Media Studies Courses & Courses that will fulfill requirements for the IMS Major for Spring 2012

Claremont McKenna

LIT 130 CM: Language of Film

From its inception, cinema has often been conceptualized as having a “language” of its own. This course examines that metaphor from aesthetic, cultural, social, and historical perspectives. We will begin with a close analysis of a contemporary popular film, in an effort to “defamiliarize” typical conventions of cinematic expression, and then proceed through a study of multiple movements and genres in the history of film, from German Expressionism to the French New Wave, from Hollywood to documentary to avant-garde and independent filmmaking. Overall, the course is intended to provide students with a broad introduction to film analysis and to the field of Film Studies. Instructor: J. Morrison [Introductory]

SPAN 182 CM: Latin-American Documentary Cinema

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the thematic and stylistic variety in documentary films from and about Latin America. We will examine a series of questions related to the content, form, and politics of documentary films. The course will include documentaries by Santiago Álvarez, Fernando Birri, Luis Buñuel, Patricio Guzmán, Luis Ospina, Fernando Pérez, Lourdes Portillo, Marta Rodríguez, Juan Carlos Rulfo, Fernando Solanas, Carmen Toscano, Win Wenders, among others. Instructor: S. Velazco [Prereq: upper division Spanish course (100 or above) or permission by instructor. Elective]

Harvey Mudd

MS 127S HM: The Harmony of Sound and Light

A hands-on exploration of the aesthetics of abstract computer animation and its relation to music. Filmmakers and artists studied will include Kandinsky, Fischinger, the Whitneys, Belson, and many others. Instructor: B. Alves [Prereq: CS 5 or equivalent knowledge of computer programming. Elective]

MS 173 HM: Exile in Cinema

A thematic and formal study of literary and cinematic responses to the experience of exile. Exile evokes something that happens to individuals, but also to collectivities. First, something happens in life that provokes a rupture with one's origins and that entails a historical process. Exile is an event, but how does it come about and what are its ramifications? How does exile effect a change of relationship between individual and society, homeland and geography of banishment, home language and adopted tongue? This course examines how writers and filmmakers meet that often painful historical process through creativity. Among the authors to read are Aimé Césaire, Edward Said, George Lamming, V. S. Naipaul, Med Hondo, and Hamid Naficy; films to be viewed focus on the third world. Instructor: I. Balseiro [Theory/Film Theory]

MS 182 HM: Intro to Video Art

Students learn how to make their own videos, using professional video cameras and editing systems. Weekly, hands-on workshops will cover the entire production process—storyboarding, shooting, lighting, recording sound and editing in Final Cut Pro. Students will complete several group exercises and individual projects, and participate in critiques of professional media and each other's work. Video is explored as a medium for expression, persuasion, humor, storytelling and art-making. This class has a required lab. Students in this course must also register for one section of MS 182L HM. Instructor: R. Mayeri [Prereq: MS 49, 50, 51 or equivalent. Production]

Pitzer

ART 125 PZ: Digital Photography

An introduction to digital imaging as a fine arts medium. The course will center on the use of the Photoshop (Macintosh) program. It will cover scanning, manipulation and printing of images. Students are required to have basic photographic camera and darkroom skills, as imagery will be scanned from photographs. Prerequisite: Art 120 or equivalent. Enrollment is limited. Program fee: $40. Instructor: M. Schiff [Production/Intermediate Production]

ART 126 PZ: Intermediate Photography

In this class we will create a strong body of work through theme-based assignments, as well as self-guided projects. By looking at art from present-day artists, we will be working to better understand decision-making and process in regards to our own photography. Each course will be exploring specific themes over the length of the semester. We will primarily be using digital photography as our main tool, so it is recommended that you have a digital SLR. Instructor: M. Schiff [Intermediate Production]

MS 45 PZ: Documentary Media

This course involves production, a historical survey of documentary practices in photography, film and video, and a discussion of the ethical and ideological issues raised by the genre. Students will be expected to produce two short documentary projects in any media. Instructor: J. Lerner, R. Talmor [Media History/Intermediate Production]

MS 69 PZ: Media Praxis Ontario

Working in groups, students will plan and implement collaborative media projects with Ontario community sites that promote civic discourse around regional social issues. Areas to be covered in class include introductory video production techniques, ethical community media praxis, and examination the social efficacy of a wide range of media justice and activist projects. This is an introductory level media production course designed for (but not limited to) students that have taken or are currently enrolled in the Ontario Program coursework. Instructor: G. Lamb [Production]

