Academic Catalog

MDIA 4: EXPERIMENTAL FILM & VIDEO

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2023
Units: 4
Hours: 4 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Area I: Humanities
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Description

A survey of experimental film from the early 20th century to the present, as well as video art from the 1960s on. Investigation and critical analysis of influential films/videos, prominent filmmakers, and technological developments. Study of the political, cultural, and artistic forces at work in the development of experimental film and video practices.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify and analyze the major historical developments and movements in experimental film and video
  2. Critically analyze the works of major film and video artists
  3. Identify and explain innovative techniques employed by experimental filmmakers and video artists
  4. Identify and explain the inter-relationship between experimental film/video and other art forms

Course Content

  1. Major historical developments and movements in experimental film and video
    1. Dada, Cubism, Surrealism 1920-1940
    2. Russian Realism
    3. Animation
    4. Pre- and Post-War American Avant Garde 1930s-1950s
    5. Underground film 1960s
    6. Structuralist film 1960s
    7. Psychedelic light shows 1960s
    8. Video art pioneers 1960s-1970s
    9. Reflexive performance video 1970s-1990s
    10. Video installation 1980s-2000s
    11. The digital present and future
      1. Projection mapping
      2. Dome projection
      3. Generative video
  2. Works of major film and video artists
    1. Hans Richter
    2. Man Ray
    3. László Moholy-Nagy
    4. Dziga Vertov
    5. Oskar Fischinger
    6. Maya Deren
    7. Fluxus
    8. Kenneth Anger
    9. Bruce Conner
    10. Stan Brakhage
    11. Andy Warhol
    12. Yoko Ono
    13. Morgan Fisher
    14. Peter Kubelka
    15. Joshua White
    16. Nam Jun Paik
    17. Steina and Woody Vasulka
    18. Joan Jonas
    19. Bill Viola
    20. Diana Thater
    21. Tony Oursler
    22. Matthew Barney
  3. Innovative techniques employed by experimental filmmakers and video artists
    1. Superimposition
    2. Slow-motion
    3. Negative reversal
    4. Stop-motion animation
    5. Split screen
    6. Kaleidoscoping
    7. Blue/green screen
    8. Step-printing
  4. Inter-relationship between experimental film/video and other art forms
    1. Avant garde and electro-acoustic music
    2. Cubist, Surrealist, and abstract painting
    3. Kinetic sculpture
    4. Modern dance
    5. Graphic design
    6. Music video

Lab Content

Screenings of experimental films/videos on-campus or online for completion of written assignments and quizzes.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Forum-type room with projection booth, video projection system, amplified sound system. Internet access and laptop computer patch to system. Playback equipment formats required: DVD, Blu-ray.
2. Library for film research, books, scripts, DVD/Blu-ray playback facility.
3. When taught online, access to computer with email; email address, internet browsing software and embedded video viewing.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Written essays and papers on individual films, film movements, filmmakers
Quizzes, midterm, and final exam on readings, screenings, and presentations

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture/online presentations and classroom/online discussion
In-class/online viewing of films, followed by instructor-guided interpretation and analysis
Group presentations of major projects followed by in-class/online discussion and evaluation
Discussion and critique of assigned readings and film screenings

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Ramey, Kathryn. Experimental Film: Break the Machine. 2015.

Lippit, Akira. X-Cinema: From a Theory of Experimental Film and Video. 2012.

Rees, A.L.. A History of Experimental Film and Video. 2011.

Sitney, P. Adams. Visionary Cinema. 2002.

Kuenzli, Rudolph E.. Dada and Surrealist Film. 1996.

Le Grice, Malcolm. Abstract Film and Beyond. 1982.

Although these texts are older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, they remain seminal in this area of study.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Critical film analysis in the form of quizzes or online discussion assignments
  2. Analytical essay that requires student to select a film and develop an argument referencing the film and the reading materials
  3. Analytical essay that requires student to conduct research on an experimental film/video of their choice in relation to form, theory, aesthetics, or social issues

Discipline(s)

Media Production or Film Studies