The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Media Studies
321 McIver Building
(336) 334-5360
Department of Media Studies Homepage
Admissions Information
Quick Jump to:
Faculty
Overview
Master of Fine Arts in Drama with a Concentration in Film and Video Production
Media Studies Courses
Faculty
Professors
David A. Cook, Ph.D.
Film history and industrial practice; Soviet, post-Soviet, and Eastern European cinema (Head of Department).
Emily D. Edwards, Ph.D.
Video production, media writing, gender and media culture.
Anthony N. Fragola, Master of Professional Writing
Scriptwriting, the auteur director, literature and film, film production, development of cinema.
John Lee Jellicorse, Ph.D.
Film and media history, actuality genres, mass communications, media ecology.
Associate Professors
Matthew Barr, M.F.A.
Screenwriting, documentary production, aesthetics.
Geoffrey Baym, Ph.D.
Broadcast journalism, news discourse, critical media studies.
Michael Frierson, Ph.D.
Animation history and methods, film history and theory, film and video production (Director of Graduate Study).
Assistant Professors
Brett R. Ingram, M.F.A.
Documentary filmmaking, cinematography, film and video production, editing.
Kimberlianne Podlas, J.D.
Constitutional and media law, pop-culture representations of law.
Lecturer
Franklin P. Donaldson, Jr., M.A.
Radio and television production, broadcast journalism, broadcast law and management, broadcasting history.
Overview
The Department of Media Studies in cooperation with the Department of Theatre offers an M.F.A. in drama with a concentration in film and video production.
The Department offers a rich and varied curriculum that combines theory and practice and fosters the development of production skills. The curricular offerings are matched by a co-curricular program that includes opportunities to participate in film and video productions, internships, and the Carolina Film and Video Festival. The Festival is a competitive showcase for both student and professional, national and international independent films and videos.
The Department is housed in the McIver Building and in the Carmichael Radio and Television Center. The Carmichael Center, originally constructed as a television and radio facility, is a building unique within the city, region, and the University of North Carolina system. The Department’s faculty is composed of talented artists and scholars with excellent reputations as teachers. Graduate students work closely with faculty on creative and research projects during their course of study.
VISIONS students are restricted from taking any 500-level course without the permission of the Department Head and course instructor. Only officially admitted M.F.A. students can register for 600-level courses.
In addition to the information contained in The Graduate School Bulletin, students are also required to be familiar with the policies and procedures contained in the Departmental graduate handbook, which is available from the Departmental office.
Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Drama with a Concentration in Film and Video Production
The Master of Fine Arts in drama with a concentration in film and video production is a 60 hour degree. The program requires six regular semesters (excluding summer sessions) to complete (three years). Remedial work, if deemed necessary by the faculty, may extend the period of time it takes to complete the degree.
The program is designed to develop individual artistry in moving image media informed by a sophisticated understanding of media history, theory and aesthetics. Students will explore the audio and visual dimensions of imaging systems and gain skill in film and video production or screenwriting.
Major Studies (39 hours)
MST 610 Introduction to Graduate Study (3)
MST 611 Image and Sound Acquisition for Film and Video (3)
MST 612 Advanced Cinevideo Editing (3)
MST 613 Advanced Cinevideo Lighting (3)
MST 614 Advanced Cinevideo Sound Production (3)
MST 617 Creating Visual Narratives (3) or MST 526 Actuality Genres (3)
MST 618 Writing Short Scripts (3)
MST 620 Seminar in Cinevideo Analysis (3)
MST 625 Seminar in Broadcasting and Cinema (3)
MST 698 Graduate Practicum in Film and Video (6)
MST 699a Master Production in Film and Video I (3)
MST 699b Master Production in Film and Video II (3)
Academic Studies (21 hours)
Select seven additional courses from:
MST 515 Film Theory (3)
MST 524 Media Financing and Distribution (3)
MST 525 Media Organization and Management (3)
MST 526 Actuality Genres (3) (if not selected in Major Studies)
MST 527 The Auteur (3)
MST 528 Studies in Media Genres (3)
MST 550 Feature Film Script Analysis (3)
MST 551 Writing the Feature Film I (3)
MST 552 Writing the Feature Film II (3)
MST 553 Advanced Media Writing (3)
MST 559 Doing Visual History (3)
MST 580 Directing for Television (3)
MST 581 Dance of Video (3)
MST 584 UNCG Today (3)
MST 585 Advanced Radio-TV-Film Production (3)
MST 586 Producing for UNCG Today (3)
MST 587 Animation Production (3)
MST 588 Documentary Production (3)
MST 616 Directing for the Camera (3)
MST 617 Creating Visual Narratives (3) (if not selected in Major Studies)
MST 619 Production Law and Responsibility (3)
MST 684 Advanced Cinevideography (3)
MST 690 Independent Study (3)
MST 691 Advanced Experimentation (3)
MST 695 Client Based Film and Television (3)
MST 696 Graduate Internship (3)
ART 685 Photography (4)
MUS 550 Electronic Music (3)
THR 506 Non-Western Theatre and/or Film (3)
THR 534 Acting for the Camera (3)
THR 670 Production Design for Film (3)
Required Sequence of Courses (60 hours)
Courses must be taken in the semesters as listed below for a candidate to remain in the program:
Year One (24 hours)
Fall Semester
MST 610 Introduction to Graduate Study (3)
MST 611 Image and Sound Acquisition for Film and Video (3)
MST 612 Advanced Cinevideo Editing (3)
MST 617 Creating Visual Narratives (3) or MST 526 Actuality Genres (3)
Spring Semester
MST 614 Advanced Cinevideo Sound Production (3)
