100 Level Courses

FAVS 110: Beyond Screens: Digital Creation. 3 credits.
Builds the foundation for students to be critical consumers and ethical producers of digital, visual, and audio media. Students identify and analyze formal elements of films, television, commercials, social media content, and emerging technologies, including AI. Students create their own media and develop skills in videography, sound recording, and video/sound editing.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

200 Level Courses

FAVS 204: Film Art. 3 credits.
Explores the cinematic arts as they're related to other forms, including audio arts, dance, theater, painting, sculpture, games, and comics. Introduces traditional film forms and evolving filmmaking practices. Considers film as commercial product and a means to address justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Teaches how to watch, analyze, and research film through writing, visual storytelling, and storyboards.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 225: Introduction to World Cinema. 3 credits.
This course explores examples of many kinds of films from around the world, including documentary, fiction, and experimental. Students will learn to analyze film language and structures, with attention to cinema's many contexts, including economic institutions, historical events, political and social issues that shape and are shaped by movies.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 233: Film Sound. 3 credits.
This course instructs students on the theories, techniques and technologies pertaining to recording audio in the field and studio and to audio editing and mixing for film and video. The course will be lecture based with practical lab and field exercises applying concepts and equipment presented during the lecture.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major, minor, or concentration in Audio Production or Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 250: Business of Film. 3 credits.
This course provides an overview of the film & television industry from a business perspective. Students learn basic filmed entertainment business practices and protocol, including film financing, copyright & trademark, anti-trust, trademark, IP licensing, Agents & Managers, Entertainment Unions & Guilds, film distribution, and marketing techniques.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 255: Film Production. 3 credits.
This course is a hands-on methods course in video production for film. Through practice, reading, film viewing and discussions, you will be introduced to the art and activity of digital filmmaking across film genres. Students must complete reading, writing, and production assignments that justify and plan for their creative choices. Handouts describing projects, expectations and evaluative criteria will be provided.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 260: Video Editing for Film. 3 credits.
This course will instruct on the theories and technical expertise pertaining to video editing by utilizing various video editing software. The course will combine lectures, discussions, and demonstrations with hands on projects.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: FAVS 255 or COMM 208
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 280: Screenwriting: Introduction. 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to writing for the moving image through lecture, discussion, and critiques of exercises and written works. By the end of the semester, each student will have produced a variety of analyses and/or blueprints for creative moving image projects including short fiction, commercial advertisement, scripted television, collaborative fiction, short non-fiction reality programming. and other forms.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

