James D. Stone, Chairperson
Department of Cinematic Arts
CERIA, Room 370
MSC04 2570
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
(505) 277-6262, FAX (505) 277-6314
Associate Professors
Susan Dever, Ph.D., Stanford University
Nina Fonoroff, M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute
Deborah Fort, M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute
James D. Stone, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
The Cinematic Arts department is dedicated to the study and practice of film and video as art. In the hope of understanding and enhancing moving image productions, the curriculum offers students a broad foundation in sound and visual culture. Although one may approach film and video for commercial purposes, the department emphasizes the value of the aesthetic achievements and cultural contexts of the works made and critiqued. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media, and an undergraduate minor in Media Arts.
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts create movies. Simultaneously, they study the work of great filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Luis Buñuel, and Maya Deren. They examine significant cinematic movements—such as the French New Wave, film noir, and German Expressionism—while considering important genres such as science fiction, horror, and comedy. Media Arts students acquire valuable real world experiences. They may intern with businesses integral to the New Mexico film industry, and collaborate with community partners such as Albuquerque Studios and Basement Films.
Cinematic Arts students establish ties to the intellectual and creative pursuits of the College of Arts and Sciences as well as to parallel efforts in the College of Fine Arts. Transdisciplinary in nature, the department offerings resonate with current practices in history, cultural studies, literary theory, visual and performing arts studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, political theory, women and gender studies, and science studies. Through these lenses, analysis and thoughtful representation of the way “race,” gender, class, sexuality, age, ability, and other elements of identities intersect in cinema are encouraged.
Given the global nature of moving images, the department also offers students an outlook that is international as well as interdisciplinary. To learn about world cinema is to explore diverse cultures. The Media Arts curriculum includes courses devoted to various national and regional cinemas; students interested in Latino, Hispanic, Chicano, and Latin American cinemas, for instance, can focus their investigations on local cultures vis-à-vis global concerns. In these and in other courses, the department seeks to collaborate with a variety of academic departments such as Spanish and Portuguese or American Studies, where transcultural work is similarly promoted.
Department fees support film and video rentals and purchases in history and criticism courses, plus the purchase, maintenance, and replacement of equipment used in the film and video production courses.
Courses
IFDM 105L.
Introduction to Digital Media [Introduction to Film and Digital Media].
(3)
The history of methods and practices of art, science and technology in the development of new media, with surveys from a historical perspective. Studies the practices, careers and disciplines involved with film and digital media.
IFDM 205L.
Studio I: Activating Digital Space.
(3)
This studio course explores critical, technical and creative elements of digital space. By translating the process of seeing and conceptualizing into visual forms, students use technical knowledge to conceptualize, create and collaborate on projects.
Prerequisite: CS 152L.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 210.
Introduction to Modeling and Postproduction.
(3)
An introduction to computer graphics and animation that mixes theory and application using a standard animation software package to teach the use of the tool and to demonstrate key concepts. Involves collaborative projects.
Prerequisite: 205L.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 241L.
Introduction to Directing for Film and Video.
(3)
Students in this introductory class will explore the processes and concerns of the narrative fiction film and video director through the analysis of film and video, and short hands on exercises.
Restriction: permission of advisor.
IFDM 250.
Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
Study in topics related to digital media.
IFDM 300.
Critical Intermediations.
(3)
Examines new media technologies from a transdisciplinary perspective by exploring how the use of new media is affecting academic practice across disciplines. Proposes the development of a critical analytical framework for approaching new media.
Prerequisite: 210.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 301.
Cinematography.
(3)
Through lecture, lab and practical exercises, students will learn the fundamentals of photography and motion picture technical principles. The emphasis will be on the use of professional camera systems.
Restriction: permission of department.
IFDM 310.
Studio II: Writing Digital Narrative.
(3)
The goal of this course is to offer students an overview of issues on writing for digital media; its objective is to create successful, media-savvy writers, who work across digital platforms.
Prerequisite: 300.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 311.
Fundamentals of Music Technology.
(2-3)
(Also offered as MUS 311 / 511)
A hands-on introduction to various computer applications useful to musicians in all areas of specialization. Various computer programs aiding in music notation, arranging and MIDI composition will be presented and explored.
IFDM 400.
Ethics, Science and Technology.
(3)
Ethical issues arising from the impact of science and technology on the personal, social and political dimensions of culture or what happens and who takes responsibility when the genie is out of the bottle?
Prerequisite: 310.
Corequisite: 450.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 410.
The Business and Law of Film and New Media.
(3)
This course will introduce students to the business and legal aspects of creating a new digital media venture including: concept formation; marketing; budget development; finding financing; forming a company; hiring and managing employees; and sales.
Prerequisite: 400.
Corequisite: 451.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 412.
Fundamentals of Audio Technology.