MS 70 PZ: Media and Social Change

This course presents an overview of movements, theories, and methods employed by media makers committed to social change. From the early Soviet film collectives, through the Third Cinema movement of 60s in Latin America, and continuing on to feminist, queer, and youth video activist movements in the U.S. that have laid the groundwork for the rise of socially driven media collectives and campaigns today. In response readings and film screenings, students will be asked to critique both the ethical means and efficacy of media documents as organizing tools for raising consciousness and critical dialogue. They will also be encouraged to develop their own theories of media as a conduit for social change based on the creation of participatory production projects that strive to incite civic discourse. Instructor: G. Lamb [Media History/Theory]

MS 84 PZ: Handmade Film

Rejecting the prevailing Hollywood wisdom that one needs millions of dollars to make a movie, this class explores different models for creating moving images with the most modest of resources. Options to be considered include hand processing, camera-less films, PXL video, super-8 film, recycling and appropriation. Students will be expected to create several short exercises in order to familiarize themselves with these different techniques, as well as a final project. Course fee: $150. Instructor: J. Lerner [Intermediate/Advanced Production]

MS 87 PZ: Media Sketchbook

This is an intermediate-level video production class. Students are required to complete short (one to two minute) assignments every other week. The objectives of the class are to further refine the skills of shooting, editing, etc., and to develop a critical vocabulary to talk about your work and the work of others. Course fee: $150. Instructor: J. Lerner [Prereq: MS 82 or equivalent. Intermediate/Advanced Production]

MS 93 PZ: Media Off Screen

An intermediate production course that engages with media practices outside of the traditional single-channel film or videotapes made for broadcast or screening in a theatre. New genres and hybrid media forms including installation, performance, and tactical media are explored through a series of readings, lectures, presentations, and creative assignments in both individual and group projects. Instructor: M-Y. Ma [Prerequisite: Intro-level media production course or relevant intro-level art courses such as installation and photography. Intermediate/Advanced Production]

MS 110 PZ: Media & Sexuality

This course is an intermediate/advanced-level course examining the intersections between media theory and the study of sexuality. In exploring issues including transgenderism, pornography, censorship, feminism, queer cinema, and representations of race and sexuality, this course focuses on compelling case studies that provide students with specific understanding of the prevailing debates and defining theories of sexuality within media studies. Please note: Students must be aged 18 and above to enroll in this course. Instructors: A. Juhasz/M-Y. Ma [Prereq: MS 49, 50, 51 or equivalent. Theory; G/U]

MS 111 PZ: Anthropology of Photography

This course critically examines the photograph as artifact, art, evidence, and weapon. Section 1 looks at photographs through the works of key theorists. Section 2 introduces the anthropology of photography as a social practice, including its relation to colonialism, race, and the global circulation of representations. Section 3 hones in on African photography. Section 4 analyzes current trends, including the role of the photograph in journalism, art, indigenous activism, and the digital era. Instructor: R. Talmor [Prereq: one previous Media Studies or Anthropology course. Media History]

MS 114 PZ: Film Sound

An intermediate level media history and theory course exploring how sound functions in cinema. Topics covered by the course include the history of sound technologies, film sound theories, voice in cinema, film music, sound recording and reproduction in film. Instructor: M. Ma [Prereq: MS 49, 50, 51; or some introductory level music theory courses. Theory/Media History, G/U]

MS 116 PZ: Screen Culture

Our world has become increasingly screen-dependent. This course will examine screen culture in a multitude of formats, from movie screen to mobile phones and everything in between.  It is particularly focused on the relationship of technological development to evolving modes of spectatorship in a historical and theoretical context. Instructor: E. Affuso [Prereq: one intro media studies course such as MS 49, 50, or 51. Media History]

MS 135 PZ: Learning from YouTube

What can YouTube teach us, and is this how, what, and all we'd like to learn? Over its hundred year history, radical media theorists have looked with utopian zeal to a moment in the media future which turns out to be upon us: a time where access to the production and distribution of media is democratically available outside channels organized by capital. So why is the technology being used primarily to spoof mainstream media forms, and what does this tells us about the media, our society, and political possibility? Instructor: A. Juhasz [Media History]