300 Level Courses

FAVS 300: Global Horror Film. 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to the horror film genre. Looking at various national and transnational cinemas, the course traces horror’s development from its literary beginnings through contemporary filmic storytelling. We’ll consider artistic, commercial, and sociopolitical aspects of the horror film and explore themes such as war, terror, and censorship. Students will learn to identify how horror texts both reflect and influence cultural interdependence and inequality across the world.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 304: Film Forms. 3 credits.
Analyze formal elements of film, documentary, television, and digital content. Develop critical thinking and writing, with emphasis on collaboration. Practice diverse forms of writing, including analysis and criticism, creative essay, digital content, and social media. Consider filmmaking and film viewing in multiple contexts, including production and commercial industries; political and cultural systems; identity and community formations.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to ENGH 373.
Recommended Prerequisite: FAVS 204 (C or XS)
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 311: Film Producing. 3 credits.
Provides students with the basics of film producing. Students gain creative, business, and legal skills needed to develop, produce and sell an independent, commercially viable motion picture film. Students engage with writing treatments, script breakdown, pitching, budgeting, creating shooting schedules, financing, hiring and managing cast and crew, and other areas in producing.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 250C, 250XS, 255C or 255XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major, minor, or concentration in Theatre.
Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 312: Film Lab. 3 credits.
A hands-on producing class where students take roles as producers, assistant directors, location managers, script supervisors, production and costume designers, casting assistants, etc. in the development, pre-production, and production of a scripted short film. The course moves from development through production in an apprentice style environment with a seasoned director. This gives students "real-world" experience in independent film production.Offered by Film & Video Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: ((FAVS 311C or 311XS) and (FAVS 255C or 255XS)).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 320: Afrofuturism and Their Kin. 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to the cinematic genre of Afrofuturism, or Black Speculative culture, also exploring the sub-genre lenses of Black horror and fantasy. Reading science fiction, horror, fantasy, and other imaginative narrative tropes, we’ll consider how the myriad societal fears regarding race intersect with violence. We’ll engage philosophies around horror that analyze tensions between conjurings of ‘monstrosities’ and the ways in which racial identity is constructed and consumed.  As these artists re-envision the Black diasporic past, present, and future, they present alternative visions of the futures of blackness.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 331: Cinematography. 3 credits.
This course aims to recreate a professional camera department environment. By the end of the course, students should be able to understand and perform the function of first assistant cameraperson or second assistant cameraperson on a camera crew. Students will understand the history, function, art, craft, and science of cinematography.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 204C or 204XS) and (FAVS 255C or 255XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture, Recitation
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 333: Sound Editing and Recording. 3 credits.
This course instructs students on the theories, techniques and technologies pertaining to recording audio in the field and studio and to audio editing and mixing for film and video. The course will be lecture based with practical lab and field exercises applying concepts and equipment presented during the lecture.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: FAVS 204 and FAVS 255 or permission of instructor
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major, minor, or concentration in Audio Production or Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 334: Cinematic Podcasting. 3 credits.
This class teaches the art of cinematic podcasting. Students will learn to develop and produce their own podcasts. The course focuses on theory, research/development, writing, directing, and technical expertise in sound recording, sound design, and sound editing. We will cover aesthetics and technical skills used in both production and post-production sound media. Students will use Fairlight Audio.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: FAVS 233, FAVS 255 or FAVS 280
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 352: Ethics of Film and Video. 3 credits.
An examination of ethical issues associated with image production and consumption. Topics include the technological development of the film apparatus, privacy, the pursuit of objectivity, excess, consent, and representing others. All issues highlight the increasingly sophisticated and powerful role of film and media authorship. Students will develop a more complex view of the ethics of screen representation (both fiction and nonfiction) and be encouraged to take stock of the ethics of their own media literacy.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of 21 credits within the Film program.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: ((ENGH 302C, 302XS, HNRS 360C, 360XS, 361C or 361XS) and (FAVS 255C or 255XS)).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 356: Film Marketing & Distribution. 3 credits.
This course focuses on the business and craft of marketing and distribution for fiction, documentary, and television. Students learn to deliver cinematic artworks to audiences through business strategies, creative skills exercises, and by building sustainable partnerships with community and industry. Hands-on exercises put learning into action as students explore various distribution outlets, build marketing tools, and design impact campaigns.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 250C or 250XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 365: Documentary Filmmaking. 3 credits.
An introduction to documentary filmmaking in which each student makes a short digital documentary, from concept development to finished piece. The class covers essential technical skills, emerging styles of nonfiction film, and documentary storytelling techniques.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 250C or 250XS) and (FAVS 260C or 260XS) and (FAVS 255C or 255XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 366: Video Production for Social Change. 3 credits.
This course reflects a professional production environment where student teams, under the instructor’s supervision, produce effective pieces for local community based non-profit organizations. Students will learn the business of working with a real-world nonprofit client and storytelling skills that advance the client mission. Beginning with the discovery process, students will engage the client in assessing their needs and goals for producing a video. They will develop a creative concept/strategy, a budget, and a statement of work/contract. Small teams will then produce their client project as they learn the storytelling strategies that engage by connecting with an audience.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: FAVS 255 (C or XS)
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 367: Experimental Filmmaking. 3 credits.
This course focuses on the craft of experimental filmmaking. With a focus on films that can be called ‘radical’, this course emphasizes artistry that confronts dominant paradigms. We study film work that is queer, trans, antiracist, and feminist, by artists who express their bodies, ethnicities, disabilities, and identities through innovations in cinematic storytelling. Students will come to understand connections between form and content. Radical Camera guides students in exploring their voice and vision, and supports the production of film work that forges new paths.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 375: Fiction Filmmaking. 3 credits.
This course examines techniques for directing fiction films. Students study the directorial approaches of a variety of directors by viewing and critiquing classic films. Students learn about the director's role in each stage of film production. Students shoot, direct and edit fictional scenes and sequences intended to develop and convey the beginnings of the authorial signatures. Notes: Intended for Film and Video Studies majors only.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 255C or 255XS) and (FAVS 280C or 280XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 377: Interactive Storytelling. 3 credits.
Students study the craft of interactive storytelling while producing media projects for impact and action. Interactive storytelling is a way of telling stories across media platforms, for both fiction and non-fiction. This allows creators to engage television and film audiences for greater impact. Students will study interactivity as a readily used marketing tool in the film and television industry.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 255C or 255XS) and (FAVS 280C or 280XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 378: Web Series. 3 credits.
A production course that explores the creative and logistical process of creating a fiction series for the web. Production techniques for web series will be explored, including permissions, contracts, and budgets for web development. The course will consider and study successful web series and explore contemporary discussions and professional organizations centered on web series.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 255C or 255XS) and (FAVS 280C or 280XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 380: Screenwriting: Television. 3 credits.
Students learn about the profession of writing scripted television. Examines the principles and processes of development for television drama and other genres and programming categories. Students become acquainted with the expectations and responsibilities of staff and freelance writing. Develops skills in writing for the small screen(s) by practicing established techniques and identifying contemporary trends.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: FAVS 280C or 280XS.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 382: Screenwriting: Short Films. 3 credits.
This course explores the art and craft of the screenplay with a focus on writing short films. We will study exceptional screenplays, discuss the major screenwriting texts and teachers, and practice a range of story structures. Students will write every week and build their own sustainable Creative Practice. By the end of the course, students will complete a 1-minute screenplay, a 2-minute screenplay, a 5-minute screenplay, and two drafts of a Final Project of 7-10 minutes.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 280C or 280XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 383: Screenwriting: Feature Films. 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to the development and analysis of feature length screenplays. The approach combines lecture, discussion, screening and presentation of student work. By the end of the semester, each student should have a complete first draft of an original screenplay. Students will also complete story reports and coverage reports of screenplays by other writers.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: FAVS 280C or 280XS.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 399: Special Topics in Film and Video Studies. 1-3 credits.
In-depth presentation and exploration of topical studies. Notes: Subject matter varies. May be repeated when taken under different topics.Offered by Film & Video Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

