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Courses | B.A. in Cinema and Media Arts

Below are some of the courses you'll have an opportunity to take as a student in this program. Take a look at the list below to get an idea of the types of available courses. Also, be sure to review core curriculum requirements and the official program requirements in the Biola University catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Major Courses

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

Through an introduction to the building blocks of visual storytelling, students will learn to use film grammar to tell their stories effectively. Special emphasis will be given to lighting, color, shape, line, and space. Grade Mode: A.
Creating historians via a survey of the development of the motion picture including the evolution of motion pictures as an art form, classic Hollywood narrative structure, technological developments, communication medium, and industry. Films screened in the course will be analyzed from perspectives of auteur theory, genre theory and thematic criticism. Special emphasis will be given to cultural criticism locating films in their unique time and place. Grade Mode: A.
An introductory course to the art of writing for film and television. Includes emphasis on structure, especially the hero's journey, archetypes, genre and story outline. Students will develop a detailed treatment before creating a feature screenplay. Grade Mode: A.
This course will cover the effect of visual media on society and the noticeable absence of learning the grammar of visual language within the educational process. Instead of relegating the study of media to a simple inoculation against negative images, this course seeks to understand and celebrate the quite human process of media creation and consumption with the hope of restoring agency to the audience and accountability to the creator. Grade Mode: A.
A real-world learning experience beyond the university classroom. The focus is working in a media-related organization such as a production company, network, studio or media ministry. This course will test students' commitment, aptitude and stamina for work within the entertainment industry. Includes on-campus sessions designed to strengthen and expand professional skills. Notes: Sixty hours of internship is required for each academic credit. May be taken multiple times for a maximum of 6 credits. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.


Concentrations

Production

A production concentration offers students a thorough grounding in the creation of film, television or audio and new media. Students are encouraged to develop their technical skills, training for positions as director, cinematographer, gaffer, editor, sound designer, recording engineer, new media creation and/or production designer. Whether pursuing careers in the entertainment industry or media ministry, students discover a spirit of cooperation and collaboration is essential.

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

Through an introduction to the building blocks of visual storytelling, students will learn to use film grammar to tell their stories effectively. Special emphasis will be given to lighting, color, shape, line, and space. Grade Mode: A.
Creating historians via a survey of the development of the motion picture including the evolution of motion pictures as an art form, classic Hollywood narrative structure, technological developments, communication medium, and industry. Films screened in the course will be analyzed from perspectives of auteur theory, genre theory and thematic criticism. Special emphasis will be given to cultural criticism locating films in their unique time and place. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the theory and practice of storytelling with sound. Topics include physics, acoustics and psychoacoustics of sound, field and studio sound recording, multi-track mixing and editing, Foley, automatic dialog replacement, and sound effects as applied to film, television, games, recording arts and other media. Grade Mode: A.

Covers all aspects of directing for motion pictures and television. Includes emphasis on the director's role and responsibility in the following stages: script, casting, actors, pre-production, camera, post-production. Also covers the director's spiritual preparation and integration into the craft. Students complete one short film. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

Covers the budgeting and scheduling necessary for media production. Students learn the parameters considered in making decisions to balance the creative goals and logistical demands of production. Matters of insurance; deal negotiation; contracts; union rules (including SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE) copyright and clearance issues; management of crew; liaison difficulties with studios, clients and outside publics; and other issues will be covered. Evaluation of students' understanding will be based on a budget and schedule for a one hour single camera drama they will be required to complete, as well as pertinent test and quizzes. Grade Mode: A.

Explores the aesthetics and technology of the film image. Students will understand basic composition, lighting and exposure and what makes an image attractive to the human eye. Significant lab/hands-on experience included with an emphasis on cameras, lighting, grip and electric. Grade Mode: A.

An intense study of the craft and role of the editor as storyteller. Covers various genres and formats such as features, documentaries, short films, and trailers. Emphasis on the editor's role in other aspects of post-production, including audio, music, color correction, digital effects, and distribution masters. Several individual projects allow hands-on practical learning. Grade Mode: A.

