Working for San Francisco
and beyond

• Bulletin Home
• A to Z Index
• About the University
• Academic Programs
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Undergraduate Education
• Graduate Studies
• Fees and Financial Aid
• Policies and Procedures
• Resources and Services
• Course Descriptions

Related Links

• How to Use This Bulletin
• Academic Calendar
• Future Students
• Graduate Admissions
• Articulation
• Class Schedule
• Testing
• Advising, Undergraduate
• Advising, Graduate

Contact

Corrections or comments about this Bulletin

E-mail: bulletin@sfsu.edu

 

Updated February 17, 2015

Cinema

 

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Andrew Harris

 

School of Cinema

FA 245
Phone: 415-338-1629
Fax: 415-338-0906
E-mail: cinedept@sfsu.edu
Web Site: www.cinema.sfsu.edu
Interim Director: Steven Kovacs

 

Graduate Office: FA 245
Phone: 415-338-1724
E-mail: cinegrad@sfsu.edu

 

Faculty

Professors: Bernardi, Clark, Jackson, Kovacs, Lau, McBride, Sjogren, Snider

Associate Professors: Gorzycki, Hammett, Hoxter, Kerner, Rutsky, Zhang

Assistant Professors: Boswell, Dunye, Elhaik, Ridgway, Symons

Full-time Lecturer: Moss

 

Programs

B.A. in Cinema

Minor in Animation

Minor in Cinema

M.A. in Cinema Studies

M.F.A. in Cinema

 

---

 

Program Scope

The Cinema Department was founded amid the political activism and artistic experimentation of the 1960s. In 2014, the department became the School of Cinema. Today, in an era of new technologies and new opportunities, the School continues to encourage and celebrate cinematic expressions that challenge social and artistic norms. Cinema faculty are committed to providing students with a liberal arts education focused on three intertwined values: creative expression, critical thinking, and social engagement.

 

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Cinema program complete introductory courses in cinema history, theory, and production. They proceed to advanced classes across the field of cinema, including the option to focus part of their studies through one of our undergraduate emphases: animation, experimental film, documentary filmmaking, fiction filmmaking, media and culture, and screenwriting. Students may also combine courses from several emphases in their major program. All emphases lead to a B.A. in Cinema.

 

The Master of Arts in Cinema Studies is intended for individuals who wish to pursue research and academic writing in selected areas of film scholarship. Course work emphasizes critical theory, narratology, documentary, and experimental film. Students produce a thesis that allows for focused research on a specific topic under the direction of a thesis advisor.

 

The Master of Fine Arts in Cinema emphasizes knowledge of cinematic traditions and the development of individual creative vision grounded in proficiency in technical crafts. The program integrates new processes, aesthetics, and technologies and encourages the development of original modes of cinematic expression. Course work emphasizes documentary, experimental and fiction filmmaking. Students are encouraged to take courses in animation. Parallel course work in film and media theory, history and criticism are included in years one and two.

 

The School web site offers additional information: www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

 

Facilities

School of Cinema facilities include a 150-seat screening theatre, a 2500 square-foot shooting stage, editing and post-production areas for both sprocket and digital media, sound recording and mixing studios with digital editing workstations, including a Foley stage. The School also houses an animation studio with film and computer workstations, three high-end computer labs, a media library, the Bill Nichols Reading Room, and the Cinema Studies Center.

 

Career Outlook

Graduates of the program often work as independent film producers or as professionals throughout the film and media industries—as producers, directors, creative executives, cinematographers, editors, sound recordists and mixers, animators, and multimedia artists. Many B.A. graduates continue to advanced studies in animation, filmmaking, media and culture, or screenwriting.

 

The M.A. prepares graduates to pursue doctoral study in cinema and other areas, as well as work in various areas of film and media arts exhibition, management, and research.

