Our B.A. in Television and Film has graduated generations of directors, producers, and designers. The degree offers practical skills and conceptual knowledge and prepares students for work in the various production, creative, and managerial professions in the TV and film industries. This hands-on intensive program requires students to produce and direct TV shows and short films as well as experience the various production roles and tasks. It provides cutting edge facilities and equipment and prepares students to pursue careers as writers, producers, directors, sound designers, and directors of photography. The Minor in Audiovisual Production introduces students from any major to the profession of audio, video and film production and provides basic, intermediate and advanced media production competencies that complement various majors and specialties.
Audiovisual Production
Major
3 years - Full Time study
92 credits
Minor
Along with any BA at LAU
18 credits
BA in Television & Film
The BA in Television & Film requires 122 credits (including 30 freshman credits), distributed accordingly:
TVF 221 Art of Film
3 credits
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.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG101 Academic English I
TVF 222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media
3 credits
Storytelling is at the heart of this course’s objective. Students develop their technical, artistic, and critical eye and mind to effectively and artistically tell a story to different audiences. The course introduces students to the vocabulary, skill, key tools and production techniques employed in audiovisual media while generating ideas for different platforms. Students learn the three stages of production through researching, writing, producing, editing, and directing. Through both individual and group projects, students enhance their theoretical and technical knowledge and appreciation of content creation using various media platforms.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 235 TV Production Principles
3 credits
This course covers the conceptual and technical aspects of a multi-camera EFP and studio production of various TV genres and formats, such as talk shows, sitcoms, game shows, soap operas, newscasts and other TV programs. It culminates with the creation of new TV formats. 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):
ENG101 Academic English I and TVF 222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media
TVF 316 Script Writing
3 credits
This course covers the principles and techniques of idea creation and writing for television and film. Students read, analyze and write scripts in different formats. They learn the building blocks of creative storytelling and develop a solid foundation in screenwriting terminology and format: character conception and development, the difference between plot and story, and idea pitching and treatments.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 102 Academic English II, TVF 222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media , and TVF 221 Art of Film
TVF 324 History of Film
3 credits
This course provides an overview of cinema history by selectively focusing on films, directors, film movements, theories and other important milestones in the history of world and Arab cinema, while examining their relevance and contribution to contemporary cinema and understanding the changing relation of film to its social, cultural, and political context.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG102 Academic English II and TVF 221 Art of Film
TVF 328 Filmmaking Principles
3 credits
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 a short film.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 221 Art of Film , TVF 235 TV Production Principles , and TVF 316 Script Writing
TVF 498 Internship
1 credit
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):
Junior Standing, TVF 221 Art of Film , and TVF 235 TV Production Principles
TVF 499 Capstone Project
3 credits
The Capstone Project is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the skills required to create short professional content for the screen. This project is developed on a one-on-one mentoring basis moving from pre-production into production, post-production, public screening, and distribution. The student picks a mentor and completes the project in a key position as a Director, Producer, Cinematographer, or Editor. Regardless of the position they choose, students are expected to work on all stages of the production. Students may produce their project using single or multiple-camera platforms, either on location or in studio.
