Course Description:

Making powerfully effective moving images demands an understanding of the fine art of transferring ideas, meanings, and feelings into emotionally charged visual communication. This course examines broad questions of form and content, aesthetics and meaning, and history and culture that underlie the timeless value of works fashioned by the world's master image-makers. Instruction includes lectures, discussion, and critical analysis of texts drawn from feature films, documentaries, television, and other media. Diverse possibilities presented by the cinematic art form are explored through an examination of a wide variety of productions, national cinemas, and film movements. Topics include modes of production, narrative and non-narrative forms, visual design, editing, sound, genre, ideology and critical analysis. Recommended Prep: ENGL V02 or ENGL V03, or eligible to enroll in ENGL V01A as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process. Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU; UC.

Meets General Ed Areas:

Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts, CSU Area C1: Arts, IGETC Area 3A: Arts, VCCCD GE Area 3: Arts and Humanities, VCCCD GE Area (Pre-Fall 25) C1: Fine/Performing Arts

Course Corequisites:

NONE

Recommended Prep:

ENGL V02 or ENGL V03, or eligible to enroll in ENGL V01A as determined by the college's multiple measures assessment process.

Field trips

may be required.

Section Information as of 14-OCT-2026 08:10:15 PM

• CRN: 31525
• Instructor: Maestu, Nicolas
• Section Corequisites: NONE
•  Participates in Zero Textbook Cost Program
• Ventura College Map
• Delivery Mode: This is a fully online class without pre-scheduled meetings.
• Course Materials: Ventura College Bookstore

Meeting Time and Location

Critical Dates for this Course