 

The M.F.A. prepares graduates to work as independent filmmakers, to assume creative professional roles within the film industry, or to teach at the college or university level.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Cinema

Admission

At the time of admission to the University, all students may elect to be cinema majors. No special permission, application or portfolio is required. Before advancing to courses in the 300-level or higher, however, all majors must:

• Complete the core courses with a grade of C or higher (CINE 200, CINE 202, CINE 204, CINE 211, and CINE 212, or equivalent courses).
• Complete the lower division General Education requirements at SF State or the equivalent at another institution.

 

Description of the Program

The School of Cinema is committed to a program of cinema studies and production as a common enterprise. For this reason, the 200-level core courses and the 300-level foundation courses are necessary prerequisites to advanced work in the major, including the emphases. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) courses in cinema are an exception; if the necessary prerequisites have been completed, GWAR courses may be taken concurrently with core or foundation courses, provided the student is an upper-division cinema major. The School of Cinema strictly enforces the completion of the core and foundation courses before enrollment in all other courses.

 

Students should be aware that filmmaking is time consuming and expensive. Although course requirements seldom demand it, students often spend considerable sums of money on their film projects. Production courses require hands-on practice and experience; this necessarily limits the number of students enrolled in such courses.

 

Advising Process

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor on a regular basis as they advance through the program. Consultation with an advisor is required upon completion of the core courses, at which time the student should obtain a Cinema Undergraduate Advising Form (Blue Sheet) for future use.

 

A list of School of Cinema advisors and a schedule of their availability can be found on the School website.

 

Students are also advised to consult with the University’s Advising Center for information about General Education and other University requirements.

 

Complementary Studies

Bachelor of Arts students must complete at least twelve units of complementary studies outside of the primary prefix for the major. (Note: Students may not use an alternate prefix that is cross-listed with the primary prefix for the major.)

 

Students who complete two majors or a major and a minor automatically complete the complementary studies requirement.

 

Cinema majors will be offered several pathways toward completing this requirement, each of which is designed to facilitate graduation in a timely manner. Majors may, with the approval of a Cinema advisor, elect to apply 12 units in a single foreign language of their choosing, courses taken in an approved study abroad program (e.g., CSU Study Abroad), courses taken as part of a second major, a minor or a certificate, and courses in related disciplines. Related disciplines typically include: anthropology, art, business, creative writing, design, journalism, literature, music, philosophy, television and theater. The School of Cinema allows up to 12 upper-division units from cinema-related disciplines to count toward the major. Where upper-division complementary studies courses are related to cinema, they may, with the approval of a School advisor, also be counted as cinema electives in fulfillment of major requirements.

 

Students who have earned AA-T or AS-T degrees and are pursuing a similar B.A. degree at SF State are required to fulfill the Complementary Studies requirement as defined by the major department. Students should consult with a major advisor about how transfer units and/or SF State units can best be applied to this requirement in order to ensure degree completion within 60 units.

 

Cinema B.A. — 45 units

Emphasis in Animation   (15 units)

Emphasis in Fiction Filmmaking   (15 units)

Emphasis in Documentary Filmmaking   (15 units)

Emphasis in Media and Culture   (15 units)

Emphasis in Screenwriting   (15 units)

 

Minor in Animation

Animation is a rigorous, cross-disciplinary production program encouraging creative storytelling, social issue documentary and artistic experimentation. Using techniques like drawing, stop-motion, 2D/3D digital, mixed media and effects animation, students apply research from their respective majors to short animated projects. Students gain a strong foundation in animation principles and methods applicable to creative, industrial and scientific fields. Admission to the minor is open to all students with upper division standing. Enrollment is limited and requires a portfolio review. Positive portfolio review admits students to CINE 360. Enrollment in subsequent classes requires a grade of C- or better in the required animation courses.

 

Animation Portfolio Review

Students must meet with an animation advisor within the first five weeks of spring semester. In addition to their portfolio, students must bring an unofficial transcript and Degree Progress Report (DPR) to confirm upper division standing. Animation advisor office hours are listed on the School of Cinema website: http://www.cinema.sfsu.edu/people/faculty

 

Portfolio Guidelines

It is highly recommended that students take a beginning drawing and a life drawing class before the review. Portfolios should include students’ strongest work and be limited to 20 pages assembled in one book.

