatory of Motion Pictures.
- Interview.
Transfer or Substitution of Coursework
Students who have taken graduate courses in film and television at other accredited universities may petition to transfer up to six credits of coursework upon approval of a petition by the chair of the graduate programs. (See the academic policies and procedures section for more information.)
Students who have undergraduate degrees in film or significant, documented prior experience in the film and television arts may petition to replace certain basic requirements with other graduate level film and television courses.
MFA in Film Production applicants who demonstrate advanced professional experience and/or who have completed a degree in a film major may, in exceptional cases, apply directly to the second year of the program (the beginning of conservatory program).
The Master’s Thesis
The intent of the coursework in all programs is to prepare the student for a final thesis project. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 “B” to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to begin work on the thesis project and enroll in thesis credits. Students writing a thesis or producing a thesis project as part of their master’s degree will work closely with a faculty thesis supervisor. Guidelines for successful completion of the thesis process are available from the chair of the graduate programs. Students should observe the printed deadlines for submitting an application for degree conferral graduate form when the thesis project is near completion. (See the academic policies and procedures section for additional guidelines.)
Master’s Degree Time Limit
For the Master of Fine Arts in Film Production, all coursework and thesis requirements are designed to be completed within three years of the date of the student’s catalog year entry into the program. For the for the Master of Arts in Film Studies, Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Filmmaking, Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing, the Master of Fine Arts in Production Design and the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, all coursework and thesis requirements are designed to be completed within two years of the date of the student’s catalog year entry into the program. Students may not deviate from their assigned program curriculum (see requirements for the degree) in any semester without the consent of the chair of the graduate programs. An official leave of absence form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) must be approved in the event a student is unable to take required classes during any semester while in residence. A detailed explanation of the reasons for needing a leave of absence and a proposed timeline for completion of degree requirements will be required for approval. A leave of absence may not exceed two years.
Persons failing to notify the Dodge College of a leave of absence will be subject to:
- Reapplication to the degree program and any new admission guidelines in effect at that time.
- Completion of any new or additional coursework and thesis requirements in place at the time the student wishes to resume study and/or complete the thesis.
Under no circumstances will a leave of absence be granted or a student be readmitted after seven years from the date of initial enrollment.
All degree requirements, including the thesis project, must be completed within seven years.
Student Code of Conduct
The collaborative nature of the MFA conservatory programs requires cooperation and participation by every student. Students are expected to collaborate and work collegially with their faculty and peers.
Master of Arts
Master of Fine Arts
Joint Degree Program
Accelerated Program
Film Production
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FP 698 - Thesis in Film Production
Prerequisites, FP 624 , FP 631 with a grade of B- or better, film production major, cumulative GPA of 3.000 (B) to meet minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in the thesis/project option. The production thesis is meant to be the culminating experience for a graduate student in film production. It will involve creation of a major production which will be carried out over two semesters. Directing Students must have a written project proposal approved by their Graduate Committee before enrolling in the first semester of this course. (See school for thesis guidelines.) This course includes a lecture and required laboratory component held at different times. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 12 credits -
FP 699 - Individual Study
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Individual research and projects. Students must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 to enroll. Designed to meet specific interests which are not provided for by regular curriculum offerings. May be repeated for credit. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits
Film Studies
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FS 542 - Seminar in Film Studies: Genre and Auteurs
An extensive study of one film genre and/or auteur with a different genre and/or auteur covered in each course offering. Seminar offerings such as: Film Noir, The Horror Film, The Musical, The Melodrama, The Science Fiction Film, The Screwball Comedy, The War Film, The Western, and Women and Genre. May be repeated for credit if a different genre and/or auteur is studied. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
FS 542K - Latinx Films and Filmmakers
This course is an intensive study of the history and aesthetics of latino/a films and filmmakers, with specific filmmakers, regions or nations covered with each course offering. The course will examine representative films from any of the following major periods: silent cinema (1890s-1930s), studio/golden age cinema (1930s-1950s), Neorealism/Art Cinema (1950s), the New Latin American Waves Cinema (1960s-1980s), and contemporary global cinema (1990s through the twenty-first century). Some sections of FS 342K and 542K share the same lectures and meet together. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FS 543 - Advanced Topics World Cinema
A concentrated study of movements within American and International cinema. Films are studied within their historical and cultural context. Course topics such as: Asian Cinema, British Film, French and German Films, Mexican Film, Australian and New Zealand Cinema. Some sections will share lectures with FS 444 topic courses. May be repeated for credit in a different topic. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
