Faculty Syllabus
COMM-2366 Introduction to Cinema
Christian Raymond
Credit Fall 2026
Section(s)
COMM-2366-016 (37758)
LEC DIL ONL DIL
LAB DIL ONL DIL
Course Requirements
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class provides an introduction to the narrative and stylistic techniques used in filmmaking to understand how meaning is constructed, conveyed, and interpreted in film and related forms of new media storytelling. In a participatory format, you will critically discover thought-provoking media in the survival film genre, ranging from stories of resilience in the wilderness to intergalactic species survival tales.
ITC is an online fully asynchronous class. You will critically explore thought-provoking films and the creative approaches behind them, actively engaging with each work to include developing literacy skills and your own informed perspective through lectures, readings, screenings, discussion boards, class projects and related activities.
Creative critical thinking will be important as you lead and contribute to discussions, and work toward the creation of an end-of-class “pitch deck” project which demonstrates your learning.
All students are required to maintain an official ACC email account. Email correspondence will be sent to that address. You can find more information about student email at: www.austincc.edu/accmail/
Readings
READINGS:
MOVING PICTURES: An Introduction to Cinema. By Russell Sharman (Free Open Educational Resources), 2020. Pressbooks.
Additional texts, videos, podcasts, handouts and other materials will be made available online via Blackboard. Please refer to Blackboard each week.
Course Subjects
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Please always remember to check Blackboard for announcements. This is a tentative schedule and we will cover the topics below, some in greater detail than others which is subject to change.
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Module |
Topics Covered |
*Due Dates / Recommended Dates |
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Start Here |
Class Welcome & Orientation |
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Read all materials in folders in detail, including essential course materials, the syllabus and class schedule, learning outcomes, textbook information, grading policies, and additional classroom information. |
*See Blackboard Final Syllabus for final topics and due dates. |
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Complete Orientation Quiz |
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Complete Self Introduction Discussion Board in Blackboard. |
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Module 1 |
Structure, Character & Cinematic Storytelling |
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READ the assigned materials posted: Chapter 2, “Narrative,” Chapter 4 “How to Watch a Movie” Moving Pictures. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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WATCH the listed film (INTO THE WILD). |
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TAKE: The INTO THE WILD "Food For Thought" Survey |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions on Blackboard. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the presentation. |
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REVIEW the Character Trifold |
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WATCH the listed film (127 HOURS) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions. |
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COMPLETE the structure and character synopsis project in Blackboard |
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Module 2 |
Cinematic Design & Impact |
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READ/VIEW the assigned materials posted. Chapter 5 “Cinematography” Moving Pictures. |
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REVIEW the "Rules of Survival" Genre Elements. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the 127 HOURS presentation.
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions.
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PROJECT PREP: Read about the Awe Video Project and begin brainstorming ideas for yours.
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Module 3 |
Mise en Scene & Editing |
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READ/VIEW the assigned materials posted. Chapter 3, “Mise-en-Scene, Chapter 6 “Editing” Moving Pictures. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation.
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WATCH the listed film (PRINCESS MONONOKE)
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VISIT Cinemetrics website and READ about the "Movie Measurement and Study Tool Database" Introduction
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WATCH & EXPLORE the PRINCESS MONONOKE presentation.
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions.
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WATCH & EXPLORE: when the movie's average shot length is more than literally 3 seconds video |
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TAKE Quiz.
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Module 4 |
Sound Design, Documentary Filmmaking |
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READ the assigned materials posted: Chapter 7 “Sound” Moving Pictures. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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WATCH the listed film (TOUCHING THE VOID). |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions on Blackboard. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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OPTIONALLY can watch the supplemental behind the scenes documentary. |
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COMPLETE Awe Video Project |
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Module 5 |
Film History, Genre & Archetypes |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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WATCH the listed film (THE DESCENT or *FALL). *THE DESCENT is a horror film. If not for you, FALL can be screened instead. Feel free to learn more about both films on IMDB.com. |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions on Blackboard. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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WATCH the listed film (DARK CITY) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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TAKE Quiz.
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Module 6 |
Mythmaking, Screenwriting & Ideology |
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Week 11 |
WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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WATCH the listed film (LIFE OF PI) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions on Blackboard. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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Week 12 |
WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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READ the Ex MACHINA Screenplay |
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WATCH the listed film (EX MACHINA) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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COMPLETE Quiz
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Module 7 |
Post-Modernism & Meta-Modernity |
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Week 13 |
READ: What is Postmodernism? |
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READ the Pitch Deck Project Page. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the initial presentation. |
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WATCH the listed film (DON’T LOOK UP) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions on Blackboard. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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Week 14 |
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WATCH the listed film (ARRIVAL) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions. |
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WATCH & EXPLORE the follow up presentation on the cinematic techniques and film. |
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TAKE Quiz.
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Module 8 |
Pitch Deck Development, Synthesis & Creation |
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Week 15 |
RE-READ the Pitch Deck Project Page & Work on Completing it over final weeks of class |
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WATCH the listed film (THE MATRIX) |
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WRITE a media reflection with your own authentic thoughts responding to the posted questions.
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Week 16 |
COMPLETE the Pitch Deck Project Page and complete your Project.
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Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Analyze film through written response.
2. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of film history, form, and genre.
3. Describe the collaborative nature of cinema and the many jobs required to develop a motion picture.
4. Demonstrate how creative and technical choices construct a work and can impact meaning in filmic storytelling.
Office Hours
T Th 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM HLC2.1244
NOTE Feel free to stop by, make an appointment through my calendar on the syllabus, or to ask about setting up another time virtually or in person. Also have remote office hours on Friday from 12pm - 2pm.Published: 05/11/2026 17:17:31