With course registration coming up for the Spring 2011 semester, have you considered taking any film studies courses? In addition to the vast film collection available at the Coates Library, Trinity University also offers a few unique and engaging film studies courses that can bring out the cinephile in you. Hey, what better than to get college credit talking about something you are passionate about? In this article, I will give a brief overview of the film courses offered at Trinity and my personal recommendations for the ones you need to take.
First and foremost is a foundational film course. This semester, the Trinity University Film Studies department is offering International Cinema which covers a broad range of foreign language films and their influence. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of foreign films as many are discovering them as a refreshing alternative to American films. There is one problem with this course. International Cinema counts as credit not only for the Film Studies minor but it is also part of the English department, Communication and the Art department and there is only one class time with limited space so if you are very interested in taking this course you need to inform the professor ahead of registration.
Another great film course offered next semester is the German Cinema course offered under the Modern Languages and Literature department. In the last couple of years, numerous critically acclaimed films have come from Germany and films such as The Lives of Others, Downfall and The White Ribbon have been strong contenders for The Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In fact, in the past decade, six German films have been nominated for the honor. The course also covers influential directors for the early years of German cinema such as Fritz Lang.
Below are some trailers for films that you will learn about and watch in German Cinema:
Last but not least, if you are interested in trying your hand at making your own movies, then you also may want to look into taking a Communication course titled Visual Communication: Narrative video production which will introduce you to the exciting world of video editing, shooting and even screen writing.
All of these courses will provide you with the movie fix you need. Not only do you discuss films but you watch them. What could be better than that?
