COURSE CURRICULUM

The Film Program at California State University, Sacramento offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that explores both the creative and analytical dimensions of cinema. The program includes coursework in film production, history, theory, criticism, and writing, allowing students to study film as both an artistic medium and a cultural form of communication. Through this balanced approach, students gain an understanding of how films are created, interpreted, and appreciated within different historical, cultural, and social contexts.The Film major is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the art and practice of filmmaking. Students examine the many components that contribute to cinematic storytelling, including visual composition, editing, sound, narrative structure, and performance. They also study the work of influential filmmakers and artists whose creative visions have shaped the evolution of cinema and inspired generations of filmmakers. By analyzing films and exploring filmmaking techniques, students learn how cinema communicates ideas, emotions, and cultural perspectives.All students in the program complete a common core of courses that provides a strong foundation in both film criticism and film production. This core curriculum introduces students to the analytical tools needed to interpret films as well as the practical skills involved in the filmmaking process. The combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience allows students to understand film from multiple perspectives.After completing the core requirements, students choose one of two tracks based on their academic interests and career goals. The film production track focuses on the practical and creative aspects of filmmaking, including directing, cinematography, editing, and production techniques. The film studies track emphasizes the critical and historical study of cinema, including film theory, criticism, and cultural analysis. Throughout the program, students receive academic guidance and supervision from the Film Coordinator, who helps ensure that students progress successfully and develop their knowledge and skills in the field of film.