MS 193 PZ: Directed Reading or Study in Media

Student designed media studies project involving advanced readings in theory, history or aesthetics with written analysis. May be taken twice for credit. Instructor: Staff [Designation dependent on topic]

MS 196 PZ: Media Internship

Internship in media related industry or institution integrated with significant and clear connection to academic curriculum through independent written or production project. May be taken twice for credit. Pass/NC only. Instructor: Staff. [Elective]

MS 198 PZ: Advanced Media Project (formerly MS 192 PZ)

Student-designed media production project involving advanced production and post-production skills, adequate pre-production research, and writing component. Instructor: Staff [Prerequisite: MS 82. Intermediate/Advanced Production]

SOC 124 PZ: Race, Place, and Space

This course offers an introduction to the processes underlying social and spatial differentiation, with particular reference to race, gender, sexuality and class. We examine how social difference and social inequalities are constituted through space, not just expressed spatially. Cross-listed with Africana Studies. Instructor: D. Basu [Elective]

Pomona

ARHI 141B PO: Africana Cinema: Through the Documentary Lens

Course examines documentary films and videos created by filmmakers from Africa and the African Diaspora (United States, Britain and Caribbean). Topics include: history and aesthetics of documentary filmmaking, documentary as art, the narrative documentary, docu-drama, cinema vérité, biography, autobiography and historical documentary. Offered alternate years. Instructor: P. Jackson [Theory/Film Theory]

ARHI 184 PO: Modernism, Antimodernism & Postmodernism: A Social History of North American Art

A comparative analysis of artistic production in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico in the 20th and 21st centuries. Examines issues of race, class, and gender and the relationships between artistic theories and practices, economic developments, and social and political movements (e.g. the Mexican Revolution, the Depression, the Women's Movement). Instructor: F. Pohl [Art History]

ARHI 186T PO: Art and Time

Technological developments over the past 200 years have altered relations between art and time. How has moving from painting to lithography, photography, film and digital media influenced the creation of art and its relation to beholders? Considering North America and Europe since 1800, we explore relations between still and moving images, and ask how artists manipulate our experience of time. Alongside mainstream forms, we examine wax museums, natural history dioramas, stereographs, tableaux vivants, and MTV. The seminar constitutes a brief history of making and looking at images. Instructor: A. Reed [Theory; G/U]

ART 20 PO: Photography I

A basic photographic course emphasizing all aspects of black and white film exposure, development, and printing. Classes develop technical and conceptual expertise, knowledge of historic and contemporary directions in the field, and an ability to make extended, personal statements in the medium. Equipment needed: camera; tripod useful but optional. Instructor: Staff [Production]

ART 123 PO: Documentary Photography

Explores approaches to visual documentation through in-depth group photo/text projects. Includes black and white and color photography, computer generation of image/text pages, and practice in "reading" of photographic images in the news media, advertising and the photographic essay. Instructor: S. Pinkel [Prereq: ART 20, Intermediate/Advanced Production]

CSCI 51 PO: Introduction to Computer Science with Laboratory

Introduction to the field of computer science using the object-oriented language Java. Topics include iteration and recursion, basic data structures, sorting and searching, elementary analysis of algorithms and a thorough introduction to object-oriented programming. Special emphasis on graphics, animation, event-driven programming and the use of concurrency to make more interesting programs. Each semester. Instructor: T. Chen [Elective]

ENGL 118 PO: Nature of Narrative in Fiction and Film

Investigates narrative as a fundamental mode of understanding and organizing human experience. Practice of storytelling in writers like Calvino, Diderot, Kundera, Borges, Proust, Kafka, Dante, Sterne, Woolf and Sartre; and in filmmakers like Lynch, Hitchcock, Roeg, Mallek and Allen. Theories of narrative from Aristotle through Freud to Barthes. Instructor: A. Reed [Elective]

MS 49 PO: Introduction to Media Studies

Presents a comprehensive view of the issues important to media studies, including the development of new technologies, visual literacy, ideological analysis, and the construction of content. Students read theory, history and fiction; view films and television programs; and write research and opinion papers. Instructor: J. Friedlander or K. Fitzpatrick [Introductory]

