TV and Film Courses

TVF221 Art of Film

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course emphasizes formal aspects of film art such as sound, lighting, movement, editing, and Mise-en-Scene. It introduces students to the basic vocabulary and concepts necessary to critically analyze, understand, and appreciate films and covers the viewing, analysis, and written critique of important films that marked the development of this art. Students learn to watch, listen, critically analyze, and express their ideas about films in their writing and conversations.

TVF222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the fundamental components of audiovisual language by emphasizing essential aspects such as framing, shot size, angles, scenes, sequences, continuity editing, and both narrative and non-narrative techniques. Through practical exercises, students will immerse themselves in continuity editing principles and learn techniques like the 180-degree rule to ensure spatial and temporal coherence in storytelling. They will acquire a solid understanding of audiovisual vocabulary and grammar while developing practical skills essential for producing a corporate video and a very short narrative film.

TVF235 TV Production

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course covers the conceptual and technical aspects of multi-camera shooting in studio to produce newscasts and talk shows. In addition to single camera shooting in the field to produce ENGs. Students are assigned rotating crew positions to experience both the technical and creative requirements of each task and its significance in relation to the entire production.

Prerequisite(s): TVF222

TVF236 TV Presenting & News Anchoring

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course consists of 9 modules covering the different aspects of TV Presenting and News Anchoring, ranging over: styling and makeup, public speaking, body language, vocal delivery, political interviews, investigations and reports, Arabic for news and reports, walk of fame, as well as practical hands-on training at MTV Academy.

Prerequisite: TVF222

TVF237 Podcasting Techniques

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This hands-on course provides students with the practical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to conceptualize, produce, and distribute high-quality podcasts. Focusing on the technical and creative elements of audio storytelling, the course will guide students through every stage of the podcasting process, from initial idea generation and scriptwriting to recording, editing, mixing, and final publication. Students will learn how to operate professional audio recording equipment, utilize industry-standard digital audio workstations for editing and post-production, and master techniques for sound design, music integration, and vocal optimization.

Prerequisite: TVF222

TVF238 Production Design

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course offers an intensive study of the unique art and craft of production design as it applies specifically to the mediums of television and film. Building upon foundational design principles, students will delve into the distinct challenges, opportunities, and methodologies involved in creating compelling visual worlds for film, television series, talk shows, news programs, and live broadcasts. The course will explore the critical role of the production designer in translating scripts and creative visions into tangible visual environments that serve character, narrative, and genre. Topics covered include: set design and construction, prop acquisition and fabrication, costume and makeup coordination, the effective use of color, texture, and period details, and the integration of visual effects (VFX) and virtual production technologies.

Prerequisite(s): TVF222

TVF301 Producing and Distributing

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the full process of film producing and distribution, from development and pre-production to principal photography and post-production. Students will learn how to manage production logistics, how to budget and create a financial plan for a film, draft co-production treaties and contracts for cast and crew, secure copyrights, and understand key legal issues related to production. The course also addresses navigating film festivals, and distributing a film across various platforms. By the end of the course, students will have developed a comprehensive production and distribution plan for a short film.

Prerequisite(s): TVF222

TVF302 Media Production

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course consists of 8 modules covering the different aspects of television production, ranging over bulletin, operation, content creation, pre-production, program design, executive production, post production, as well as practical hands-on training at MTV Academy.

Prerequisite: TVF235

TVF303 Mastering Social Media: From Branding to Presence

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course consists of 8 modules covering the different aspects of social media, ranging over: introduction to personal branding, crafting engaging content, paid promotions and collaborations, performance tracking and analytics, mastering AI for social media growth, photography, filming for social media, mastering video editing, as well as practical hands-on training at MTV Academy.

Prerequisite: TVF222

TVF304 TV Formats & Content

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the conceptual frameworks and practical applications behind television formats and the diverse content they encapsulate. Students will explore how television ideas are developed, structured, produced, and adapted for global audiences, moving beyond a simple understanding of TV shows to examine the underlying blueprints that make them replicable and successful across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): TVF 235

TVF305 Writing Dialogue

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the art and craft of writing compelling and effective dialogue for television and film. Beyond simply making characters speak, students will learn how dialogue functions as a powerful tool for revealing character, advancing plot, establishing tone and mood, building conflict, and conveying subtext. The course will delve into the nuances of spoken language, examining how rhythm, cadence, word choice, and even silence contribute to meaningful communication within a narrative.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235, TVF324

TVF311a Cinematography

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course teaches the fundamentals of cinematography, emphasizing the effective use of gels, flags, light meters, and spot meters to adjust exposure and color temperature. Students will learn to manipulate lenses, filters, and aperture settings to control depth and depth of field, allowing them to create chiaroscuro images without the reliance on a monitor.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235

TVF311b Lighting Workshop

[0–3, 1 cr.]

TVF312 Postproduction Software

[1 cr.]

This course will be conducted as a seminar over two weeks, with one week focused on image work with a color grader and the second week dedicated to sound mixing with a sound designer. The purpose of this course is to assist students in completing their capstone projects addressing all troubleshooting aspects of their projects. It will cover the entire online editing process, from color grading to sound editing and mixing. Industry professionals will lead the course, offering extensive workshops and personalized assistance to ensure students receive valuable hands-on experience and guidance.