Prerequisite(s):
Senior Standing, TVF 235 TV Production Principles , and TVF 328 Filmmaking Principles
JSC 312 Media & Society
3 credits
This course studies forms of digital media and communication as elements and products of cultural, political, and economic processes. The approach is interdisciplinary, drawing on a variety of theories and methods of media studies and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG102 Academic English II or concurrently
JSC 419 Media Law and Ethics
3 credits
This course introduces students to principles and debates in media ethics and law by reviewing case studies from print, broadcasting, film, and digital online media. Students will consider ethical challenges and legal decisions, and reflect on how to put these into practice in their professional lives. The course provides some cross-cultural perspective, and puts Lebanese examples in context with international standards.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 451 Media Research Methods
3 credits
This course teaches students how to critically read, design, and implement scientific research and use quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, as well as data analysis tools to address research questions and hypotheses in the field of media and communication studies. Students participate in practical research projects and apply various techniques of research design, data collection, statistical and qualitative data analysis, and interpretation.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG 202 Advanced Academic English and JSC 312 Media & Society
COM 313 Nonverbal Communication
3 credits
The influence of nonverbal behavior on human interaction in a variety of contexts and settings, i.e. personal, workplace, and social. Students will work with various nonverbal cues including appearance, posture, facial expressions, and vocal cues.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG202 Advanced Academic English and COM 202 Interpersonal Communication or concurrently
COM 301 Human Communication Theory
3 credits
Students learn how to apply communication theory and evaluate communication situations. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Topics include interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 232 Photojournalism
3 credits
The course explores the history, practice, aesthetics, and ethics of photojournalism and examines the work of influential photojournalists and their impact on politics and society. It covers advanced photography and photo-editing skills for journalists, including various forms of photojournalism storytelling. Students produce several photojournalism projects for multimedia platforms.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 332 Broadcast Journalism
3 credits
This course teaches students how to construct and produce audio and video stories for television and other digital platforms using professional production equipment and editing tools. Emphasis is on editorial decision making for television and video content.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 220 News Writing and Reporting and JSC 226 Multimedia Journalism Basics
JSC 432 Multimedia Feature
3 credits
This course teaches students how to combine video, animated graphics and real-time data into innovative new story forms for the web, social media and other digital platforms. Genres covered in this class include audio slideshows, interactive maps, location-sensitive multimedia narrative and other.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 436 Journalism Workshop
3 credits
This class is an intensive production course in multimedia journalism. It involves the production of an online, interactive student publication in a specialized field such as environmental or human rights journalism, data driven reporting, or participatory storytelling, in collaboration with local communities. Students receive hands-on, intensive training in specific techniques of online user-driven story production, including newsroom management, reporting, writing, and editing multimedia content, and producing interactive graphics and maps.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 318 Writing Music for Visual Media
3 credits
This course covers sound design, sound effects, and music composition for film and visual media. It offers a comprehensive overview defining and encapsulating concepts, issues and applications regarding the use of sound effects and the process of composing music for cinematic arts, theater, dance and new media. Course work includes basic exercises in electroacoustics orchestration, electronic compositions, notation software sequencing and film scoring software and final project.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 210 Western Music Appreciation or PFA 214 Oriental Music Appreciation
TVF 310 TV and Film Workshop
3 credits
This course covers specialized technical, aesthetic, and production aspects of television and film that may not be covered by other major or elective courses. The course may be repeated if the topics differ.
Prerequisite(s):
Junior Standing
TVF 317 Editing
3 credits
This course covers the art and craft of editing, both picture and sound, through applied exercises and an examination of important films that serve as useful tools for discussion and analysis. Students will edit short projects on non-linear editing systems, familiarizing themselves with post-production workflows, media management, and delivery formats as well as aesthetic principles and techniques, and basic visual effects.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 318 Sound for Film
3 credits
This class aims to enhance a student’s technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of sound by using various hands-on exercises. With focus on production sound recording and post-production story-telling, students are introduced to diverse recording techniques as well as common issues that revolve around sound.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 322 Visual Effects
3 credits
This course explores current VFX techniques, analyzing various postproduction processes and examining current Post-production video technologies. Students learn the fundamental requirements of shooting for post through exercises and assignments. Issues relating to the VFX, such as green screen, matt painting, camera tracking and Rotoscoping, are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 421 Documentary Film
3 credits
This course focuses on the world of documentary filmmaking by exploring the five stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution. With the use of hands-on exercises, film screenings and lectures, students will learn to examine critically different documentary styles, modes, and techniques and are expected to produce a short documentary film.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 441 Cinematography
3 credits
This course teaches the fundamentals and aesthetics of cinematography and lighting. It introduces digital workflows and other techniques utilized in current film and television productions. Students are expected to learn the role of DOP by shooting short scenes.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 445 Advanced Cinematography
3 credits