FS 544 - Advanced Topics in Film Studies
An in-depth study of a particular topic in film history or criticism. Topics such as Violence, Independent American Cinema, African-American Cinema, Animation Aesthetics, Films of the 1960s, Gay and Lesbian Cinema, Hollywood Censorship, Women in Film and Television. May be repeated for credit in a different topic. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
FS 545 - Film Theory and Criticism
Prerequisite, film studies major. This course analyzes film through classical theories developed by such formalists as Sergei Eisenstein and Rudolf Arnheim, and realists such as Andre Brazin and Siegfried Kracauer. It also explores modern film theories informed by structuralism, semiotics, psychoanalysis, narratology, et.al. in order to help students gain an understanding of individual films, widespread filmmaking practices, important film movements, and the cultural impact of cinema. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FS 552 - Survey of American Cinema, Lecture and Laboratory
This course presents a survey of American cinema, using the Hollywood studio system as its case study, beginning in the late 1920s when the system became codified to its zenith in the 1930s and 40s, through its decline in the 1950s-early 1960s, up until the emergence of the “New” Hollywood. The course historically contextualizes key films from “classical Hollywood” in terms of their aesthetic, cultural, industrial, social, and technological significance that also encompasses extra-textual topics such as film genre, stardom, style, censorship, gender and race, and politics. This course includes a lecture and laboratory, held at different times. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FS 553 - Survey of World Cinema, Lecture and Laboratory
This course will analyze the essential classics of world cinema. European cinema (especially French, German, Italian, Swedish, Hungarian, and Russian), Chinese, Japanese, Hong Kong, and Middle Eastern cinema will be analyzed within historical, social, and aesthetic contexts. This course includes a lecture and required laboratory component held at different times. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FS 554 - Contemporary Television Studies
A critical study of the contemporary issues and movements of television, exploring the radical changes in television over the last 15 years. Students investigates the dramatic impact of digital and new media in the context of how television has changed and transformed itself in the 21st century. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FS 594 - Film Historiography
This course examines the contemporary study of the history of cinema and media within the larger framework of broader debates concerning the nature and methods of historical inquiry as they have evolved in the field of film and media studies. This course also fosters original research skills by familiarizing students with local Southern California archives and libraries, digital repositories, and other important resources that are necessary for archival, primary research-based graduate work. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FS 655 - The Practices of Writing about Film
This course explores the different professional applications of film studies, from the practice of film reviewing to the preparation and planning of film festivals and public programming. Students learn writing techniques specific to film criticism and study the various film histories and critical approaches of film critics past and present, as well as considering the social and cultural issues involved in professional film journalism. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FS 697 - Film Studies Thesis Workshop I
Prerequisite, completed 18 credits in film studies courses in Dodge College, the subject must be approved prior to enrollment in this course. This is the first course in a year-long thesis project in film studies. In this class, students prepare and write a thesis, based on individual study, research, and development of a topic in film studies. P/NP. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FS 698 - Film Studies Thesis Workshop II
Prerequisite, FS 697 . This is the second course in a year-long thesis project in film studies. In this class, students continue to write a thesis, based on individual study, research, and development of a topic in film studies. P/NP. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FS 699 - Individual Study
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Individual research and projects. Students must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 to enroll. Designed to meet specific interests which are not provided for by regular curriculum offerings. May be repeated for credit. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits
Production Design
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PD 509 - Production Design Workshop I
Prerequisite, production design major. A workshop wherein students learn about the role of the Production Designer in film. The course also covers an overview of the business of Production Design budgeting and breakdowns. The course includes seminars with guest speakers from the Production Design community and set visits to various studios. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
PD 519 - Production Design Workshop II
Prerequisites, PD 509 , production design major. A workshop that is divided into three 5-week production design projects. Each project will have a different architectural style and will be comprised of ¼’ plans and elevations, sketches, and a model of the design. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 536 - Fundamentals of Production Design
A course in the general principles of art direction and the creation of the visual look of a production. Films will be analyzed from a design perspective: the set, costumes, make-up, cinematography, and other visual elements. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
PD 537 - Cinematography for Production Designers
Prerequisite, production design major. A half semester course taught in the first fall semester of the Graduate production Design MFA program, to introduce cinemographic concepts, concerns, and practical applications. This class is to be taught in conjunction with Directing for Production Designers. (Offered fall semester.) 1½ credits -
PD 539 - Directing for Production Designers