MS 51 PO: Introduction to Digital Media Studies

An interdisciplinary introduction to digital and electronic media, exploring the relationships between "old" and "new" media forms, the historical development of computer-based communication and the ways that new technologies are reshaping literature, art, journalism and the social world. Instructor: K. Fitzpatrick [Introductory]

MS 91 PO: History of American Broadcasting

Studies the history of American broadcasting from the diffusion of radio as a mass media through the transition to television, up to the development of television as the dominant broadcasting form. Students will begin to understand the impact of U.S. broadcasting by familiarizing themselves with key programs and trends. Instructor: M. Shurkus [Media History]

MS 101 PO: Pomona Media Guild

The Pomona Media Guild is open to all Pomona College students engaged in research projects where video is a tool for investigation and/or presentation. Students learn basic pre- and post-production video skills (pre- and post-production) in addition to project mapping, interview techniques, and the ethics and aesthetics of creative visual research. By application only. Half credit. [Elective]

MS 149H PO: Topics in Media Theory: Games, Theory, and Narrative Structures

This course provides an introduction to the scholarship that has developed around video games. Our primary focus will be on the various narrative structures games employ, both within the programmed structures of the game and at the level of interface with players. Readings will include contemporary videogame theory and history. Instructor: M. Shurkus [Theory]

MS 149Q PO: Topics in Media Theory: Freud, Film, Fantasy

An in-depth exploration of key texts from psychoanalysis reveals a scandalous relation between desire and representation, namely fantasy. We probe the political life of fantasy and the usefulness of sexuality and the unconscious for conceiving alternative to the hegemony of the normal. Instructor: J. Hall [Theory, G/U]

MS 153 PO: The Original Television Series

The Original Television Series from "The Sopranos" to "Mad Men.". The course examines the original television series, a prominent development in U.S. television and, more broadly, in American culture during the last decade. We discuss representative texts in this genre, among them The Sopranos, The Wire, and Mad Men, and examine the genre's distinctive features. We also look at how television series engage with American culture. Instructor: K. Klioutchkine [Prereq: One of the following: MS 49, 50, 51, or 91. Media History]

MS 160 PO: Japanese Film: Canon to Fringe

Follows the emergence of Japanese filmmaking with attention to key directors: Ozu, Mizoguchi, Kurosawa, Oshima, and others. Surveys the range of Japanese genres from feature filmmaking to documentary and experimental work. Prerequisite: MS 50 or equivalent or permission of instructor. Instructor: J. Hall [Media History]

MUS 96A/96B PO: Electronic Music Studio

Laboratory course designed to develop electronic compositions using techniques of analog and digital synthesis. Permission of instructor required. Instructor: T. Flaherty [Elective]

PSYC 160 PO: Perception & Cognition

Investigates the question of how we use patterns of physical energy to perceive the world. Covers topics from sensation to cognition, including music, language communication, disorders of perception, attention, unconscious perception and brain mechanisms in cognition. Instructor: W. Banks [Elective]

RUST 111 PO: Russian Cinema

The history of Russian cinema from the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution to the present. Topics include cultural politics under the Soviets; censorship; confrontation between the real Soviet world and the fictional reality created by the Soviets; masterpieces of Soviet and post-Soviet cinema; sex and violence of new Russian cinema. Readings on film theory, film criticism and history of Russia. [Elective]

THEA 1A PO: Introduction to Acting

Introduction to basic acting techniques. The fundamentals of voice, movement, relaxation, text analysis, characterization, and sensory and emotional-awareness exercises. Detailed analysis, preparation and performance of scenes. Required for majors, prerequisite for advanced theatre courses. Each semester. Instructors: Staff [Elective]

THEA 2 PO: Visual Arts of the Theatre

The visual principles underlying the design of theatre productions: theatre architecture, staging conventions, historic and contemporary design, and environmental theatre. Attendance at professional theatre productions in the L.A. area, films, slides, readings, projects in three-dimensional design. Instructor: S. Linnell [Elective]

THEA 4 PO: Acting for Social Change

Creating activist theatre from a feminist point of view to explore current theoretical positions, problems and practice in conjunction with local community groups working for social justice. Participatory internship. Instructor: J. Lu [Elective]