400 Level Courses

FAVS 431: Cinematography: Advanced. 3 credits.
Builds on the foundation of FAVS 331 and explores advanced techniques in lighting and in post-production (color correction). Where cinematography focuses on cinematography from the perspective of film (celluloid), Advanced Cinematography explores digital cinematography, its advantages and limitations.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: FAVS 331C or 331XS.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 433: Film Sound: Advanced. 3 credits.
Students will learn about advanced fundamental theory, tools, and techniques needed to create and/or implement sound for film. We will utilize the industry standard software Pro Tools. Students will learn nonlinear sound editing, digital audio processing, frequency manipulation, synthesized sound techniques and mixing. We will focus on the power of sound and the contributions it can make not only in enhancing the visuals of a film but in contributing to telling the story within itself.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: FAVS 233C or 233XS.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major, minor, or concentration in Audio Production or Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 450: Internship in Film and Video Studies. 3 credits.
On-the-job training in film and video through approved fieldwork programs. Internships are approved and supervised by the Film at Mason Faculty.Offered by Film & Video Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Permission of department; completion of 60 credits; completion of 15 credits in the Film and Video Studies department.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 460: Film Editing: Advanced. 3 credits.
This course will instruct students on the theories, techniques and technologies pertaining to video editing for fiction and documentary films, as well as commercials. The course will combine lectures, discussions, and demonstrations with hands on projects.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: FAVS 260C or 260XS.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 475: Fiction Filmmaking: Advanced. 3 credits.
Focuses on casting and directing actors, working with production designers, assistant directors, and visual and aural storytelling on an individually directed project. Teaches students how to direct the shooting, production and editing of a fiction film or webisode which further develops their authorial signature.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 375C or 375XS) and (FAVS 260C or 260XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 483: Feature-Length Scriptwriting. 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to the development and analysis of feature length screenplays. The approach combines lecture, discussion, screening and presentation of student work. By the end of the semester, each student should have a complete first draft of an original screenplay. Students will also complete story reports and coverage reports of screenplays by other writers.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: FAVS 380C or 380XS.
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 490: Independent Study. 1-3 credits.
Independent research on specific project under direction of selected faculty member.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to two attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of 90 credits; And permission of department chair
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 496: Screenwriting: Advanced. 3 credits.
A culminating screenwriting seminar, devoted to analyzing and synthesizing knowledge and skills gained through undergraduate course work in screenwriting, resulting in substantial individualized writing projects.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 380C or 380XS) or (FAVS 382C or 382XS) or (FAVS 383C or 383XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Senior Plus or Senior.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
FAVS 499: Career Seminar. 3 credits.
In this culminating course for the major, students revisit work completed throughout their studies at George Mason, polish work in progress, and develop a portfolio. Students will demonstrate their mastery of skills and knowledge, research their area of professional interest, formulate goals and future plans, and prepare for their transitions to post-graduation experiences.Offered by Film & Video Studies. Limited to three attempts.
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (FAVS 431C or 431XS) or (FAVS 433C or 433XS) or (FAVS 460C or 460XS) or (FAVS 475C or 475XS) or (FAVS 496C or 496XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Film and Video Studies.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

500 Level Courses

FAVS 590: Independent Study. 1-6 credits.
Independent research on specific project under direction of selected faculty member.Offered by Film & Video Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree or equivalent or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Independent Study
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
FAVS 599: Special Topics. 1-6 credits.
In-depth presentation and exploration of topical studies. Notes: Subject matter varies. May be repeated when taken under different topics.Offered by Film & Video Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.