Prerequisite, production design major. A half semester course taught in the first fall semester of the production design graduate program to introduce directing concepts concerns, and issues, to the graduate production design students. This class to be taught in conjunction with the Cinematography for production designers course. (Offered fall semester.) 1½ credits -
PD 555 - Production Design for Animation and Visual Effects
An exploration of how the creation of environments situates characters and becomes a key element in the storytelling process. Going beyond the elements of production design, students working in animation and visual effects create every element of various on-screen environments using both traditional illustration and computer-generated techniques to create context and meaning. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 556 - Storyboarding and Concept Art
A workshop in which students develop freehand sketching and storyboarding skills, The medium chosen is at the students discretion, whether it be pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics, or relevant corresponding digital tools. Some sections of this course may be restricted to production design majors. May be repeated for credit. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 557 - Concept Art and Illustration for Film
This class includes weekly exercises in using perspective drawings to communicate design ideas with the emphasis on freehand drawing techniques. Topics include perspective layout methods, line drawing overlays, adding light and shadow as well as introducing color to the drawings. Students are required to complete and deliver a variety of in-class drawing exercises, a series of homework sketches as well as sketches of the projects they design in class. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
PD 558 - Digital Production Design Studio I
An introductory workshop covering computer system operations, digital design, digital graphics and illustration, computer assisted drafting, CAD modeling software, print, and presentation taught through design projects. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
PD 559 - Digital Production Design Studio II
Prerequisite, PD 558 . An intermediate level workshop covering computer system operations, digital design, digital graphics and illustration, computer assisted drafting, CAD modeling software, print, and presentation taught through design projects. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 581 - Set Decoration
This course is an introduction to set decoration. We will study the decorating process and explore how it relates to the dramatic text and the film production as a whole. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 583 - Set Decoration II
Prerequisite, PD 581 . The course is an advanced introduction to the Art of Set Decoration Design. The course will look at the “design process” and explore how it relates to the dramatic text and to the film production as a whole. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 584 - Art and Craft of Set Design II
Prerequisites, PD 554, production design major. A workshop in which students will get a comprehensive understanding of the set design process while designing sets and building models from existing screenplays selected by the faculty. The emphasis will be on developing a strong approach to film design that will compliment the narrative of the screenplay and the characters within. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 585 - Digital Illustration Techniques
An exploration of the world of digital imagery, visual effects and animation, focusing on the production pipeline, the current status and effect of digital imagery on film, television and other media and on the issues that relate to the digitalization of our culture. Students will create projects which combine the elements of story with computer-generated visual effects. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
PD 586 - Costume Design
This course is an introduction to the art of costume design. We will study the design process and how it relates to the dramatic text and the film production as a whole. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
PD 609 - Production Design Workshop III
Prerequisites, PD 519 , production design major. Working as Production Designers, students fulfill all pre-production and production responsibilities on a collaborative thesis production a professionally executed short film or digital video project. In addition to the thesis, each student will complete all final presentation drawings, models, and sketches. The workshop also entails the complete design of a feature film script utilizing drawings, models, and sketches. Film script to be approved by the faculty. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
PD 619 - Production Design Workshop IV
Prerequisites, PD 609 , production design major. A continuation of the fall workshop in which students fulfill all pre-production and production responsibilities on a collaborative thesis production a professionally executed short film or digital video project. In addition to the thesis, each student will complete all final presentation drawings, models, and sketches. The workshop also entails the complete design of a feature film script utilizing drawings, models, and sketches. Film script to be approved by the faculty. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 658 - Digital Production Design Studio III
Prerequisite, PD 559 . An intermediate/advanced level workshop covering computer system operations, digital design, digital graphics and illustration, computer assisted drafting, CAD modeling software, print, and presentation taught through design projects. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
PD 659 - Digital Production Design Studio IV
Prerequisite, PD 658 . An advanced finishing workshop covering computer system operations, digital design, digital graphics and illustration, computer assisted drafting, CAD modeling software, print, and presentation taught though design projects. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 696 - Advanced Concept Art and Illustration for Film
Prerequisites, PD 519 , production design major. This capstone class is a final semester workshop of the MFA in Production Design Program that imparts and develops advanced technique in set illustration and concept art through supervised projects. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