• Four to six pages of life drawings done from live subjects (not from photographic references).
• Four to six pages of rough and gesture style sketches of animals and humans in motion (not from photographic or cartoon references).
• Two to four pages of color and design work that may include drawing, painting, photography, 2D and or 3D design.
• Two pages of recent personal work in any media.
• Optional: up to two animation or film samples on a DVD or portable drive (MAC compatible).

 

Animation, Minor — 15 units

 

Minor in Cinema

This program does not lead to a credential or degree, but is intended to give students an opportunity to further their interests in cinema in an organized manner.

 

Cinema, Minor — minimum 20 units

 

Master of Arts in Cinema Studies

Admission to the Program

The School of Cinema accepts new M.A. students for the fall semester only.

 

Application for admission requires two distinct processes: (1) application to the graduate admissions office of the University as specified in this Bulletin, and (2) submission of the M.A. application (found on the School of Cinema website) and materials specifically requested by the School of Cinema. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with degrees in areas other than film or media who show exceptional potential will be considered for admission to the program if they have completed at least three advanced courses in film or media study, including one course in film theory.

 

The admission materials specifically requested by the School include:

• A one to two page résumé summarizing the applicant’s education, awards or recognition, work experience, languages, and special skills.
• A personal statement (two pages, 500 words maximum). The applicant should discuss an aspect of film study/work already completed and should address the following: What engaged you about it? What conclusions did you reach? In what ways might you further pursue this or other work? (If a non-film major, applicant should describe an aspect of work done in major area.)
• An example of academic writing (6 - 12 pages) that illustrates the applicant’s ability to make and support a thesis as well as familiarity with scholarly form and expository style. Papers from the film discipline are most useful, but other academic work is acceptable.
• A thesis proposal (two pages maximum). Applicant should describe the general area or, if possible, the specific topic, and should address the following: What is the issue? What will your perspective be? What importance does this topic have for film study in general? (This topic need not be binding; it helps the School determine if resources match the applicant’s needs.)
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s scholarship and potential for success in a graduate program. (Note: the School does not provide an official recommendation form.)
• Official transcripts; send two official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies with the CSU application.
• The GRE is NOT required.

 

All prospective M.A. students may contact the School’s graduate office about specific questions. Write: Graduate Committee, School of Cinema, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 or e-mail: cinegrad@sfsu.edu. Additional information and application forms are available on the School of Cinema website: www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

 

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: First level proficiency is assessed by means of written work completed in CINE 700 for an overall grade of B or better.
Level Two: Second level proficiency is assessed by means of the thesis proposal.

 

Advancement to Candidacy

Prior to admission, M.A. candidates should have successfully completed three undergraduate film studies courses beyond the introductory level. Deficiencies will be identified on admission to the program and should be completed as soon as possible. All deficiencies must be satisfied prior to advancement to candidacy.

 

Required Courses for M.A. in Cinema Studies

All students must complete at least 30 units. Upper division courses not used to satisfy graduate admission deficiencies are acceptable as electives on approval by a graduate advisor.

 

Cinema Studies (M.A.) — 30 units

 

Master of Fine Arts in Cinema

The 60-unit M.F.A. program is divided into three distinct parts and should be completed in three years, plus time required for creative work production. During the first year, students build a foundation through the study of technical crafts, aesthetics and theory; develop their creative process; and, begin to integrate conceptual frameworks into their creative work.

 

In the second year, this foundation is broadened through advanced courses that lead to the production of short film projects demonstrating original thinking, conceptual clarity, technical skill, and the refinement of a personal aesthetic. Second year work also is geared to prepare each student to successfully complete the thesis proposal.

 

In the third part of the program, students complete a thesis that is a culmination of previous work and a reflection of the development of the student's creative voice. M.F.A. students are also expected to gain teaching experience as teaching assistants or teaching associates in the School of Cinema.

