CCOG for MM 114 Winter 2025
- Course Number:
- MM 114
- Course Title:
- Visual Storytelling
- Credit Hours:
- 3
- Lecture Hours:
- 30
- Lecture/Lab Hours:
- 0
- Lab Hours:
- 0
Course Description
Explores practices and analysis through a variety of visual storytelling methods and genres. Covers motion image aesthetics, visual techniques, and the application of technical tools to support emotional results. Illustrates diverse perspectives and cultural understanding through media analysis. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.
Intended Outcomes for the course
Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
- Evaluate and develop project ideas using visual methods for photographic, film and video storytelling.
- Describe the composition and framing for digital media and film making.
- Identify the components and emotional impact of cinematography, blocking, production design, sound design and editing.
- Communicate and collaborate with colleagues using production terminology and techniques.
- Evaluate the ways in which content creators use films, documentaries, animations and various media to shed light on themes of equity, diversity, and cultural understanding.
Course Activities and Design
How have changes in technology changed the way we produce visual content? How have visual methods and various mediums been used for social change? How have visual methods, including film, video, print publications, photography, television, and social media played a role in the way we perceive society?
Design
- We explore the contributions of visual storytellers and media content creators
- We will learn about ethical standards and practices in the use of visual methods.
- Explore the use of visual methods in storytelling and watch films and television shows with a critical eye on the role of gender, cultural context, race, and economic class.
Activities:
- Analysis Worksheets will be used to respond to themes, issues and concepts addressed in visual stories, immersive technologies and various mediums based on the lessons learned and analytical discussions in class.
- Prepare a project proposal that includes concepts and themes that you want to address in a visual story based on the topics we’ve discussed in class.
- Create a pitch from your project proposal.
- Develop a treatment that is connected to your project proposal and pitch.
- Plan and prepare a visual presentation that informs the class about the issue or theme you chose.
- 180 rule, 30 or 45 degree rule, Continuity coverage
- Framing and Composition, Cinematography
- Camera Staging, Actor Blocking
- Sound design
- Mis-en-Scen, Production Design
- Storyboarding
- Script breakdown
- Critical and reflexive thinking
- Research, Writing and Analysis
Outcome Assessment Strategies
Assessment will be based upon a combination of in-class work, open discussions, research projects, examinations, and skills demonstrated in assigned projects. Determination of problem-solving skills, and communication skills may also be included.
Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)
- Themes and Concepts:
- Explores multiple genres in cinema. Examples: Documentaries, Animation, Film Noir, Cinema Verite, New Wave, Expressionism, Global cinema, Independent film, Studio conventions, Director/ Auteurs, Experimental Film, Montage in Film, Marginalized Filmmakers, Social Media, Commercials, Video Journalism, etc
- Equity, Inclusivity, Advocacy, Community Activism focused on social justice, cultural understanding, and community stories.
- Skills:
- 180 rule, 30 or 45 degree rule, Continuity coverage,
- Framing and Composition, Cinematography
- Camera Staging, Actor Blocking
- Sound design
- Mis-en-Scen, Production Design
- Storyboarding
- Script breakdown
- Critical and reflexive thinking
- Research, Writing and Analysis