Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Film Thesis Production (Face-to-Face)

FILM 4900-01

Course: FILM 4900-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ARTD
CRN: 32636

Course Description

Pre-production and production of a faculty-approved narrative or documentary short film. Students will form production groups, assuming roles as agreed upon with the instructor, to complete the principal photography of a Film Thesis project.

Required Texts

Each student needs an external hard drive. Minimum: External hard drive with Thunderbolt 2/3 and/or USB 3.1 connection, 7200 rpm spin speed, and at least 1TB storage capacity for editing. Recommended: 500GB-1TB External SSD Drive. Note: This card and hard drive will serve you throughout the Film program. Buying a better/faster/higher quality drive means it will serve you better and for longer.

Learning Outcomes

Learning OutcomeActivity/AssignmentAssessment Method
MEDIA PRODUCTIONMEDIA PRODUCTIONMEDIA PRODUCTION
Effectively utilize advanced imaging systems, cinema optics, stabilization systems, sound devices, and lighting to complete principal photography of an advanced-level Thesis Film.Completion of production of a short narrative or documentary Thesis Film.Graded using rubrics for proper utilization and workflow of advanced imaging systems, optics, and lighting, to complete the principal photography of an advanced-level Thesis Film.
Effectively utilize non-linear editing workflowCompletion of a rough cut of the Film Thesis.Graded using rubrics for proper utilization of non-linear editing workflow.
COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATION
Effective crew communication techniquesCompletion of activities that may include, but are not limited to: rehearsals, staging of actors, communication of directors’ vision to film crew, pre-visualization through shooting script, shot lists and storyboards, and any narrative or documentary-specific requirements as assigned by the instructor.Graded using rubrics for proper utilization of rehearsals, staging of actors, communication of directors’ vision to film crew, pre-visualization through shooting script, shot lists and storyboards and any narrative or documentary-specific requirements as assigned by the instructor.
Effective visual communication techniquesSuccessful capture, through images, sound, mise-en-scene, lighting and other methods, subtext and ideas derived from the interpretation of the script and/or documentary idea.Graded using rubrics for structure, content and style.
CRITICAL THINKINGCRITICAL THINKINGCRITICAL THINKING
Effectively troubleshoot stages of Thesis Film ProductionCompletion of short narrative or short documentary film principal photography, including pre-production, production, and rough cut assembly.Graded using rubrics for advanced/professional -evel delivery workflow for a short narrative / documentary film.

Course Requirements

Students will be assessed based on their understanding of the technologies and concepts covered in class & how that understanding is reflected in their creative work. Final grade will largely reflect the quality and sincerity of students' effort in this class.

  • Attendance & Participation - 150pts (15%)
  • Film Thesis Pre-Production and Production – 850pts (85%)
    • Budget & Schedule – 100pts
    • Casting & Pre-Interviews – 100pts
    • Pre-Visualization Materials – 100pts
    • Production Materials & Paperwork – 100pts
    • Principal Photography Wrap-up – 200pts
    • Thesis Film Rough Cut – 250pts
  • A 93-100%
  • A- 90-92%
  • B+ 86-89%
  • B 83-85%
  • B- 80-82%
  • C+ 77-79%
  • C 74-76%
  • C- 70-73%
  • D+ 67-69%
  • D 63-66%
  • D- 60-62%
  • F 59% or less

Course Outline

Module 1: Pre-Production
WeekLecture/DiscussionAssignment
Week 1Lecture: Thesis Film ProcessComplete Budget & Schedule for Thesis Film
Week 2Discussion: Problem SolvingFinish Production Materials & Paperwork
Week 3Discussion: Problem SolvingShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Week 4Discussion: Problem SolvingShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Week 5Discussion: Problem SolvingShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Week 6Discussion: Problem SolvingShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Week 7Discussion: Problem SolvingShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Module 2: Production
WeekActivitiesAssignment
Week 8Presentations: Principal Photography Wrap-upShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Week 9Presentations: Principal Photography Wrap-upShoot Thesis Film within instructor-approved schedule
Week 10Presentations: Principal Photography Wrap-upEdit Assembly cut
Week 11View & Critique Assembly cutEdit Assembly cut
Week 12View & Critique Assembly cutEdit Assembly cut
Week 13View & Critique Assembly cutComplete Thesis Film Rough Cut
Week 14Presentations: Thesis Film Rough CutComplete Thesis Film Rough Cut
Week 15Presentations: Thesis Film Rough Cut

Note: Additional articles may be assigned for reading. Also, although unlikely, additional production exercises may be assigned to the groups.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Unexcused late work will not be accepted.

Attendance Policy

Studio courses are experiential in nature and rely heavily on in-class instruction, collaboration, and critique. As such, attendance is mandatory.

A student who misses more than 25% of scheduled class time (including unexcused absences and tardiness) will receive a final grade no higher than a “C–”, and may fail the course, regardless of performance on assignments.

Excused absences—such as those due to documented illness, university-sponsored activities, or other legitimate circumstances—may be made up with appropriate documentation (e.g., a doctor's note or official university communication). It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor before the absence when possible and to make arrangements to complete missed work promptly.

Consistent attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course and in your development as an artist.


Course Fees

FILM courses have a $50 per credit fee.

Content advisory

Warning: This course deals with the entertainment industry and popular culture. The instructor reserves the right to refer to and to exhibit any materials or discuss any themes that accurately reflect and enhance student’s understanding of the subject, including material meant for mature audiences. All material presented in class is deemed to exhibit scientific, literary, artistic and/or pedagogical value and is therefore appropriate for exhibition to college age students. The instructor does not endorse or subscribe to any opinions depicted in the course materials. If a student is unwilling to read or view certain types of content, please speak with the instructor with regard to the suitability of the class for the student in question.

Prerequisites: Film 3900: Thesis Film Development with a minimum grade of B.

  • No use of cell phones in class.
  • No disruptive behavior.
  • No chitchatting & raise hand when wishing to address the class.
  • An incomplete will not be given in this class except for extreme, verifiable emergencies as approved by the instructor.
  • Instructor reserves the right to alter the course outline at any time during the semester.

Students, especially those who are new to higher education environment, are encouraged to create a time management calendar. During a Monday through Friday schedule, there is a total of 120 hours. After subtracting approximately 40 hours for sleep, 80 hours remain. Average student takes 5 classes each semester, which equates to 15 hours of classroom time per week. 65 hours remain. Three hours per day for meals and socializing equals 15 per week, leaving 50 hours. After the 6-hour minimum of homework time per class is factored in: 6x5=30. 50-30=20. The remaining 20 hours are for work or extracurricular activities. In addition, students have an additional 48 weekend hours, portion of which they can devote to school assignments,

  • M-F = 120 hours
  • Sleep = 40 hours (maximum)
  • Eating and socializing = 15 hours (3 hours per day)
  • Class time and travel = 15 hours (12.5 class time per week for five classes)
  • Homework = 30 hours (minimum; 5 classes x 6 hours per class)
  • Work (or extracurricular activities) = 20 hours
  • Weekend = 24 hours of additional homework and/or work time

Coming to classroom unprepared is not conducive to a successful university career, and could result in severe penalties to students' grade.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.