Prerequisite: TVF235, TVF324

TVF313 Directing Actors for the Screen

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to help aspiring directors explore and develop their skills in directing actors for the screen through a combination of lectures and in-class video recording exercises. Students will learn how to effectively communicate their concepts and vision to performers while practicing essential techniques such as casting, blocking, rehearsing, and character development. Additionally, the course will enhance their ability to distinguish between good and bad acting, and familiarize them with the key elements of the director-actor relationship on set, which is crucial for achieving believable performances.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235

TVF314 Directing the Camera

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to the artistic and technical aspects of composition and framing. It focuses on making informed choices about lenses and practicing various types of camera blocking and movement, aiming to create harmony among primary, secondary, and tertiary motion while maintaining continuity. This course seeks to enhance students’ confidence in shooting, ultimately facilitating smoother editing processes in post-production.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235

TVF316 Story Telling

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course will help you develop vivid description of ideas, beliefs, personal experiences, and life- lessons told through a story or a narrative that will turn into a short film screenplay. You will focus on developing structure, dialogue, character development and plot. Emphasis is placed on students as authors of visual narratives evoking powerful emotions and insights.

Prerequisite(s): TVF222; ENG102

TVF317a Creative Editing

[2 cr.]

This course covers the art and craft of editing, both picture and sound, through applied exercises and an examination of films that serve as useful tools for discussion and analysis. The purpose of this course is to provide students who got introduced to editing with an aesthetic framework that will help them develop an artistic approach when it comes to putting images together.  

Prerequisite(s): TVF222

TVF317b Post-Production Workshop

[1 cr.]

TVF318a Sound Design

[2 cr.]

Through a combination of practice-based learning and theory, students will critically evaluate the production and design of sound in films. Students will learn to create a sound design for their pieces, appreciate and understand the meaning and purpose of soundtracks in films.

Prerequisite: TVF328

TVF318b Sound Workshop

[1 cr.]

TVF322 Visual Effects & Animation

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course explores current VFX techniques and new animation techniques, analyzing various postproduction processes and examining current post-production video and animation technologies. Students also learn the fundamental requirements of shooting for post-production through exercises and assignments.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235

TVF324 History of Film

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is a study of the development visual art created using film technologies that began in the late 19th century. The different schools, events and advancements that shaped cinema will be the stages that students will learn about in this course.

Co-requisite(s): ENG102

TVF328a Filmmaking

[2 cr.]

This course covers the principles, techniques and aesthetics of cinematic storytelling and motion picture production. It explores the five stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution. Under the guidance of the instructor, students collaborate to produce different projects related to various aspects of filmmaking.  

Prerequisite(s): TVF235 and TVF316

TVF328b Filmmaking Workshop

[1 cr.]

TVF401 TV Drama

[3 cr.]

This course offers a critical and comprehensive exploration of the television series as a significant cultural form and artistic medium. Moving beyond a simplistic view of television as mere entertainment, we will delve into the complex evolution, diverse genres, and profound impact of serialized storytelling on contemporary society. Students will engage with key roles practicing the theory in execution of a TV series episode.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235

TVF402 A.V. Artificial Intelligence

[3 cr.]

This course explores the rapidly evolving field of Audio-Visual Artificial Intelligence, focusing on how AI, machine learning, and deep learning techniques are transforming the way we perceive, process, create, and interact with audio and visual content. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of AI in diverse AV media and production domains.

Prerequisite: TVF235

TVF403 Streaming & Digital Broadcasting

[3 cr.]

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the technologies, platforms, and strategies behind modern streaming and digital broadcasting. From the fundamentals of content encoding and distribution to the complexities of audience engagement and monetization in the digital age, students will gain a deep understanding of how audio and visual content reaches global audiences today. The course covers both live and on-demand streaming models, examining the evolution from traditional broadcast to internet-protocol (IP) based delivery systems.

Prerequisite(s): TVF235, TVF324

TVF421 Documentary Making

[1–2, 3 cr.]

Designed to help students understand the content and aesthetics of documenting information, this course will expose students to different approaches to collecting, analyzing and utilizing data as well as learning how to put together a solid documentary presentation.

Prerequisite: TVF222

TVF488 Topics in TV and Film

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers conceptual, theoretical, and critical aspects of television and film that are not covered by other major or elective courses. The course may be repeated if the topics differ.

Prerequisite(s): ENG202 Advanced Academic English and Junior Standing.

TVF498 Internship

[1–0, 1 cr.]

The Internship course provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience in an off-campus setting by participating in the production of a film or television show, working for a local production company or television studio, or pursuing a related work experience of their choosing with the approval of their advisor. Students are required to complete at least two months of full-time work at a recognized institution.

Prerequisite(s):  TVF235 TV Production Principles; TVF221 Art of Film; Junior Standing.

TVF499P Capstone Project

[3 cr.]

The Capstone course can be taken as a project-based capstone or specialized capstone. In the capstone based project, the student are supposed to produce a short film or a TV pilot. In the specialized capstone the students are supposed to occupy one key position of their choice in production or post production phase to serve in one of the other capstone projects. This course is on a one-on one mentoring  basis where the student can choose wither the project-based capstone mentor or specialized capstone mentor.

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing