Film and Television
College of Communication
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Screen Language: The Aesthetics, Grammar, and Rhetoric of the Moving Image
COM FT 201
Students study and practice the art and craft of expressing themselves persuasively through audio-visual media. The aim is both to familiarize students with the conventions of screen language and to test the validity of those norms. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)
B1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Monday, June 29, 2026 Last day to add Monday, July 6, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Monday, July 6, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Course End Date Friday, August 7, 2026 Location: COM 210 ... Open SeatsAaron Walker -
Understanding Television
COM FT 303
Examines television (and its foundation in radio) as it emerged, stabilized as an aesthetic and technological form, interacted with other media, was regulated and deregulated, and was shaped by and shaped the culture around it. Uses the sitcom and soap opera genres as aesthetic through-lines for this study and examines their evolution in historical contexts. Throughout the semester, we focus on broadcasting's beginnings, expansion, establishment as the national mass medium in America, and eventual fracturing into niches. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Historical Consciousness, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
A1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Last day to add Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Thursday, June 11, 2026 Course End Date Friday, June 26, 2026 Location: COM B05 ... Open SeatsCharlotte Howell -
Creative Producing I
COM FT 325
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (COMFT303) - This course takes students through the process of creating non-fiction TV programming. Think talk shows, reality programs, and documentaries. How to create a concept, write a proposal, cast a program, and develop a marketing reason to do the program are all part and parcel of this class. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
A1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 9 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Last day to add Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Thursday, June 11, 2026 Course End Date Friday, June 26, 2026 Location: COM 106 ... Open SeatsCraig Shepherd -
Super Heroes in Film
COM FT 460
Online Offering. Focusing on films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this course explores the thematic and aesthetic aspects that have made super hero films so popular. Students learn and utilize basic film studies terminology (the close-up, the long take, cross-cutting, etc.) in order to understand how filmmakers create meaning through the use of specific cinematic techniques. In addition, the course contextualizes MCU films by explaining how each has operated within Marvel's cinematic history and its competition with DC. Taking the films themselves and their historical context into consideration, students are introduced to a basic understanding of the field of film studies and the types of analyses those working in the field undertake. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
O1 (IND) Arranged Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Last day to add Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Thursday, June 11, 2026 Course End Date Friday, June 26, 2026 ... Open SeatsFrancis VanariaOnline section O1: Meets online every Tues & Thurs 5-6 pm for a live class. Please note that the deadline to enroll in this section is May 15Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)
O2 (IND) Arranged Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Monday, June 29, 2026 Last day to add Monday, July 6, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Monday, July 6, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Course End Date Friday, August 7, 2026 ... Open SeatsFrancis VanariaOnline section O2: Meets online every Tues & Thurs 5-6 pm for a live class. Please note that the deadline to enroll in this section is June 25Read a BU Today article about this course: A Scholarly Take on Superheroes.For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/technology. BU Virtual can be reached at buvirtual@bu.edu or 617-358-1960 for additional information. -
Promoting Your Content Online
COM FT 521
Teaches students how to market their creative works online. Students learn to identify targeted marketing and distribution platforms for new websites, pilots, video channels, series, and blogs. Explores how to use social media to find an audience, generate buzz, and identify potential funding sources. Students also learn practical entrepreneurial tools needed to organize their creative work as a business venture. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
A1 (IND) Mon./Wed. 1-4:30 pm Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Last day to add Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Thursday, June 11, 2026 Course End Date Friday, June 26, 2026 Location: COM 321 ... Open SeatsMargaret WallaceRead a BU Today article about this course: COM Class Teaches Students How to Promote Their Content Online. -
2D Animation Basics
COM FT 590
From Hollywood movies to TV shows and the web, 2D animation is more popular than ever - but how is it created? This fun yet in-depth beginner course teaches students all the fundamental skills needed to create professional quality 2D animation. No prior animation or drawing experience is necessary. Through progressive hands-on lessons, you will learn basic digital drawing, Adobe Animate, and visual storytelling. We cover how to design and animate characters to make them walk, talk, act, and come to life - and how to develop an animation project from concept to completion. The history of animation and current industry trends are also examined. Your final project is a demo reel quality animated short film. Many skills learned in this class may also apply to filmmaking, 3D and experimental animation, motion design, and fine art. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
A1 (IND) Mon./Wed. 6-9:30 pm Add & Drop DatesCourse Start Date Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Last day to add Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop without "W" grade Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Last day to drop with "W" grade Thursday, June 11, 2026 Course End Date Friday, June 26, 2026 Location: COM 319 ... Open SeatsGabriel Polonsky