CIN 521 and 522: The Art and Craft of Cinematography – Tech Lab
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
2 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
This course will explore and experiment with the physical nature of technology through lectures,
hands-on workshops and screenings. Examples of covered topics include over/under exposure
parameters of motion picture film and image sensors in various formats; comparative lighting
exercises; accepted protocols for lens tests; photochemical and digital intermediate workflows from
capture to deliverables; dailies’ screenings and analysis.
CIN 525 and 526: Fellow Research Project I & II
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
Fellows will create two master’s program level group Research Projects with corresponding classinstruction
over the course of the first year. While guided by the instructor, it is the Fellows’ own
interests, active research and revelations that will drive the course.
CIN 529 and 530: The Science Cinematography – Lecture
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
3 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
The Science of Cinematography (lecture) is an exploration of how we understand and use the
technical tools in cinematography to create our artistic intent. It is concentrated on building
foundational understanding of digital processes, celluloid, light and optics. In this course, Fellows
will attain the necessary skills and vocabulary to discuss, investigate, plan and manipulate an
image in prep, on set and in post, at any level of modern production and post-production
environment.
CIN 531 and 532: The History of Cinematography
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
.5 CREDIT HOUR, REQUIRED FOR FALL TERM
.5 CREDIT HOUR, ELECTIVE FOR SPRING TERM
The history of cinematography is presented in this bi-monthly session, which rotates with the
Language of Cinematography sessions. This class aims to provide a wide-ranging examination of
the themes, trends, techniques, and technological developments that have informed the evolution
of visual storytelling. Classes pair a screening with either a lecture or a dialogue with an invited
guest. Films of cinematographic significance are presented to illustrate the journey of the
cinematographer’s artistry from the early days to the digital age. Writing assignments and
photographic assignments are used to underscore course insights.
CIN 561 and 562: The Language of Cinematography
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
1.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
In narrative cinema there are two sensory experiences: sound, primarily through dialogue; and
image, through which that dialogue is put into context. Images can convey meaning in silence, or
work with or against the dialogue. Cinematographers and their collaborators conjure the complex
language of cinema using all the tools at their disposal. To be effective Cinematographers, they
must master the skills and language of cinematography, so their images melt into the whole film.
This class will explore in depth the aesthetic, technical and logistical choices available to
cinematographers to serve both the narrative and the director’s vision.CIN 561/562 meets every other week, sharing the same meeting time as, and rotating with,
History of Cinematography.
This class welcomes Fellows from other discipline as auditors; auditors may not elect this class for
credit.
CIN 5711, 5722, 5723: Cycle Cinematography Preparation & Logistics I – III
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
1.5 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
This course focuses on the practical choices and decisions– aesthetic, technical and logistical–
made in the preparation and execution of the Cinematographer’s Cycle production. Fellows
consult individually with the instructor. One week before each Cycle production, Cinematography
Fellows present their visual plans to the class, including their understanding of the script and how
their camera and lighting choices support the story. Discussion will cover production challenges,
proposed solutions, problem solving, safety, leadership, and team collaboration. The instructor
visits production sets to observe the production process and to assess the safe use of equipment.
The instructor is also available to review the completed project.
Year One, End-of-Year Review
At the end of the first year, the Cinematography Discipline conducts an End of The Year Review, the
Cinematography where Fellows present a scene (or scenes) from Cycle projects two or three,
Cycle project workbooks and a self-analysis statement. The portfolio review is conducted by
several Faculty through a private, formal interview with each Cinematography Fellow. The purpose
of the review is to help Fellows identify areas of success and areas requiring improvement. The goal
of the review is self-knowledge and personal growth for each Fellow.