Dr. Steve Spence

Course Number and Title

• CMS 4800 Selected Topics
• FILM 4800 Special Topics

Course Description

This seminar focuses on recent recent iterations of the Western genre in film, television, videogames, fiction, and graphic novels. It serves as an upper-division elective option for CMS and Film Production majors.

Prerequisite

• Junior-level standing

Credit Hours

3 credit hours (3-0-3)

Course Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to

• Summarize influential theoretical approaches to understanding narrative genres, including their relationships to theories that emphasize auteurs and ideology
• Identify characteristics distinguishing “the Western” as a durable genre in printed and screen-based narrative media
• Summarize the history of this genre within 20th and 21st century U.S. culture
• Summarize relationships between the historical period known as “the Wild West” and genre Westerns
• Apply theories regarding genres in general as well as Westerns specifically to the analysis of selected films, TV series, videogames, and graphic novels.

Program Learning Outcomes

This course’s learning outcomes align with the CMS program outcomes 2, 3, and 4 as well as Outcome 4 of the BA program in Film Production.

Reading and Writing Proficiency

CMS 4800 is a specialized class designed for students preparing for careers as professional  communicators. Our readings and writing assignments reflect these professional expectations. Students with a shaky grasp of grammar, mechanics, or reading comprehension should plan to spend multiple hours working with tutors in the A&S Writers’ Studio and/or the Center for Student Success.

The Writers’ Studio is located in the A&S building, room 224, and its tutors are also available on Teams. In the studieo you can talk with trained writing tutors about your writing projects. They are available to work with you at any stage of your assignment, from generating ideas to organizing your writing to understanding how to format it correctly. The service is free; you may drop in and wait for a tutor or sign up for a regular appointment. But remember: you, not your tutor, are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of the work that you submit.