This course will cover the effect of visual media on society and the noticeable absence of learning the grammar of visual language within the educational process. Instead of relegating the study of media to a simple inoculation against negative images, this course seeks to understand and celebrate the quite human process of media creation and consumption with the hope of restoring agency to the audience and accountability to the creator. Grade Mode: A.
The first course of a three-course sequence (358, 359, 452) in which a dramatic film will be produced. This course emphasizes the essential pre-production aspects including script development, budgeting, casting, set construction, location surveys, and develops skills in using production equipment. Grade Mode: A.
Principal photography will be done for the film project begun in 358. Emphasizes lighting, camera operation, sound recording and directing. Grade Mode: A.
A real-world learning experience beyond the university classroom. The focus is working in a media-related organization such as a production company, network, studio or media ministry. This course will test students' commitment, aptitude and stamina for work within the entertainment industry. Includes on-campus sessions designed to strengthen and expand professional skills. Notes: Sixty hours of internship is required for each academic credit. May be taken multiple times for a maximum of 6 credits. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.

Entertainment Producing

Financial accounting concepts and techniques essential for all business majors and those seeking to learn the language of business; analyzing and recording transactions; preparation of financial statements; valuation and allocation procedures. Grade Mode: A.
Financial accounting for corporations; analysis of financial statements; international accounting issues; introduction to managerial accounting; product costing and cost allocation procedures; budgetary control and responsibility accounting; analysis and techniques for planning and managerial decision making. Grade Mode: A.

Introduction to the basic elements of modern marketing including the study of the marketing environment framework, target market, market segmentation, marketing ethics, and the marketing mix variables of product, promotion, price, public relations, and place/distribution. Notes: This course is intended for students that do not have marketing or marketing management as a concentration. Grade Mode: A

An introduction to the building blocks of storytelling: character, setting and plot. Students will read and study the steps of the Hero's Journey as used in current Hollywood films. They will analyze story structure, write short stories and create film ideas and short screenplays. Special emphasis will be given to the history, art and aesthetics of storytelling. Grade Mode: A.

A survey of current industry practices and careers in film, television, music and emerging technologies. Students will learn to research and analyze the career and business choices of current professionals in the industry and create long-term strategies for entering into and succeeding in the entertainment business. Special emphasis will be given to the unique ethical questions and biblical applications that arise within the Hollywood context. Grade Mode: A

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

Covers the budgeting and scheduling necessary for media production. Students learn the parameters considered in making decisions to balance the creative goals and logistical demands of production. Matters of insurance; deal negotiation; contracts; union rules (including SAG-AFTRA, DGA, IATSE) copyright and clearance issues; management of crew; liaison difficulties with studios, clients and outside publics; and other issues will be covered. Evaluation of students' understanding will be based on a budget and schedule for a one hour single camera drama they will be required to complete, as well as pertinent test and quizzes. Grade Mode: A.
This course will cover the effect of visual media on society and the noticeable absence of learning the grammar of visual language within the educational process. Instead of relegating the study of media to a simple inoculation against negative images, this course seeks to understand and celebrate the quite human process of media creation and consumption with the hope of restoring agency to the audience and accountability to the creator. Grade Mode: A.

A study of the television business from a programming perspective. Students learn how programming of each season reflects the culture, sociological, and economic trends of the times. A variety of sitcoms, dramas and variety shows are viewed and students learn how current programming has developed from formats that were successful in the 1950s through the present. Grade Mode: A.

The first course of a three-course sequence (358, 359, 452) in which a dramatic film will be produced. This course emphasizes the essential pre-production aspects including script development, budgeting, casting, set construction, location surveys, and develops skills in using production equipment. Grade Mode: A.
Principal photography will be done for the film project begun in 358. Emphasizes lighting, camera operation, sound recording and directing. Grade Mode: A.
Advertising principles and techniques. The study of effective and ineffective forms of advertising. Applications linked to public relations, media events, marketing, and communication encounters. Grade Mode: A.
Study of theoretical approaches to the First Amendment as well as specific areas of concern to professional journalists such as defamation, privacy, fair trial, obscenity, copyright, shield laws, sunshine laws, etc. Exploration of applied professional ethics and contemporary professional issues of ethics for media professionals. Grade Mode: A.
A real-world learning experience beyond the university classroom. The focus is working in a media-related organization such as a production company, network, studio or media ministry. This course will test students' commitment, aptitude and stamina for work within the entertainment industry. Includes on-campus sessions designed to strengthen and expand professional skills. Notes: Sixty hours of internship is required for each academic credit. May be taken multiple times for a maximum of 6 credits. Grade Mode: A.
Producers make film and television happen. This course covers what a producer does to create a budget, to find financing, to manage the production process, and to market and distribute a film or television project. Grade Mode: A.
Covers management strategies as applied to media companies, including television stations, cable systems, motion picture production companies, companies in the emerging technologies and ministry media. In addition, students will receive guidance geared toward final preparation for entering into executive positions in the entertainment industry. Projects include resumes, cover letters, interview and meeting techniques, reader coverage, and concludes with students pitching projects to current entertainment executives. Grade Mode: A.

Student creates a capstone project with advice and guidance from faculty. The project will represent the student's highest achievement in media creation. Projects can include scripts, recordings, films, and other emerging media. Projects premiere publicly at the end of the semester. Grade Mode: A.

Methodology for mass communication research, including sampling, questionnaire design and introduction to statistics. Students conduct an audience analysis, focus groups and research project. A major goal is to become adept at reading and evaluating research reports. Grade Mode: A.
A rotating variety of topics and production experiences often employing special guests from within the media industries. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, Fund Raising, Event Planning, Visual Effects, Audio Recording, Cinematography, Production Design, the Sundance Film Festival, the City of the Angels Film Festival, the Biola Media Conference. Notes: May be taken multiple times. Grade Mode: A.

The dynamics of organizational communication centering in systems, structures and patterns of work/workplace communication; the role of communication in organizational development. Grade Mode: A

Directing

Covers all aspects of directing for motion pictures and television. Includes emphasis on the director's role and responsibility in the following stages: script, casting, actors, pre-production, camera and post-production. Also covers the director's spiritual preparation and integration into the craft. Students complete one short film. Grade Mode: A.

The first course of a three-course sequence (358, 359, 452) in which a dramatic film will be produced. This course emphasizes the essential pre-production aspects including script development, budgeting, casting, set construction, location surveys, and develops skills in using production equipment. Grade Mode: A.
Principal photography will be done for the film project begun in 358. Emphasizes lighting, camera operation, sound recording and directing. Grade Mode: A.
The three keys to directing will be covered in this class: visual structure, working with actors and leadership. Grade Mode: A.

Cinematography

Explores the aesthetics and technology of the film image. Students will understand basic composition, lighting and exposure and what makes an image attractive to the human eye. Significant lab/hands-on experience included with an emphasis on cameras, lighting, grip and electric. Grade Mode: A.

The first course of a three-course sequence (358, 359, 452) in which a dramatic film will be produced. This course emphasizes the essential pre-production aspects including script development, budgeting, casting, set construction, location surveys, and develops skills in using production equipment. Grade Mode: A.
Principal photography will be done for the film project begun in 358. Emphasizes lighting, camera operation, sound recording and directing. Grade Mode: A.
Students will perform a particular above-the-line function (producer, director, cinematographer, editor, sound designer, production designer) for an advanced production that will serve as a calling card/resume builder. Grade Mode: A.

Editing

An intense study of the craft and role of the editor as storyteller. Covers various genres and formats such as features, documentaries, short films, and trailers. Emphasis on the editor's role in other aspects of post-production, including audio, music, color correction, digital effects, and distribution masters. Several individual projects allow hands-on practical learning. Grade Mode: A.

The first course of a three-course sequence (358, 359, 452) in which a dramatic film will be produced. This course emphasizes the essential pre-production aspects including script development, budgeting, casting, set construction, location surveys, and develops skills in using production equipment. Grade Mode: A.
Principal photography will be done for the film project begun in 358. Emphasizes lighting, camera operation, sound recording and directing. Grade Mode: A.

This workshop-based course will require students to edit entire short films to understand not just what makes a scene work but an entire story arc. Through the critiquing of one another's work, students will learn to articulate what is, and is not, working in their weekly cuts. Grade Mode: A.