This course is an advanced hands-on practice of composition and camera movement and lighting that help in designing the aesthetics of the shot. It consists of the understanding and practice of the major visual key elements of the frame: light, volume, shape, mass, vectors, visual beat, and of the harmony among primary, secondary and tertiary motion.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 232 Photojournalism
3 credits
The course explores the history, practice, aesthetics, and ethics of photojournalism and examines the work of influential photojournalists and their impact on politics and society. It covers advanced photography and photo-editing skills for journalists, including various forms of photojournalism storytelling. Students produce several photojournalism projects for multimedia platforms.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 332 Broadcast Journalism
3 credits
This course teaches students how to construct and produce audio and video stories for television and other digital platforms using professional production equipment and editing tools. Emphasis is on editorial decision making for television and video content.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 220 News Writing and Reporting and JSC 226 Multimedia Journalism Basics
PFA 241 Introduction to Acting
3 credits
An Introduction to the actor’s technique and performer’s skills, exploring the elements necessary to begin training as an actor for the stage, the screen and other venues. Focus will be on physical and vocal exercises, improvisations, scene study.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 317 Recording and Sound Reinforcement Techniques
3 credits
This course starts with an introduction to multi-track recording and production techniques. Then, students create and edit soundtracks and audio for digital video, music and/or film. Finally, the course covers basic concepts of live sound engineering for front of house mix and stage monitors. Exercises will be related to actual productions such as student films, plays, live events, etc.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 342 Principles of Performing Arts Productions
3 credits
This course covers principles and techniques of creating a performing arts production, including researching, directing, producing, collaboration, teamwork, promotion, location scouting, audience analysis and interaction, theater semiotics, site specific performance, coherence construction, and visual paradigm.
Prerequisite(s):
Junior Standing, PFA 242 Art of Theater , or PFA 221 Theories of Body in Performance
TVF 488 Topics in TV and Film
3 credits
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
PFA 214 Oriental Music Appreciation
3 credits
An introduction to the basics of music theory, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and practical musicianship. The written aspects of the course include pitch and rhythm notation/iqa, maqams, differences between the maqams’ interpretation according to cultures, keys, relationship between lyrics and music, and simple melodic analysis.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 221 Theories of Body in Performance
3 credits
An introduction to body movement theories such as Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals and their applications to movement description, observation, and execution. Through the cultivation of a vital, conscious relationship with one’s body, dancers, actors and musicians will become aware of personal movement patterns that help and/or hinder expressive potential.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 222 Art of Dance
3 credits
A survey of dance forms from around the world, and the numerous ways in which dance serves as an expression of culture. Specific dance makers/choreographers and performers will be examined, with an emphasis on their cultural context. The course will acquaint students with the formal properties of various dance forms and their development.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 242 Art of Theater
3 credits
An introduction to the theater from its ancient origins to the present: history, dramatic literature, production, design, acting, direction, etc…
Prerequisite(s):
ENG101 Academic English I or concurrently
COM 301 Human Communication Theory
3 credits
Students learn how to apply communication theory and evaluate communication situations. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Topics include interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.
Prerequisite(s):
COM 312 Communication and Gender
3 credits
This course introduces students to the study of gender differences and gender role stereotypes as they affect communication in various contexts, (interpersonal relationships among friends, family, and romantic partners, within organizations, and media/advertising), and the implications and consequences of each.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG102 Academic English II or concurrently
COM 313 Nonverbal Communication
3 credits
The influence of nonverbal behavior on human interaction in a variety of contexts and settings, i.e. personal, workplace, and social. Students will work with various nonverbal cues including appearance, posture, facial expressions, and vocal cues.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG202 Advanced Academic English and COM 202 Interpersonal Communication or concurrently
JSC 224 Social Media
3 credits
The course focuses on how social media has changed the relationship between media professionals and their audiences. It explores how the new technologies shape journalism, politics, business/marketing, and civic engagement and teaches students how to research and verify user-generated content, conduct audience analysis, and promote their work.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG101 Academic English I
JSC 314 Data and Society
3 credits
This course explores the social, cultural and political dimension of information in the digital cultural environment. It provides practical and conceptual skills in open data management for government and non-government institutions, including museums, archives and cultural heritage sites. Drawing on a series of case studies and class projects students will learn how to engage with sensitive data and archival records containing precious details of individual and collective lives. The course is open to students of journalism, filmmaking, communication / PR, social sciences, humanities, business and the performing arts.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 330 Arab and International Media
3 credits
This course covers the past, present, and emerging developments of Arab and world news systems, highlighting important historic news junctures, technological shifts, business models, and future trends. Special emphasis is put on how media systems interact with the political, social, and cultural particularities of the Arab world.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 480 Global Media Literacy
3 credits
This course explores how distinctive global media shape views of politics, culture and society within nations, across regions and internationally. It analyzes information, values and underlying messages conveyed via various forms of media and prepares students for the afternoon course.(JSC 481/JSC781) Note: this course is part of a study abroad program. Students need to apply through the Office of International Services to enroll.
Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite: JSC 481 Global Change, Cooperation & News (JSC 781)
JSC 481 Global Change, Cooperation & News
3 credits
This course explores global problems of contemporary importance and their news framing. The class will be broken into cooperative teams that will apply analytic frameworks, research tools and concepts derived from the morning course (JSC 480/JSC 780) to examine a global event, issue or problem as it is represented regionally. Note: this course is part of a study abroad program. Students need to apply through the Office of International Services to enroll.
Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite: JSC 480 Global Media Literacy (JSC 780)
JSC 488 Topics in Media Studies
3 credits
This course presents diverse theoretical, and methodological, perspectives on selected topics in the field of media studies. The course may offer an in-depth analysis of the relevant topics related to one medium, or explore one relevant issue across several media. This class may be repeated if topics differ.
Prerequisite(s):
ENG202 Advanced Academic English and Junior Standing.
Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC) courses (31 credits): see details
Students are required to constantly check with their faculty advisors in case of any changes in the offered courses for their respective majors.
See a typical study plan starting Eng 102
See a typical study plan starting Eng 101
See a typical study plan starting Eng 009
Minor in Audiovisual Production
The Minor in Audiovisual Production is open to all majors and consists of 18 credits, distributed accordingly:
TVF 222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media
3 credits
Storytelling is at the heart of this course’s objective. Students develop their technical, artistic, and critical eye and mind to effectively and artistically tell a story to different audiences. The course introduces students to the vocabulary, skill, key tools and production techniques employed in audiovisual media while generating ideas for different platforms. Students learn the three stages of production through researching, writing, producing, editing, and directing. Through both individual and group projects, students enhance their theoretical and technical knowledge and appreciation of content creation using various media platforms.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 235 TV Production Principles
3 credits
This course covers the conceptual and technical aspects of a multi-camera EFP and studio production of various TV genres and formats, such as talk shows, sitcoms, game shows, soap operas, newscasts and other TV programs. It culminates with the creation of new TV formats. 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):
ENG101 Academic English I and TVF 222 Introduction to Audio Visual Media
TVF 310 TV and Film Workshop
3 credits
This course covers specialized technical, aesthetic, and production aspects of television and film that may not be covered by other major or elective courses. The course may be repeated if the topics differ.
Prerequisite(s):
Junior Standing
TVF 317 Editing
3 credits
This course covers the art and craft of editing, both picture and sound, through applied exercises and an examination of important films that serve as useful tools for discussion and analysis. Students will edit short projects on non-linear editing systems, familiarizing themselves with post-production workflows, media management, and delivery formats as well as aesthetic principles and techniques, and basic visual effects.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 318 Sound for Film
3 credits
This class aims to enhance a student’s technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of sound by using various hands-on exercises. With focus on production sound recording and post-production story-telling, students are introduced to diverse recording techniques as well as common issues that revolve around sound.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 322 Visual Effects
3 credits
This course explores current VFX techniques, analyzing various postproduction processes and examining current Post-production video technologies. Students learn the fundamental requirements of shooting for post through exercises and assignments. Issues relating to the VFX, such as green screen, matt painting, camera tracking and Rotoscoping, are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 421 Documentary Film
3 credits
This course focuses on the world of documentary filmmaking by exploring the five stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution. With the use of hands-on exercises, film screenings and lectures, students will learn to examine critically different documentary styles, modes, and techniques and are expected to produce a short documentary film.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 441 Cinematography
3 credits
This course teaches the fundamentals and aesthetics of cinematography and lighting. It introduces digital workflows and other techniques utilized in current film and television productions. Students are expected to learn the role of DOP by shooting short scenes.