MST 620 Seminar in Cinevideo Analysis (3)
MST 698 Graduate Practicum in Film and Video (3)
MST Academic Studies elective one (3)
Year Two (24 hours)
Fall Semester
MST 613 Advanced Cinevideo Lighting (3)
MST 618 Writing Short Scripts (3)
MST Academic Studies elective two (3)
MST Academic Studies elective three (3)
Spring Semester
MST 625 Seminar in Broadcasting and Cinema (3)
MST 698 Graduate Practicum in Film and Video (3)
MST Academic Studies elective four (3)
MST Academic Studies elective five (3)
Year Three (12 hours)
Fall Semester
MST Academic Studies elective six (3)
*MST 699a Master Production in Film and Video I (3)
Spring Semester
MST Academic Studies elective seven (3)
*MST 699b Master Production in Film and Video II (3)
*Courses comprise Capstone Experience
Reviews
At the end of each semester, each candidate is reviewed by the faculty for continuance in the program. Reviews assess the candidate’s artistic development and academic success in meeting degree requirements. The student who appears to be having academic difficulty or whose creative potential is questionable may be placed on probation or dismissed from the program.
Plan of Study
Prior to completing 30 hours of the program, students must meet with the MST Director of Graduate Study and agree upon a plan of study for completion of the M.F.A. See “Plan of Study” in the The Graduate School Bulletin.
Degree Candidates
Degree candidates must adhere to the graduate timetable as listed in the University Schedule of Courses for the semester in which they intend to graduate. This includes completion of the Master Production in Film and Video by the deadline for filing a thesis with The Graduate School. Additionally, degree candidates must schedule and have a public screening of the Master Production by the deadline for complete clearance of candidates for degrees listed in the Schedule of Courses. Failure to meet these Graduate School deadlines will make a candidate ineligible for graduation that semester.
MST Media Studies Courses
| 515 | Film Theory (3:3) |
| Pr. 101, 203, 205, 301, or graduate standing or permission of instructor Study of the principal theories of film through the writings of critics, theorists, and directors. | |
| 520 | History of Film to 1938 (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 101 or 225 or graduate standing, or permission of instructor Advanced study of world cinema from its prehistory in the late 19th century to the beginning of World War II in Europe, emphasizing significant movements, genres, and filmmakers. | |
| 521 | History of Film since 1938 (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 101 or 225 or graduate standing, or permission of instructor Advanced study of world cinema from the beginning of World War II in Europe through the present, emphasizing significant movements, genres, and filmmakers. | |
| 524 | Media Financing and Distribution (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to the M.F.A. in film and video production or permission of instructor Processes of raising and budgeting funds and distributing film and videos for theatrical release, direct DVD/video release, or television broadcast. | |
| 525 | Media Organization and Management (3:3) |
| Pr. 101 or 102, 205, and 301; or graduate standing or permission of instructor Principles and practices of the organization and management of electronic media and motion pictures. | |
| 526 | Actuality Genres (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 100, 101 or 102, 203, 205, 301, or graduate standing or permission of instructor History and theory of reality-based genres in cinema, radio, television, and multimedia. Study of trends and significant works from the early actuality film through postmodern news docudramas. | |
| 527 | The Auteur (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 101 (film auteur) or 102 (radio or television auteur), 203, 205, 301, or graduate standing or permission of instructor Study of the works of an individual director. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 528 | Studies in Media Genres (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 101 (film genre) or 102 (radio or television genre), 203, 205, 301, or graduate standing or permission of instructor Technical, dramatic, social, and rhetorical dimensions of a media genre. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 550 | Feature Film Script Analysis (3:3) |
| Pr. 203, 204, 205 and 350; graduate standing; or permission of instructor Analysis of the key structural and thematic elements of feature screenplays. | |
| 551 | Writing the Feature Film I (3:3) |
| Pr. 203, 350, 550; and admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor Advanced study of screenwriting with emphasis on the creation of a step outline for a feature length screenplay. | |
| 552 | Writing the Feature Film II (3:3) |
| Pr. 551 A writing workshop in which students complete the first draft and a polish of a feature-length screenplay based on the outline from BCN 551. | |
| 553 | Advanced Media Writing (3:3) |
| Pr. 203, 204, and 301 or permission of instructor Practice in television script-writing with emphasis given to development of concepts and proposals for episodic television. Practice in analyzing and writing for existing television series/development of new programs. | |
| 559 | Doing Visual History (3:3) |
| Explores the interstices of history, documentary production, and personal narratives. (Same as HIS 559) | |
| 580 | Directing for Television (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 203, 205, 271, 272, 301, 371, and admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor Fundamental principles of directing for television. Laboratory directing experience. | |
| 581 | Dance on Video (3:3) |
| Pr. MST 611 or permission of instructor for graduate MST majors; DCE 555 or permission of instructor for DCE majors Introduction to how dance and video work best together and why, including composing for the camera, recording dancers in action, and editing footage to create original work. (Same as DCE 581) |
