Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Thesis Film Development

FILM 3900-01

Course: FILM 3900-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ARTD
CRN: 10489

Course Description

Development of a Thesis Film project from idea proposal, to a synopsis, beat outline, treatment, and the final script.

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
COMMUNICATION
Idea Fluency: clearly expresses a unique perspective/idea.
Development of original ideas for a Thesis Film, including a written and oral proposal forGraded using rubrics for structure, content and style.
Effectively pitch a Thesis Film projectaC oTmhepsleisti oFnil mof. a written and oral proposal for a ThesisGraded using rubrics for structure, content and style.
Effectively develop supporting materials for a Thesis FilmFCiolmm.pletion of a cover letter, fundraising pitch, and any further instructor-assigned
CRITICAL THINKING
Effectively develop original ideas.Completion of multiple subtext exercises.Graded using rubrics for structure, content and style.
Effectively troubleshoot stages of Thesis Film developmentCompletion of short narrative or short documentary film development workflow, starting with research, idea proposal, synopsis, beatGraded using rubrics for structure, content and style.

Course Requirements

Thesis Film Guidelines
1. CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
  • The film should have a clear and compelling concept or idea.
  • The concept should demonstrate originality, creativity, and artistic merit.
  • The story should be well-developed and engaging.
2. SCRIPTWRITING:
  • The Script can be between 10-20 pages.
  • The script should be well-written, with a strong narrative structure and well-defined characters.
  • The dialogue should be natural and engaging.
  • The script should demonstrate a clear understanding of storytelling techniques and cinematic language.
3. PRODUCTION PLAN:
  • The film should have a realistic and feasible production plan.
  • The plan should include a detailed budget, shooting schedule, and production timeline.
  • The resources required for the production, such as equipment, locations, and crew, should be considered and accounted for.
4. TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:
  • The filmmaker should demonstrate a good understanding of technical aspects, such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and production design.
  • The film should showcase technical skills and proficiency in the chosen filmmaking techniques.
5. ARTISTIC VISION:
  • The filmmaker should have a clear artistic vision for the film.
  • The film should reflect the filmmaker's unique voice and style.
  • The visual and aesthetic choices should be intentional and support the overall storytelling.
6. FEASIBILITY AND RESOURCES:
  • The film should be achievable within the given resources and time frame.
  • Availability of equipment, facilities, and support needed for the production should be considered.
7. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
  • The film should adhere to ethical guidelines and respect the rights and dignity of individuals involved.
  • Any potentially sensitive or controversial subject matter should be handled responsibly and with care.
8. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH:
  • The film should demonstrate the filmmaker's growth and development as a student and aspiring professional.
  • The project should challenge the filmmaker's skills and push them to explore new ideas and techniques.
Grading
  • Attendance & Participation - 15 pts
  • Film Idea pitch – 5 pts
  • Film Idea development - 5 pts
  • First draft – 10 pts
  • Character Profile Worksheets – 10 pts
  • Lookbooks: 10pts
  • Second Draft – 10 pts
  • Third Draft – 15 pts
  • Final Draft – 20 pts

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

Assessment

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.

Course Outline

MODULE 1: IDEA DEVELOPMENT
  • 1/08 Lecture: Introduction Assignment: Develop and present 2-3 ideas for a Thesis Film
    What makes a great thesis film?
  • 1/13 Presentation: Thesis Film Idea Discussion Due: Present 2-3 ideas for a Thesis Film
  • 1/15 Presentation: Thesis Film Idea Discussion Due: Present 2-3 ideas for a Thesis Film
  • 1/20 Idea Development Due: Individual meetings
  • 1/22 Idea Development Due: Individual Meetings
    Due: Idea Development:
    The four questions (narrative)
    interview arch and questions ( Documentary)
MODULE 2: Workshopping
  • 1/27 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines Due: First Drafts Due
    Assignment Work on character profiles and pre interviews
  • 1/29 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 2/03 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 2/05 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 2/10 Lecture Lecture: Dialogue and interview question techniques. Due: Character profiles (narrative) Pre interviews (transcribed)
  • 2/12 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines Due: Second Draft/Outline
  • 2/17 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 2/19 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 2/24 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines Assignment: Script Analysis
  • 2/26 Work on Script Analysis Questions Due: Script Analysis Questions.
  • 3/03 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines Due: Third Draft
  • 3/05 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines Assignment: Extensive Look Book
  • 3/10-3/12 No Class Spring Break
  • 3/17 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 3/19 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 3/24 Present lookbook Due: Lookbook
  • 3/26 Present lookbook
  • 3/31 Festival of Excellence- No class
MODULE 3: Finalizing
  • 4/2 Lab: Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines Due Final Draft
  • 4/7 Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 4/9 Workshop Scripts/ Doc Outlines
  • 4/14 Pitch Day
  • 4/16 Pitch Day

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

  • No use of cell phones in class. No disruptive behavior. No chitchatting & raise hand when wishing to address the class.
  • Unexcused late work will not be accepted.
  • 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.

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/designer.

Course Fees

Film Courses have a $50 per credit fee. 

Content Warning

Classroom Preparation

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.