(2-3)
(Also offered as MUS 412 / 512)
Audio editing and equipment and basics of recordings through lab experiences and creative projects. Includes fundamentals of the physics of sound and analysis.
IFDM 450.
IFDM Capstone I Senior Projects Course.
(4)
Students are required to form interdisciplinary collaborative teams that will develop and plan project ideas.
Prerequisite: 310.
Corequisite: 400.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 451.
IFDM Capstone II Senior Projects Course.
(4)
Collaborative teams execute projects and give open demonstration of the results.
Prerequisite: 450.
Corequisite: 410.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 491.
Topics in Film and Digital Media.
(1-3, no limit Δ)
This course allows permanent or visiting faculty to develop a course based on a topic related to digital media, and may include courses in career development for media industries.
IFDM 492.
IFDM Internship.
(1-12 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Real-world experience for IFDM students to build digital media skills in the context of the organization's products or services. IFDM internships are arranged with IFDM faculty council members and IFDM instructors.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 105L and CS 152L; minimum overall grade-point-average of 2.5; and at least 9 hours in IFDM, with at least one IFDM 300-level course.
Restriction: permission of IFDM faculty council member.
IFDM 497.
Independent Study in Film and Digital Media.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
This course allows IFDM student to study individually, under direction of IFDM instructor. Study area to be approved by instructor, and be related to film and digital media.
Restriction: permission of IFDM advisor.
IFDM 499.
Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Honors.
(3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
The purpose is to expand and strengthen knowledge through intense focus, to correlate it in related fields, and to bring students under closer guidance of, and acquaintance with faculty and instructors in their field.
Restriction: permission of department.
MA 110.
Introduction to Mass Communication.
(3)
(Also offered as CJ 110)
Study of the development of the mass media with emphasis on television in the areas of programming, policy, regulations, economics, and technology. Examination of the social, cultural, and political impact of the mass media on contemporary society.
MA 111.
Technical Introduction to Video Production.
(3)
For the student who has no practical knowledge of video technology. Students learn about the camera and lens, sound recording, lighting, editing, and other elements of production. Special fee required.
MA 210.
Introduction to Film Studies.
(3)
Analysis of film as a unique art, and a survey of main trends in film history. Screenings and critical study of major films. Special fee required. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts.
210 is a prerequisite to 300- and 400-level Media Arts courses.
MA 212.
Beyond Hollywood.
(3)
An introduction to marginalized cinemas with screenings of major works. Special fee required.
MA 216.
Topics in Video Making.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
These courses strengthen students’ skills in video technology while helping them write, direct, and edit video projects that begin to reflect a personal, artistic vision. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 111.
MA 220.
Intermediate Production Workshop.
(3)
This course continues the study of technical and aesthetic concerns in video production with sections of concentration in documentary, fiction narrative, and code generated forms.
Prerequisite: 111.
MA 310 / *410.
Latin American Film.
(3)
This course surveys key moments in Latin American cinema including Mexico’s influential “Golden Age” of the 1940s and various “new cinemas” of the ’60s and ’70s. Also considered are Hollywood films about Latin America. Special fee required.
MA 324.
Introduction to Screenwriting.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ENGL 324)
Writing workshop on basics of character structure, scenes, visualization, and good old story telling as it applies to the screenplay. Students read scripts, watch film clips, and begin writing an original screenplay.
Prerequisite: ENGL 224.
MA 326 / *426.
History of Film I: Silent.
(3)
History of the motion picture from its beginnings to the era of sound. Screening and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 326 and 426.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA 327 / *427.
History of Film II: Sound.
(3)
History of the motion picture from the advent of sound to the present day. Screening and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 327 and 427.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA 330.
Studies in Film.
(3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Studies in film and video genres, regional and national cinemas, and the work of individual artists. Special fee required. May be repeated if subject matter varies.
MA 331 / *431.
Film Theory.
(3)
A lecture survey of major currents in film theory from film’s beginnings to the present. Screening and analysis of major films. May not receive credit for both 331 and 431. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA 332 / *432.
Documentary Film History.
(3)
History and theory of documentary, with emphasis on how this knowledge is applied in the making of a documentary. Screenings of work by Robert Flaherty, Trinh T. Minh-ha, and others. Special fee required.
MA 334 / *434.
Teen Rebels.
(3)
An examination of Hollywood films of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, whose youthful main characters challenge convention and authority. Special fee required.
MA 335 / *435.
International Horror Film.
(3)
A study of major horror films from various countries, with related readings in fiction, philosophy, psychology, and film studies. Classics such as Nosferatu and Frankenstein are screened. Special fee required.
MA 336 / *436.
Images of (Wo)men.
(3)
Our study will regard films about women, men, and everybody else. With feminism, queer theory, critical race studies, and transgender film theory, we’ll consider cinema from “women’s pictures” to films about the permutations of gender. Special fee required.
Restriction: junior or standing.
MA 337 / *437.
Alfred Hitchcock.
(3)
An exploration of cinematic suspense, surprise, and shock in relation to Hitchcock’s cinema. Special fee required.
MA 339.
Russian Culture and History through Film.
(3)
(Also offered as HIST 335 and RUSS 339)
In this course we study films and read secondary sources from the Soviet and post-Soviet eras (with English subtitles) and examine how they comment on current Russian social and cultural issues. Taught in English. Special fee required.
MA 350.
Advanced Screenwriting.
(3)
A continuation of Introduction to Screenwriting, this course is a workshop designed to assist the writer in completing scripts for a feature film, two episodes of a television series, or a series of short films.
Prerequisite: 324 or ENGL 324.
MA 390.
Topics in the Elements of Filmmaking.
(3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
Practicum in basic conceptual aspects of independent filmmaking. Each student creates cinematic work in this course. Special fee required.
MA 391.
16mm Filmmaking.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
This course provides an introduction to basic 16mm filmmaking techniques, with an emphasis on film as a creative art form. Students take up all aspects of filmmaking, from pre-production planning through the final edit. Special fee required.
MA *409.
Advanced Video Art.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ARTS 409 / 509)
This class helps students to develop more complex artistic statements on video. Critiques of student work, plus readings and discussions about various arts and media. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA *410 / 310.
Latin American Film.
(3)
This course surveys key moments in Latin American cinema including Mexico’s influential “Golden Age” of the 1940s and various “new cinemas” of the ’60s and ’70s. Also considered are Hollywood films about Latin America. Special fee required.
MA *426 / 326.
History of Film I: Silent.
(3)
History of the motion picture from its beginnings to the era of sound. Screenings and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 326 and 426.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA *427 / 327.
History of Film II: Sound.
(3)
History of the motion picture from the advent of sound to the present day. Screenings and analysis of major films. Special fee required. May not receive credit for both 327 and 427.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA *429.
Topics in Production.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Workshops in specific production topics conducted by guest artists in film and video as their schedules permit. Special fee required.
May be repeated if subject matter varies.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA *430.
Topics in Film History.
(3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Studies in film and video genres, regional and national cinemas, and the work of individual artists. Special fee required.
May be repeated if subject matter varies.
MA *431 / 331.
Film Theory.
(3)
A lecture survey of major currents in film theory from film’s beginnings to the present. Screening and analysis of major films. May not receive credit for both 331 and 431. Special fee required.
Prerequisite: 210.
MA *432 / 332.
Documentary Film History.
(3)
History and theory of documentary, with emphasis on how this knowledge is applied in the making of a documentary. Screenings of work by Robert Flaherty, Trinh T. Minh-ha, and others. Special fee required.
MA *434 / 334.
Teen Rebels.
(3)
An examination of Hollywood films of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, whose youthful main characters challenge convention and authority. Special fee required.
MA *435 / 335.
International Horror Film.
(3)
A study of major horror films from various countries, with related readings in fiction, philosophy, psychology, and film studies. Classics such as Nosferatu and Frankenstein are screened. Special fee required.
MA *436 / 336.
Images of (Wo)men.
(3)
Our study will regard films about women, men, and everybody else. With feminism, queer theory, critical race studies, and transgender film theory, we’ll consider cinema from “women’s pictures” to films about the permutations of gender. Special fee required.
Restriction: junior or senior standing.
MA *437.
Alfred Hitchcock.
(3)
An exploration of cinematic suspense, surprise, and shock in relation to Hitchcock’s cinema. Special fee required.
MA *485.
Problems in Interdisciplinary Studies.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, MUS 584)
An independent study in either critical studies or studio, beyond the scope of the Fine Arts interdisciplinary courses, which may occur within or outside the College of Fine Arts. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA *487.
Contemporary Interdisciplinary Topics.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as ARTH, DANC, MUS, THEA 487)
Analyzes major instances of interdisciplinary influence and collaboration in the present day. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 496 / 596.
Undergraduate Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Media Arts majors undertake individual projects and internships that arise outside the boundaries of other Media Arts production courses. In order to sign up, the student enlists the support of a Cinematic Arts faculty member. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 497 / 597.
Undergraduate Independent Study.
(2-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Individual investigation or reading, plus the writing of an essay, under faculty direction. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 499.
Honors Thesis.
(3-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Directed independent study in a field of special interest, culminating in a written thesis and, if appropriate, a film or video project. Open only by invitation to department honors candidates. Special fee required.
MA 596 / 496.
Graduate Production Project.
(1-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Media Arts majors undertake individual projects and internships that arise outside the boundaries of other Media Arts production courses. In order to sign up, the student enlists the support of a Cinematic Arts faculty member. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
MA 597 / 497.
Graduate Independent Study.
(2-3 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
Individual investigation or reading, plus the writing of an essay, under faculty direction. Special fee required.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