Prerequisite(s):
TVF 445 Advanced Cinematography
3 credits
This course is an advanced hands-on practice of composition and camera movement and lighting that help in designing the aesthetics of the shot. It consists of the understanding and practice of the major visual key elements of the frame: light, volume, shape, mass, vectors, visual beat, and of the harmony among primary, secondary and tertiary motion.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 232 Photojournalism
3 credits
The course explores the history, practice, aesthetics, and ethics of photojournalism and examines the work of influential photojournalists and their impact on politics and society. It covers advanced photography and photo-editing skills for journalists, including various forms of photojournalism storytelling. Students produce several photojournalism projects for multimedia platforms.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 332 Broadcast Journalism
3 credits
This course teaches students how to construct and produce audio and video stories for television and other digital platforms using professional production equipment and editing tools. Emphasis is on editorial decision making for television and video content.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 220 News Writing and Reporting and JSC 226 Multimedia Journalism Basics
JSC 432 Multimedia Feature
3 credits
This course teaches students how to combine video, animated graphics and real-time data into innovative new story forms for the web, social media and other digital platforms. Genres covered in this class include audio slideshows, interactive maps, location-sensitive multimedia narrative and other.
Prerequisite(s):
JSC 436 Journalism Workshop
3 credits
This class is an intensive production course in multimedia journalism. It involves the production of an online, interactive student publication in a specialized field such as environmental or human rights journalism, data driven reporting, or participatory storytelling, in collaboration with local communities. Students receive hands-on, intensive training in specific techniques of online user-driven story production, including newsroom management, reporting, writing, and editing multimedia content, and producing interactive graphics and maps.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 317 Recording and Sound Reinforcement Techniques
3 credits
This course starts with an introduction to multi-track recording and production techniques. Then, students create and edit soundtracks and audio for digital video, music and/or film. Finally, the course covers basic concepts of live sound engineering for front of house mix and stage monitors. Exercises will be related to actual productions such as student films, plays, live events, etc.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 318 Writing Music for Visual Media
3 credits
This course covers sound design, sound effects, and music composition for film and visual media. It offers a comprehensive overview defining and encapsulating concepts, issues and applications regarding the use of sound effects and the process of composing music for cinematic arts, theater, dance and new media. Course work includes basic exercises in electroacoustics orchestration, electronic compositions, notation software sequencing and film scoring software and final project.
Prerequisite(s):
PFA 210 Western Music Appreciation or PFA 214 Oriental Music Appreciation
About the Television Film Program
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Arts degree in TV and Film offers a liberal arts curriculum that prepares students to become creative, skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical communicators ready for careers in both traditional and emerging media, with particular focus on the Arab region. The degree offers students the skills and technical know-how to write, produce, direct and edit for television and film in a wide range of cultural contexts and enables them to be life-long learners, scholars, and critical thinkers who possess innovative and resilient capacities to adapt, succeed, and lead in an ever-changing and diverse global environment.
Program Objectives
Graduates shall be able to:
PO1: Exhibit an appreciation of the creative, artistic, and theoretical aspects of television and film, and an understanding of the cultural, economic, and political contexts that affect media production processes in the Arab region and globally.
PO2: Exhibit technical and skill-based competence with a wide range of convergent communication technologies of the 21st century
PO3: Demonstrate the required research and analytical skills that enable them to pursue future scholarly work and graduate studies>
PO4: Create innovative, ethical, and civically engaged content to communicate with diverse audiences in an increasingly multicultural and global environment.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
SLO1: Apply effective communication, collaboration and team-building methods
SLO2: Analyze and discuss key concepts and theories in television and film.
SLO3: Comprehend the historical, formal, and artistic development of international motion picture production and Arab film and television.
SLO4: Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and roles of a production environment.
SLO5: Adapt to trends and technological developments in the field.
SLO6: Conduct research using quantitative and qualitative methods of scientific inquiry.
SLO7: Produce artistic and original work that reflects a variety of voices, ideas, and traditions through team work.
SLO8" Apply legal and ethical international standards in producing content.
