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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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and social institutions, including an examination of how mass media, such as film,
television, advertising, the Internet, and others, affect and reflect cultural values, political
attitudes, personal identity, and behavior. Students learn basic media literacy by
developing conceptual tools for thinking critically about mass media, with a special
emphasis on (1) how various media shape and convey meaning; and (2) the impact that
the form, function, and institutional production of media have on local, national, and
global communities. Fall.
MFS 110 James Bond Across Media (1)
An exploration of the evolution of James Bond from the Ian Fleming novels to a variety
of art forms, such as Hollywood and international cinema, television, comics, music, and
games. Includes analysis of James Bond as a character in the context of post-war spy
literature, and examines the influence of factors like storytelling conventions, special
effects, and stardom on the franchise.
MFS 201 History of American Media (1)
An examination of the role of print media, radio and television, film, and computer
technology in shaping the transition of American society from traditional forms of print
and broadcast media to the rise of the information age. Emphasis will be placed on
students reading, seeing, and hearing original documents, broadcasts, and photos (or
commentaries upon them). (Also listed as HI 201.)
MFS 210 Film Analysis (1)
An introduction to the fundamental concepts and tools of film analysis. The course
focuses on learning to isolate, describe, and analyze stylistic elements of film, as well as
film narrative and narration. This course serves two purposes: to provide the necessary
descriptive and analytic tools to excel in upper-level film courses; and to deepen the
student’s appreciation of cinema by encouraging the viewing of films as richly textured
works of art.
MFS 220 Film Production I (1)
An introduction to narrative video production. The course asks students to employ the
conventions of classical storytelling to produce projects that are clear, coherent,
thoughtful, and emotionally engaging. Students will also learn how to properly use video
production equipment, including HD video cameras, professional audio and lighting
equipment, and Final Cut Pro editing software.
MFS 221 Film Production II (1)
An examination of non-fiction video production. Through production work, screenings,
readings, and discussion, we will explore various styles and strategies for making artwork
that draws upon the richness of the world that surrounds us. The course will focus on
employing observational filmmaking techniques to capture people and places in the
Birmingham area. Prerequisite: MFS 220.
MFS 222 Screenwriting (1)
An examination of screenwriting using classical narrative structure. The course focuses