|
| 584 | UNCG Today (3:2:3) |
| Pr. admission to the M.F.A. in film and video production or permission of instructor after resume review and interview Principles of directing for television in the context of live-to-tape studio techniques in the production of UNC Today, UNCG’s commercially released campus television program. | |
| 585 | Advanced Radio-TV-Film Production (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 203, 205, 207 or 271 and 272, 301, and admission to appropriate degree program; or permission of instructor Advanced application of principles and techniques of radio, television, and film production. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 586 | Producing for UNCG Today (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 580 or 584 or permission of instructor Producing for television in the context of live-to-tape studio techniques in the creation of UNC Today, UNCG’s commercially released campus television program. | |
| 587 | Animation Production (3:3) |
| Pr. 203, 205, 271, 272, 301, 371 and admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor Study and practice of techniques of animation. | |
| 588 | Documentary Production (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 203, 205, 271, 272, 301, 371 (443 and 526 recommended), and admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor Documentary construction, research, planning, and production techniques. Further development of video production skills in supervised laboratory project. | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Schedule of Courses for current offerings. | |
| 610 | Introduction to Graduate Study (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program Development of research and writing skills, introduction to grant writing, and professional presentations. Consideration of issues in teaching. Required of M.F.A. degree candidates. | |
| 611 | Image and Sound Acquisition for Film and Video (3:3) |
| Coreq. 612 or permission of instructor Theory and practice of single camera and audio production for film and video. | |
| 612 | Advanced Cinevideo Editing (3:2:3) |
| Coreq. 611 or permission of instructor Study of techniques and aesthetics of film and video editing. | |
| 613 | Advanced Cinevideo Lighting (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 611, 612, or permission of instructor. Coreq. 614 Physical properties of light, lighting theories, aesthetics of lighting, and advanced practical experience in lighting for single camera cinevideography. | |
| 614 | Advanced Cinevideo Sound Production (3:2:3) |
| Pr. 611, 612. Coreq. 613 Exploration of equipment and technique of sound design for film and video. | |
| 616 | Directing for the Camera (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program Development of skills required for directing film or video production. | |
| 617 | Creating Visual Narratives (3:3) |
| Pr. permission of instructor Students are guided through a series of step-by-step innovative methodologies that result in visually dynamic scripts that prepare them to take 618, Writing Short Scripts. | |
| 618 | Writing Short Scripts (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor Theory and practice of writing short scripts for film and video production. | |
| 619 | Production Law and Responsibility (3:3) |
| Pr. permission of instructor Legal, ethical, and civic responsibilities of media producers with emphasis on creation of independent works in film and video. | |
| 620 | Seminar in Cinevideo Analysis (3:3) |
| Pr. 515 and admission to appropriate degree program Analysis of film and video works using existing principles and theories. | |
| 625 | Seminar in Broadcasting and Cinema (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program Subject matter varies. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 684 | Advanced Cinevideography (3:3) |
| Pr. 611, 612, 613, and 614 and admission to appropriate degree program or permission of instructor Principles and techniques of film production. | |
| 690 | Independent Study (1-3) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program, permission of instructor, major advisor, and Department Head | |
| 691 | Advanced Experimentation (3:1:4) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program and permission of instructor Preparation for the evaluation of experiences in the creative processes of broadcasting or film. Analysis, documentation, and critical evaluation of the specific experience. | |
| 695 | Client Based Film and Television (3:0:6) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program and permission of instructor Complete production of a client sponsored program. Emphasis on client collaboration, application of technical skills and aesthetic abilities in an environment in which students may not have complete creative control. | |
| 696 | Graduate Internship (3) |
| Pr. second or third year standing in the graduate program Field experience in film or video production companies, postproduction houses, or television stations. Academic supervision provided by faculty and directed activity in the field provided by site supervisor. | |
| 698 | Graduate Practicum in Film and Video (3:0:9) |
| Pr. admission to appropriate degree program and permission of instructor Guided practice in carrying out major responsibilities in sponsored or independent film/video productions. | |
| 699a | Master Production in Film and Video I (3) |
| Pr. third year in M.F.A. film/video degree concentration Research, development, and execution of a major work produced on film or videotape. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 699b | Master Production in Film and Video II (3) |
| Pr. third year in M.F.A. film/video degree concentration Research, development, and execution of a major work produced on film or videotape. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 711 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |