Film
10 courses · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
FILM-100 Survey and Appreciation of Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course is an introduction to the history and elements of filmmaking such as narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, acting, editing, and sound as well as approaches to film criticism.
FILM-101 Introduction to Film Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 54 hours lab; 90 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course is designed to introduce you to the creative process of filmmaking. We will study all aspects of production from the conceptualization of ideas and scripting, to the basic production equipment and their functions, and finally the production and post-production processes. Assignments will emphasize visualization, shooting style, and production organization. Presentation of ideas in both the written word and visual media are integral to the production of creative media, and the coursework for the class is designed to help you develop the basic skills to ultimately work on set as a member of a production crew.
FILM-102 Survey of Film and Media
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the history, structure, and function of the Mass Media, including print, broadcast, visual, and digital forms. In an effort to increase media literacy and become more informed and discerning media consumers, the course will introduce students to a diverse array of media texts including films, television shows, advertisements, newspapers, magazines, music videos, audio recordings, social media, and the Internet. Particular attention throughout the course will be paid to mass communication issues relating to diverse political, cultural, and social communities as they relate to film.
FILM-105 Film History: 1895-1949
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course will examine the evolution of film as a cultural medium, from its origins at the turn of the century, to its early development as a social force by the 1940's. Students will explore the history of film technology, its major social and political movements, seminal directors and performers, and the development of its narrative structure.
FILM-106 Film History: 1950s to Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course will examine the evolution of film as a cultural medium, from the postwar 1950's to its current climate. Students will explore the history of film technology, its major social and political movements, seminal directors and performers, and the development of its narrative structure.
FILM-110 Culture and Gender in Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course covers the perspectives and contributions of diverse cultural, ethnic and gender groups to American life through the art of film. Students in this course will study films by and about African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and other cultural groups such as Euro-Americans, Jewish Americans and Arab Americans. They will also analyze the representations of ethnicity gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical and mental challenges in film.
FILM-117 Director's Cinema
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the historical and artistic career of a seminal director in cinema history. Possible subjects include Martin Scorsese, Alfred Hitchcock, Francis Ford Coppola, and Woody Allen.
FILM-120 Horror Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course offers an in-depth examination of the popular horror film through an analysis of its historical evolution, major theories, aesthetics and conventions, and the impact of its role as a reflection of culture society.
FILM-121 Film Comedy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
This course offers an in-depth examination of the comedy film through an analysis of its historical evolution, major theories, aesthetics and conventions, and its role as a reflection of culture and society.
FILM-141 Introduction to Audio Production
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course serves as an introduction to the theory and practice of audio production for radio, television, film and digital recording applications. Students will learn the fundamentals of sound design and aesthetics, microphone use, and digital recording equipment. Students gain hands on experience recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio. Upon completion, students will have basic knowledge of applied audio concepts, production workflow, equipment functions, and audio editing software.