THEA 12 PO: Acting Shakespeare

Acting Shakespeare will be an acting intensive class focusing on textual grounding, meter, voice and delivery of scenes, soliloquies and sonnets from the canon. There will be also a voice component to the class held once a week. Instructor: B. Bernhard [Prereq: Theatre 1, 3, or 5. Elective]

THEA 20B PO: Theatre Crafts: Lighting, Sound and Management

An introduction to the technical production areas of the theatre, with emphasis on equipment and techniques of lighting, design and technical aspects of sound, and the fundamentals of stage and theatre management. Instructor: Ruzika, Staff [Elective]

Scripps

ART 141 SC: Introduction to Digital Imaging

This course is designed to develop a sense of computer literacy using the Macintosh system and to acquaint students with the most current state-of-the-art programs in graphics software. Critical discourse is a key element to the structure of the course in examining some of the principles of visual literacy that are encountered in photography, video, animation, and the Internet. Laboratory fee: $75. Offered annually. Instructor: N. Macko [Production]

ART 142 SC: Intermediate/Advanced Digital Imaging

Adobe software is a suite of art and design programs of many levels and complexities. This course will provide the student with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the various programs through a series of advanced tutorials and assignments. Course content may include creating a portfolio of digital fine art or graphic design work, and/or designing websites. Topics on digital printing, graphic design and contemporary art practice will be discussed in relation to student work. Related readings on contemporary digital art and design art practices. Instructor: N. Macko [Prereq: Art 141. Lab Fee: $75. Intermediate/Advanced Production]

ART 143 SC: Digital Color Photography

Adobe Photoshop is a program of many levels and complexities. This course will provide the student with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the program through a series of advanced tutorials. Students will then create a digitally output portfolio. Issues of digital printing, digital photography and contemporary photographic practice will be discussed in relation to their work. Related readings on contemporary photography and digital art practice. Laboratory fee: $75. Instructor: N. Macko [Prereq: ART 141, 145. Introductory]

ART 145 SC: Beginning Photography

A lecture and laboratory course in black-and-white photographic principles with an emphasis on visual content, aesthetic concepts, and creative seeing. Instruction in basic camera and darkroom technique and in the history of the photographic medium. Instructor: J. Orser [Students need to have constant access to a 35mm camera. Lab Fee: $75. Production]

ART 148 SC: Intro to Video Art

A studio course introducing students to the basic techniques of digital video production: camerawork and non-linear editing. Production is augmented by critiques, screenings, and discussions of conceptual and formal ideas. Instructor: T. Tran or Staff [Prereq: MS 49, 50, 51 or equivalent. Non-Scripps students need instructor permission. Production]

ENGL 189C SC: Fifties Film: Pop Culture and Society

Using American films from the fifties, we will explore the relation between popular culture and the society that produces it. Includes films such as "Some Like it Hot," "Rebel Without a Cause," "Singing in the Rain," and "High Noon." Instructor: J. Peavoy [Media History]

GRMT 114 SC: Plotting Crime

This course covers various "genres" of criminality in modern European fiction and film, including murder, criminal vice, theft, sex crimes, white-collar corporate conspiracy crimes of passion and domestic violence. We explore two related (but distinct) topics: how crimes are planned and executed; and how they are then turned, step-by-step, into compelling literary and cinematic storylines. Course taught in English. Instructor: M. Katz [Elective]

MS 191 SC: Senior Thesis in Media Studies

For Scripps students in the Critical Studies track, this course must be taken to fulfill the senior exercise requirement for graduation. Prerequisite: MS 190 JT. NOTE: Students selected to attempt honors should take MS 191H SC. Instructor: K. Tran.

MS 191H SC: Senior Thesis in Media Studies (Honors)

For Scripps students in the Critical Studies track who have been selected to attempt honors. Prerequisite: MS 190 JT.

MS 192H SC: Senior Project in Media Studies (Honors)

For Scripps students in the Film/Video or Digital/Electronic tracks who have been selected to attempt honors. Prerequisite: MS 190 JT.

IMS Jointly Taught Courses

MS 191 JT: Senior Thesis in Media Studies

Students write a thesis. Prerequisite: MS 190 JT. NOTE: Scripps students in Critical Studies track should register for MS 191 SC or MS 191H SC instead. Instructor: Staff.

MS 192 JT: Senior Project in Media Studies

Students complete a film/video or digital/electronic project. Prerequisite: MS 190 JT. Instructor: Staff.