PD 698 - Thesis in Production Design
Prerequisites, production design major, cumulative GPA of 3.000 (B) to meet minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in the thesis/project option. The Production Design thesis is meant to be the culminating experience for a graduate student in Production Design. It will involve the creation and management of design elements for thesis films. This course includes a lecture and required laboratory component held at different times. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits
Screenwriting
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SW 524 - Advanced Dialogue Writing Workshop
Prerequisite, SW 527 . Incorporating the student’s previous knowledge of screenwriting, this course is an intensive study of the art of crafting dialogue. Analysis of procedures and methods used by professional writers to help students hone their ability to master the intricacies of the language of dialogue and how to effectively render the illusion of realistic speech for the cinema. Fee: $75. (Offered summer.) 3 credits -
SW 527 - Fundamentals of Screenwriting
An introduction to the building blocks upon which all film and television writing are based: visualization, dialogue, scenes, sequences, and basic dramatic structure. Students begin with short writing exercises and proceed to longer scenes and sequences. Some sections of this course may be restricted to screenwriting and film and television producing majors only. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
SW 531 - Production Workshop I for Screenwriting Majors
Prerequisite, screenwriting major. An introduction to dramatic narrative production. Each student will write, direct, and edit a series of exploratory exercises with the goal of learning the basics of cinematic language, creating compelling characters and telling emotionally-engaging stories through basic cinematography, lighting, editing and sound. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
SW 540 - Sketch Comedy Writing
Prerequisites, SW 527 , DCFMA graduate program. This course is designed to teach the professional and creative requirements involved in writing sketch comedy. Students will learn to write comedy sketches in a number of different styles including commercial parodies, “in-one” monologues, slice-of-life comedy, character-driven comedy, physical comedy, and political and topical satire as well as learning to construct jokes within the context of a sketch, and as stand-alone elements as part of a comedic monologue. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
SW 548 - Actors and Writers Workshop
Prerequisite, SW 527 . This active workshop class brings actors and writers together to find the hidden truths of written scenes and performance, through readings, discussion, and improvisation. Writers will act in this class, and actors will have a chance to write, as the course explores the essential connection between what artist do. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
SW 549 - Advanced Workshop in Writing for Genre
Prerequisites, SW 527 , consent of instructor. Designed to introduce students to the exciting variety of narrative strategies organic to specific film genres. Students discuss, criticize, and evaluate the techniques of commercial, feature screenwriting in order to produce the first act of a producible work. Students work and write within their chosen genre and form, and the guidelines of various genres and forms are examined. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
SW 555 - The Short Film Form
An immersion class into the world of short films. Short films screened and analyzed will include: classic shorts that launched directorial careers, short films that were expanded into classic features, great short films from different parts of the world, award winning film school shorts, and segments from feature films consisting of several short films. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
SW 557 - Film Script Analysis
Feature films are analyzed with emphasis on principles of screen storytelling and character development. Some sections of this course may be restricted to screenwriters only in the class schedule. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
SW 587 - Summer Script Workshop
Prerequisites, SW 527 , SW 627 , SW 647 , screenwriting major. An intensive workshop that covers the challenges and techniques involved in rewriting existing material as well as brainstorming and planning new content. Fee: $75. (Offered summer.) 3 credits -
SW 627 - Feature Screenwriting I
An initial study of the problems and possibilities presented by the feature length screenplay. Students pitch and write outlines for feature stories, develop a treatment or beat sheet, then complete the first act of a feature screenplay based on the treatment. Viable projects can be completed in SW 647 . Some sections of this course may be restricted to screenwriting majors only. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
SW 631 - Seminar in Television Writing I
Prerequisite, SW 527 . This course builds on the topics covered in screenwriting fundamentals courses. After an introduction and overview of television formats, students will select a current prime time series, develop a story for an episode, and write a “spec” teleplay. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
SW 632 - Seminar in Television Writing II
Prerequisite, SW 631 . This course builds on the topics covered in Seminar in Television Writing I. After additional review of TV formats, students will develop and write an original television pilot script. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
SW 647 - Feature Screenwriting II
Prerequisites, SW 527 , SW 627 . The second part of a two-part sequence in which students complete the feature screenplay developed in SW 627 and execute a rewrite. Some sections of this course may be restricted to screenwriting majors only. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
SW 648 - Seminar in Adaptation
Prerequisite, SW 527 . This course is intended to teach students to adapt material from other literary media to the big screen. The process of transforming novels, short stories, stage plays, magazine articles, and biographical materials, as well as histories, nonfiction essays and memoirs into compelling cinematic stories will be examined. Students will be challenged to identify the essence of existing source material and contribute their own creations to construct cohesive film narrative. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
