Film Studies Associate of Arts (AA)
About the Program
The Film Studies AA degree is an LPC program designed to offer students an introduction
to the history, analysis, and art of filmmaking. Students will learn about the development
of film as an art form, cinematic language, the impact of film on modern media and
contemporary culture, and various approaches to film criticism. Depending on their
interests, this AA also provides students with the chance to explore basic film production,
acting for film, the intersections between film and theater, music of great film composers,
multimedia reporting, as well as major global cinema traditions and directors. Film
Studies courses prepare those interested in majoring and/or working in fields, such
as Film, Theater, Multimedia Studies, Liberal Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Cultural
Studies, or Humanities.
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AA in Film Studies, students are able to analyze film form
and content using the major approaches of film criticism.
- Upon completion of the AA in Film Studies, students are able to create a short film,
incorporating general knowledge of film production (e.g. narrative, mise-en-scene,
cinematography, acting, editing, and film sound).
- Upon completion of the AA in Film Studies, students are able to describe the historical
development of filmmaking and identify major historical film styles.
- Upon completion of the AA in Film Studies, students are able to describe the impact
of film on modern media and culture.
Learning and Career Pathway Maps
View Program Pathway Map
Required Core: (6 Units)
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
| HUMN 2 |
Introduction to Film Studies |
3 |
| PHTO 58 |
Introduction to Videography |
3 |
List A: Select One (3 Units)
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
| JAMS 1 |
Introduction to Mass Communications |
3 |
| JAMS 2 |
Introduction to Media |
3 |
List B: Select Three (9-10 Units)
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
| HUMN 4 |
Global Cinemas |
4 |
| JAMS 23 |
Multimedia Reporting |
3 |
| MUS 22A |
Scoring for Film and Multimedia 1 |
3 |
| MUS 22B |
Scoring for Film and Multimedia 2 |
3 |
| MUS 34 |
Music in Film |
3 |
| PHTO 50 |
Introduction to Photography |
3 |
| PHTO 69 |
Intermediate Videography |
3 |
| SOC 12 |
Popular Culture |
3 |
| THEA 1A |
Theory/Practice of Acting I |
3 |
| THEA 11 |
Stage to Screen |
3 |
Total Units for the Major: 18 -19
The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60
or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or
better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students
must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas
College General Education Pattern for Associate of Arts (AA) Degree, California State
University General Education-Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer
Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses
in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted
will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken,
and the GE pattern selected. Elective units are degree applicable. Consult with an
adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.