Visual Effects & 3D Animation

Introduction to the techniques of storytelling across multiple emerging technology platforms and formats such as streaming on YouTube and virtual reality. Explores the history and convergence of the Internet with personal computers. Topics include web design, media streaming, small screen production, apps for smartphones, graphic design, interactivity, augmented reality, audio and video formats for new media; computer hardware, operating systems, networking and content management systems. Grade Mode: A.

An examination of digital visual effects for film, television, games and other media. The class covers basic 2-D and 3-D modeling, compositing, digital lighting, mattes, animation and the vfx pipeline. Participants should have extensive computer experience. Grade Mode: A.

An introduction to the creation of 3D models using industry-standard software. Topics include hard surface modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and character modeling and rigging, and keyframe animation techniques to develop movement and realism. Grade Mode: A.

An advanced workshop in visual effects, this course continues to build compositing and motion graphics techniques while exploring new topics such as 3D camera tracking (match moving), motion capture, pre-visualization, and production-quality 3D content creation. Grade Mode: A.

Sound Design

An introduction to the theory and practice of storytelling with sound. Topics include physics, acoustics and psychoacoustics of sound, field and studio sound recording, multi-track mixing and editing, Foley, automatic dialog replacement, and sound effects as applied to film, television, games, recording arts and other media.

The first course of a three-course sequence (358, 359, 452) in which a dramatic film will be produced. This course emphasizes the essential pre-production aspects including script development, budgeting, casting, set construction, location surveys, and develops skills in using production equipment. Grade Mode: A.
Principal photography will be done for the film project begun in 358. Emphasizes lighting, camera operation, sound recording and directing. Grade Mode: A.
Development of advanced aesthetics and techniques in composing, editing and processing audio for film and television postproduction. Includes ADR, sound effects, surround sound and orchestra recording. Grade Mode: A.

Entertainment Business

Focus on the formulation of global marketing management strategies. Presents a conceptual overview of the world market environment, including issues related to culture and diversity. The managers' perspective is analyzed with regard to market entry methods and the various barriers that could impact international business. Grade Mode: A.

Methods, problems and factors involved in launching and managing startup and new business ventures, all viewed through the lens of redemptive entrepreneurship.

An examination and evaluation of financial decision making in the Corporate environment valuing future cash flows, characterizing risk and return and evaluating options available to firms to finance their operations or fund growth opportunities. Students will learn how to analyze financial data to provide information to management on how to improve the financial performance of their firm. Grade Mode: A.

This course will examine the various sources of funding available to start-ups, including friends and family, crowdfunding, commercial lending institutions, angel investors, venture capitalists, and various governmental programs. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) process is also examined as a means for accessing public capital markets and growing the business. Grade Mode: A.

Creating historians via a survey of the development of the motion picture including the evolution of motion pictures as an art form, classic Hollywood narrative structure, technological developments, communication medium, and industry. Films screened in the course will be analyzed from perspectives of auteur theory, genre theory and thematic criticism. Special emphasis will be given to cultural criticism locating films in their unique time and place. Grade Mode: A.

A survey of the major mass media: film, television, music, print, radio, Internet and others. Includes history, growth, societal, business practices, legal and technological aspects of each. Includes individual considerations for the influence, world views expressed, and integration within mass media. Notes: Open to non-CNMA majors with departmental permission. Grade Mode: A.

A study of the television business from a programming perspective. Students learn how programming of each season reflects the culture, sociological, and economic trends of the times. A variety of sitcoms, dramas and variety shows are viewed and students learn how current programming has developed from formats that were successful in the 1950s through the present. Grade Mode: A.

Producers make film and television happen. This course covers what a producer does to create a budget, to find financing, to manage the production process, and to market and distribute a film or television project. Grade Mode: A.
Covers management strategies as applied to media companies, including television stations, cable systems, motion picture production companies, companies in the emerging technologies and ministry media. In addition, students will receive guidance geared toward final preparation for entering into executive positions in the entertainment industry. Projects include resumes, cover letters, interview and meeting techniques, reader coverage, and concludes with students pitching projects to current entertainment executives. Grade Mode: A.

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