SW 680 - Screenwriting Master Class
Prerequisites, SW 527 , SW 627 , or consent of instructor. An intensive workshop taught by a professional screenwriter. Assignments may include rewriting according to instructor comments. This course offers the sharing of professional tips regarding dialogue, characterization, structure, and story. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
SW 698 - Thesis in Screenwriting
Prerequisites, SW 527 , SW 627 , SW 647 , screenwriting major, consent of instructor, approval of thesis proposal by the Conservatory’s Graduate Committee. It is part of a two-part requirement. This class is designed for students to write or re-write, present, and polish an original feature film script. The course provides extensive individual work with the instructor, class readings, and development of a strategy for marketing the student’s script. P/NP. May be repeated twice for credit. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
SW 699 - Individual Study
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Individual research and projects. Students must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 to enroll. Designed to meet specific interests which are not provided for by regular curriculum offerings. May be repeated for credit. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits
Television Writing and Production
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TWP 501 - Actor-Producer Workshop
Prerequisites, TWP 510 , FP 530 , TWP 546 , TWP 627 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. A comprehensive course in understanding the acting process through script analysis, scene study, and acting exercises. Each student will be required to act in various monologues or scenes, both improvisational and scripted. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 502 - The Narrative Form
Prerequisites, TWP 510 , FP 530 , TWP 546 , TWP 627 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. A course exploring moving image production for the purposes of dramatic applications. Students will write, shoot and edit a series of exploratory exercises with the goal of crafting engaging stories through basic cinematography, lighting, editing, and sound. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 510 - The New Era of Television
This course explores the dynamic and rapidly changing world of television - a world whose creative possibilities and prestige now rival feature films. Through lectures, screenings, prominent guest speakers and Q & A students will analyze current creative and business trends in television and use these analyses as the basis to evaluate the future of television. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 511 - Advanced Multi-Camera TV Production
Prerequisites, MFA in television writing and producing major, consent of instructor. Using multi-camera TV production, students will review basic multi-camera production and then plan and produce a series of live-on-tape studio productions. Content may vary from semester to semester including talk, variety and music performances. This course includes a lecture and required laboratory component held at different times. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
TWP 513 - Short Form Television I
Prerequisite, SW 527 , or FP 531 . Using the short-form web series model, students will explore the creative and logistic challenges of creating an episode for a narrative television series. Students will present a show concept and series characters, write an episode script, and participate in producing an episode. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 514 - TV Series Development
Prerequisite, TWP 510 , FP 530 , TWP 546 , TWP 627 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. Students will create and develop a concept and characters for a short-form series, and will write a series bible and episode scripts. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 520 - Narrative Television Workshop
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Narrative Television Workshop provides an intensive directing experience working with a company of actors in various genres of studio television production. The course will provide instruction in developing a vocabulary for clear communication between television directors and actors and in managing the time and technical challenges that can hinder obtaining a quality performance in staging and shooting dramatic and comedy segments. This course includes a laboratory component held at a different time. Fee: $300. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 529 - Experimental Course
Experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest. Course titles, prerequisites, restrictions, and credits may vary. Some sections of this course may be restricted to specific majors only. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. May be repeated for credit if course content is different. Some courses require student lab fees. (Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits -
TWP 530 - Showrunning: Creating A Series
Prerequisite, Dodge College major. An introduction to the critical role of the showrunner and the storytelling demands of developing a series concept/arc that can be sustained over time. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
TWP 540 - Business of Television
An exploration of the business aspects of the television industry including business models and organizational structures of broadcast and cable networks, local TV stations, studios, and independent production companies and how they affect the development of content. An examination of the issues and trends, social, technological, and economic, that affect programming and business operations in the television industry. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 545 - Television Pre-Production: Series
Prerequisites, TWP 501 , TWP 502 , TWP 514 , TWP 628 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. Using scripts generated in TWP 514 TV Series Development, this course will provide an intensive theoretical overview as well as actual hands-on training in pre-production and production methodology. Students will replicate the real world experience of producing a single-camera television episode. In addition, students will learn and perform the various roles necessary for a successful production. These roles will include both above-the-line and below-the-line departments and procedures. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 546 - History of Television
