Film Curriculum and Courses

I am a tenured faculty member at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and began teaching at UAF in 2006. I served as the appointed founding director and developer of the Bachelor’s Film Degree Program, and also created many of the courses offered in conjunction with the interdisciplinary curriculum. In 2017 the Film major expanded to become a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Film and Performing Arts. Students can hold a concentration in Film Production or Theatre and minors are available in both disciplines as well.

My students are given experiential opportunities to work on live film sets, develop their ideas, become key department heads on set, and experience Alaska while making films in this beautiful and unique state.

1. University Curriculum Developed
2. Courses Developed and Taught
3. Samples from Select Courses:
   1. Film Set Production I (FLPA 271) and Film Set Production II (FLPA 431)
   2. Fundamentals of Film/Video Directing (FLM/FLPA 331)
   3. Cross-Cultural Filmmaking (ANTH/ART/FLM/FLPA 460)
   4. To register for these classes please visit: UAONLINE.ALASKA.EDU

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University Curriculum Developed

• Bachelor Degree program in Film and Performing Arts (FLPA)– curriculum development committee member- University of Alaska Fairbanks. Current degree program effective from 2017-current.
• Bachelor Degree program in Film (FLM) – University of Alaska Fairbanks. Primary author of the Film program major degree curriculum and revisions of Film Studies minor degree. Former degree program active from 2012-2016.
• Film Reel Alaska Mentoring Experience (FRAME) –Residential film technician training program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Summer 2013 & 2014. Spring 2015- current.
• Occupational Endorsement. Indigenous Media & Environmental Communications. Submitted 2019 for University review.
• Occupational Endorsement / Associates Degree Program. Film Technician Training. Submitted 2017 for University Review.
• Film and Performing Arts Degree Concentration in Indigenous Media Arts – submitted 2017 for University review
• Film and Performing Arts Degree Concentration in Interactive Media – submitted 2017 for University review
• Minor degree in Integrated Arts – submitted 2017 for University review. Now available!

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Courses Developed and Taught

Undergraduate/Graduate Courses – University of Alaska Fairbanks

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Samples from Select Courses:

Film Set Production I (FLPA 271) and Film Set Production II (FLPA 431)

These are often stacked courses; offered concurrently with advanced students mentoring more novice ones. Peer leadership and experiential learning is paramount towards the development of our students and program. Students engage on unique projects relevant to the current events, opportunities, and talent of the class. Often, students produce projects which showcase the screenwriting, producing, design, performance, and directing talent of our majors.

The Muse was produced in 2014 by FLM 271 and screened at multiple film festivals beginning in 2015.

Below are films produced during FLPA 271/431 – Film Set Production I/II:

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Fundamentals of Film/Video Directing (FLM/FLPA 331)

Introduction to the history, theory and basic concepts of film direction. Includes interpretative script analysis, creative visualization, conceptualization, use of space, working with actors and designers, and direction of short scenes and videos.

This course is often stacked with the Acting for the Camera course (instructed by Professor Baker). Students put original and proven material to the test and film scenes and projects with an eye on directing while still operating as a production team in camera, audio, production design, script supervision, and editing.

Sample Syllabus FLM 331

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Cross-Cultural Filmmaking (ANTH/ART/FLM/FLPA 460)

FLPA F460      Cross-cultural Filmmaking      (h)
3 Credits

Offered As Demand Warrants

Explore filmmaking through cultural knowledge, decolonized methodologies, and documentary filmmaking techniques to create content reflective of cultural and/or scientific knowledge. Develop film work with a theoretical base for cultural understanding, scientific communications, and educational potentials. Basic pre-production, production, and post-production processes will be explored within a multi-cultural communications framework.

Prerequisites: Junior, senior or graduate standing.

Cross-listed with ANTH F460; ART F460.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

For a sample of work completed by students in this course please see the RAHI Portfolio. 

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To register for these classes please visit: UAONLINE.ALASKA.EDU