 

Admission to the Program

The School of Cinema accepts new M.F.A. students for the fall term only.

 

Application for admission requires two distinct processes: (1) application to the graduate admissions office of the University as specified in this Bulletin, and (2) submission of the M.F.A. application (found on the School of Cinema website) and materials specifically requested by the School. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants with degrees in areas other than film who show exceptional potential will be considered for admission to the program.

 

Applicants must meet all general university requirements for admission. Prior to admission, all candidates must have completed two courses in cinema studies beyond the introductory level. One of these courses must be in critical theory, stressing critical approach or methodology; the other must be in cinema history. One introductory course in film production and a basic course in Final Cut Pro digital editing, or equivalent experience is required.

 

Application materials specifically requested by the School include:

• A one to two page résumé summarizing the applicant’s education, awards or recognition, work experience, travel, languages, and special skills.
• A personal statement (three pages maximum) discussing aesthetic influences, creative interests, and professional objectives as a filmmaker, including comments on: the areas of film on which the applicant would like to concentrate, how theory informs his/her work as a filmmaker, and the goals he/she intends to pursue upon completion of the M.F.A.
• An example of academic writing (7 to 12 pages) that illustrates the applicant’s ability to make and support a thesis as well as familiarity with scholarly form and expository style. Papers from the film discipline are most useful, but other academic work is acceptable. No journalistic “review” essays or scripts are accepted as supplementary materials.
• An example of moving image work is required. In addition to film/video work, examples of other creative work, such as photographs, paintings, or creative writing are also accepted.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s creativity and aptitude as well as to the quality of past work and potential of future achievements. At least one letter from a former professor is recommended. (Note: the School does not provide an official recommendation form).
• Official transcripts: Send two official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies with the CSU application.

 

For further information about the M.F.A., School of Cinema procedures and activities, production costs, and other advising matters, write: Graduate Assistant, School of Cinema, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco CA 94132 or e-mail: cinegrad@sfsu.edu. Additional information about submitting application materials specifically requested by the department is available on the Cinema Department website: www.cinema.sfsu.edu.

 

Completion of the Degree

In addition to successful completion of the course of study, each student must meet School requirements that include a formal script review at the end of the first semester, a formal progress review at the end of the first year, a formal presentation and faculty evaluation of the creative work project proposal at the end of the second year (upon which advancement to candidacy is contingent) and a documented public screening of the student’s creative thesis project.

 

Under certain circumstances, up to 24 units of graduate credit from a M.A. program in film production may be applied toward the M.F.A. Before any such request is considered, all admission requirements must be met and all previous course work must be reviewed and approved by the Cinema graduate committee and the dean of Graduate Studies.

 

Enrollment in an upper division or graduate-level cinema course must be continuous until graduation. Registration may be in a regular university course, summer session course, or College of Extended Learning’s LCA 499, which satisfies the University’s continuous enrollment requirement for graduate students.

 

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: First level proficiency is assessed by means of written work completed in the critical theory course taken in the first semester in the M.F.A. program. This course must be completed with an overall grade of B or better.
Level Two: Second level proficiency is assessed by means of the creative work proposal normally prepared in CINE 770.

 

Advancement to Candidacy

Students must meet all general University requirements for advancement to candidacy, and receive a B or better in all required courses for the M.F.A. degree, as well as successfully pass all formal reviews (first year script review, first year progress review, thesis proposal review, and thesis committee review).

 

Required Courses

All M.F.A. students must complete 42 units of required classes and 18 units of electives. First and second year required courses must be taken in sequence. Advancement to second and third year of the program is contingent on faculty review and approval by the M.F.A. Coordinator.

 

Cinema (M.F.A.) — 60 units

MFA Critical Theory Requirements

MFA students must take a total of four critical theory graduate-level courses, according to the following guidelines:

• Students must complete three critical theory courses in the first two years.
• Students must take CINE 726 during the spring semester of their second year.

Not all courses will be offered each semester; please check the School's schedule information for the relevant semester for availability.