A study of the history of this transformative medium, with particular emphasis placed on underlying social and cultural factors which influenced its development. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 550 - Global Media Market
Prerequisite, television writing and producing major. An examination of the increasingly global nature of the creation and distribution of television content. Topics include strategies for distributing American content abroad, for importing or adapting foreign content to the domestic marketplace, and for creating content targeted toward an initial global distribution platform. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 564 - Editing the Series
Prerequisite, FP 515 , or consent of instructor. Editing for episodic television requires an understanding of series tone and the relationships of key characters. This course offers students the opportunity to edit an episode of a television series using the footage generated in Shooting the Series. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
TWP 565 - The Game of Television
The Game of Television is a role-playing simulation of the business of television which explores the aesthetic, sociological, economic, demographic, and technological trends that impact television programming decisions - what gets on the air and what stays on the air. As members of the television community (network executives, producers, and advertisers) students define what constitutes success, as they face trade-offs between commercial viability, artistic merit, advertiser demands, and public pressure. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 574 - Art and Business of Web Video
Prerequisite, DCFMA major. Web video is exploding, and it’s the fastest, easiest way to break into the entertainment industry. This course introduces students to a new generation of filmmakers who are earning six and seven-figure incomes, studio deals, A-list Hollywood agents, book and record deals and more, because they have mastered the art and business of Web video. Learn what works for the Web: the genres, the monetization and the distribution models. Explore the secrets of YouTube’s top hit-makers. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
TWP 597 - Writing the Series
Prerequisite, SW 527 , or consent of instructor. Building on the student’s previous narrative writing experience, this course provides an intensive study of writing and producing for a single-camera series. Students will study the narrative and dramatic requirements of developing a storyline and characters in the episodic form. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 598 - Series Production
Prerequisites, FP 531 , consent of instructor. Using the script generated in Writing the Series, this course provides an intensive production experience mirroring the real world rigors of producing a single-camera show. Students will learn about and take on the various roles necessary for shooting a series episode. This course includes a laboratory component held at a different time. Fee: $300. (Offered interterm.) 3 credits -
TWP 613 - Short Form Television II
Prerequisite, SW 527 , or FP 531 . Building on the series created in TWP 513 , students will learn about the collaborative writing process as practiced in the creation of a narrative television series. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 627 - Seminar in TV Writing: Comedy
Prerequisite, MFA students in television writing and producing. A study of the techniques for writing half-hour comedy scripts for television. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 628 - Seminar in TV Writing: Drama
Prerequisite, MFA students in television writing and producing major. A study of the techniques for writing the television drama script. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 630 - Showrunning: Developing A Series
Prerequisites, Dodge College major, and SW 527 . An advanced, in-depth examination of series development. Explores the development of both story and character arcs that can be sustained over multiple seasons. Examines the skills, knowledge and vision demanded of the showrunner, as the key creative responsible for managing both the artistic and production demands of complex on-going stories. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
TWP 690 - Independent Internship
Offers students an opportunity to earn credit and learn professional skills “on the job” by working for a studio, network, production company, newsroom, etc. A minimum of 40 hours of work for each credit is required. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
TWP 695 - The Writer as Showrunner
Prerequisites, TWP 545 , TWP 690 , TWP 697 , all three prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. Students will produce the scripts they wrote in TWP 514 and guide them through preproduction, production and postproduction. Students will collaborate with directors, cinematographers and other key creative and crew personnel from the MFA in Film Production program. Fee: $300. (Offered interterm.) 3 credits -
TWP 696 - The Writers’ Room
Prerequisites, TWP 545 , TWP 690 , TWP 695 , TWP 697 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. Students will work collaboratively as a writing staff of a TV show to develop and write episodic scripts. Students will develop story ideas as a group then each student will write and rewrite one complete episodic script. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 6 credits -
TWP 697 - Thesis in Television Writing I
Prerequisites, TWP 501 , TWP 502 , TWP 514 , TWP 628 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. An advanced practicum where students will develop and present a series concept and characters, then write and rewrite a script. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 6 credits -
TWP 698 - Thesis in Television Writing II
Prerequisites, TWP 545 , TWP 690 , TWP 695 , TWP 697 , all four prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C+ or higher, graduate television writing and producing major. Editing is the final re-write. This course teaches an understanding of series tone and the relationships of key characters. This course offers students the opportunity to edit their television episode using the footage generated in TWP 695 . Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
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