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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Theatre Arts Film

Theatre Arts Film

Overview

ARC's Theatre Arts Film offerings include a variety of transferable, general education classes as well as degree and certificate programs.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in Film
  • Film Certificate
  • Dean Corinne Arrieta Katzorke
  • Department Chairs Kathy Burleson
    Sam Williams
  • Phone (916) 484-8570
  • Email AskHB-Arts@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree

A.A. in Film

This degree provides a broad overview of film history, theory, and practice. It combines the critical study of film as an art form and societal influence, including studies in diversity and genres, with opportunities for practical experience in film acting, writing, production, and post-production. It provides students with a foundation for further study in cinematic arts, as well as preparation for career opportunities which employ those arts.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film 3
TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film 3
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3)
TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
ARTNM 332 Digital Video (3)
ARTNM 373 Storyboarding (3)
ARTNM 405 Digital 2D Animation (3)
ARTNM 420 Introduction to 3D Modeling (3)
ARTNM 431 Short Production (3)
ENGCW 441 Feature Film Screenwriting Workshop I (3)
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations (3)
MUSM 342 Recording Studio Techniques I (3)
MUSM 344 Recording Studio Techniques II (3)
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools (1.5)
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 395 Playwriting (3)
TA 420 Stagecraft (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
Total Units: 27

The Film Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze the historical development of film art.
  • assess the influence of film as a dynamic art form, and as a social and cultural force in our society.
  • evaluate the components of a film production, including acting, directing, writing, and technical elements.
  • compare and contrast different styles and genres of film.
  • integrate theoretical knowledge with practical production experience.

Certificate of Achievement

Film Certificate

This certificate concentrates on the critical study of film as an art form and societal influence, with additional opportunities for practical experience in film acting, production, and post-production.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film 3
TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3)
TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
ARTNM 332 Digital Video (3)
ARTNM 405 Digital 2D Animation (3)
ENGCW 441 Feature Film Screenwriting Workshop I (3)
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations (3)
MUSM 334 Introduction to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) (2)
MUSM 342 Recording Studio Techniques I (3)
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 420 Stagecraft (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
Total Units: 17

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess the influence of film as a dynamic art form and a social and cultural force in our society.
  • distinguish the component parts of a film including acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and production and technical elements.
  • analyze the historical development of film.
  • evaluate films in terms of cultural diversity.
  • integrate theoretical knowledge with practical production experience.

Career Information

People may go into the field of film or television as actors, directors, producers, critics, and technicians.

Theatre Arts Film (TAFILM) Courses

TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the artistic, business, and social elements of film. It examines components of film making, such as acting, directing, cinematography, writing, and editing. Films are analyzed to evaluate film making techniques and the impact of cinematic art and entertainment on society. This course is formerly known as TA 310.

TAFILM 302 History of Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evaluation of films which are landmarks in the art of moviemaking from around the world, from the invention of film to the present day. This course is formerly known as TA 312.

TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films, concentrating on films from the 1880s through the 1950s. This course is formerly known as TA 314.

TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 101; OR ESLW 340.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films, concentrating on films from 1950 to the present. This course is formerly known as TA 315.

TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course surveys the cinematic expression of artists often underrepresented in the mainstream media, such as women, Native-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian-Americans, and gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people. It covers media stereotypes and the social, political, and cultural climates that created them. This course is formerly known as TA 318.

TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines one or more film genres such as western, horror, film noir, and science fiction. It explores specific types of film in depth, concentrating on historical and technical developments in a specific genre, and examines the work of actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, producers, and studios for that genre. This course is formerly known as TA 320.

Catalog