COURSE CURRICULUM

Cal Lutheran offers two distinct emphases within the Film and Television major: Film Studies and Production, each designed to develop different skill sets for students interested in the entertainment industry. The Film Studies emphasis requires a minimum of 40 credits, including 20 upper-division credits. This track focuses on understanding film as both an art form and a mass medium, emphasizing the critical, historical, and theoretical aspects of motion pictures. Students begin with introductory courses such as Introduction to Film and TV Production and Introduction to Film Studies, along with either Beginning TV Production or Beginning Cinema Production. Required courses include Research Methods and Film Theories. Students then select five courses from a variety of offerings that explore politics in cinema, literary study and criticism, film music, and international cinema, among others.On the other hand, the Production emphasis is a more hands-on path requiring at least 51 credits, with 20 upper-division credits. This emphasis prepares students to develop advanced skills in areas like camera operation, editing, lighting, writing, directing, and producing. The curriculum starts with foundational courses including Introduction to Film Studies, Introduction to Film and TV Production, and both Beginning TV and Cinema Production. Core courses cover lighting and cinematography, sound design, screenwriting, and advanced production topics such as directing, producing, and post-production. Students also complete an internship for practical experience. Additionally, they choose eight credit hours from electives that deepen expertise in film theories, broadcast production, advanced screenwriting, visual effects, animation, acting, and film music.Both tracks offer a well-rounded education designed to prepare students for various roles in the film and television industry, whether their interest lies in analysis and criticism or in creative production.