Houston Christian University Catalog

Cinema and New Media Arts (CNMA) Course Descriptions

  • CNMA 1150 Faith, Culture, & the Arts

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This class explores the role of Christian artists in culture. Students will study how great Christian thinkers have thought about culture and art throughout church history and be challenged to understand their vocation as artists and media creators from a biblical perspective. Students will also develop an understanding of how to live out their faith through their work as they seek to affect the culture around them. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • CNMA 1250 Faith, Culture, & the Arts

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This class explores the role of Christian artists in culture. Students will study how great Christian thinkers have thought about culture and art throughout church history and be challenged to understand their vocation as artists and media creators from a biblical perspective. Students will also develop an understanding of how to live out their faith through their work as they seek to affect the culture around them. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • CNMA 1301 Cinematic Core Principles

    Prerequisite(s): None

    An overview and survey of the cinematic medium and its various forms, with an emphasis on historical foundations and developing opportunities. Includes an in-depth look at the fundamental components of the medium – writing, directing, acting, cinematography, and editing – and synthesizes these various roles so that students can see how these components work together to create the end product. Building off of smaller exercises, students will produce their own short films from start-to-finish.

  • CNMA 1302 The Art of Cinema & New Media

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A survey of various artistic mediums and their relation to cinema, focusing on what distinguishes cinema as a unique art form and what it holds in common with other mediums. Paired with this, an introduction to aesthetics, beauty, and the moral responsibilities of artists from a Christian foundation. Students will develop a personal philosophy of art and aesthetics, which will be further developed in future courses.

  • CNMA 1305 Art of Storytelling

    Prerequisite(s): None

    An overview and survey of storytelling across multiple mediums, from ancient oral tradition to modern video games. This class will explore the role storytelling plays in culture and help train students in the development and presentation of stories.

  • CNMA 1307 Introduction to Media Production

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A comprehensive overview of the media production process, including an introduction to camera operation, lighting and sound equipment, general set protocols, post-production software, and workflow.

  • CNMA 1310 Media & Careers Survey

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A broad overview of the history and scope of the modern media industry and the particular opportunities and challenges within this dynamic, multi-platform landscape. This class also helps students navigate the media industries by introducing the concepts of networking and pitching.

  • CNMA 1311 Collaboration & Communication

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Collaborative mediums require individuals to come together and work efficiently as a team. This course explores communication theory and uses collaborative projects to introduce students to the various challenges they may face and helps them find the best ways to overcome those challenges as a team.

  • CNMA 1350 Faith, Culture, & the Arts

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This class explores the role of Christian artists in culture. Students will study how great Christian thinkers have thought about culture and art throughout church history and be challenged to understand their vocation as artists and media creators from a biblical perspective. Students will also develop an understanding of how to live out their faith through their work as they seek to affect the culture around them. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • FILM

  • CNMA 3120 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): Will vary depending on the specific topic

    Special topics and projects are determined based on student interest and need, faculty availability, and subject matter that would be supportive of the Cinema & New Media Arts curriculum.

  • CNMA 3145 Internship

    Prerequisite(s): Six hours of CNMA 2000 or 3000 or 4000 level coursework

    Credit is awarded for approved professional internships. Opportunities include media related work in the Houston area or summer internships in Austin, Hollywood, or other regions.

  • CNMA 3175 Media Studies

    Prerequisite(s): Will vary depending on the specific topic

    This course is programmed each semester to expose students to a broad range of cinematic styles and approaches. Classes focus on a variety of subjects (e.g., a European Film Survey, the complete works of Frank Capra, or a season of Emmy-award-winning television.)

  • CNMA 3220 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): Will vary depending on the specific topic

    Special topics and projects are determined based on student interest and need, faculty availability, and subject matter that would be supportive of the Cinema & New Media Arts curriculum.

  • CNMA 3245 Internship

    Prerequisite: 6 hrs of CNMA 2000 or 3000 or 4000 level coursework

    Credit is awarded for approved professional internships. Opportunities include media related work in the Houston area or summer internships in Austin, Hollywood, or other regions.

  • CNMA 3275 Media Studies

    Prerequisite(s): Will vary depending on the specific topic

    This course is programmed each semester to expose students to a broad range of cinematic styles and approaches. Classes focus on a variety of subjects (e.g., a European Film Survey, the complete works of Frank Capra, or a season of Emmy-award-winning television.)

  • CNMA 3301 Advanced Writing

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 2301

    Students apprentice with an experienced screenwriter who mentors them through the writing of a feature film screenplay (or equivalent). Students are also introduced to collaborative writing environments (as would be found in a television or new media production with multiple writers).

  • CNMA 3303 Advanced Directing

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 2303

    Students apprentice with an experienced director who mentors them through the direction of a short film. Students will work with the director through each stage of development and planning for their film.

  • CNMA 3305 Advanced Producing

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 2305

    Students apprentice with an experienced producer throughout pre-production of a large-scale production. Students will attend production meetings and work with the producer to assemble budgets and schedules, secure locations and permits, and prepare equipment and crews.

  • CNMA 3307 Advanced Editing

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 2312

    Students apprentice with an experienced editor who works with them on the editing of a feature film production. Students have the opportunity to edit their own scenes, as well as to collaborate with the editor and director in editorial meetings.

  • CNMA 3312 Sound/Visual Effects Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 2312

    Post-production students work with a mentor as they complete sound, visual effects, or other post-production work on a short film (or equivalent production).

  • CNMA 3315 Specialization

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor

    Programmed with specific topics each semester, this course introduces the craft of specific cinematic disciplines, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, etc. Courses will provide an overview of different mediums, styles, and approaches.

  • CNMA 3318 Acting Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 2318

    Acting students work with a mentor as they execute a performance in a short film (or equivalent production).

  • CNMA 3320 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): Will vary depending on the specific topic

    Special topics and projects are determined based on student interest and need, faculty availability, and subject matter that would be supportive of the Cinema & New Media Arts curriculum.

  • CNMA 3330 Digital Design & Portfolio

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Introduces key design principles for graphic design, web design, and app development. Students will complete multiple digital design projects, including a personal web portfolio.

  • CNMA 3335 Principles of Interactive Media

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 3330

    Through case studies and exercises, students are introduced to defining principles of interactive media, from basic game theory to user interface design. Students will develop interactive content building on these principles throughout the semester.

  • CNMA 3345 Internship

    Prerequisite(s): 6 hrs of CNMA 2000 or 3000 or 4000 level coursework

    Credit is awarded for approved professional internships. Opportunities include media related work in the Houston area or summer internships in Austin, Hollywood, or other regions.

  • CNMA 3370 History of Cinema

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A comprehensive survey of the history of cinema. Beginning with the early, silent film pioneers and exploring a wide-range of international and American filmmakers, this course walks students through the complex and multi-faceted evolution of the film medium and its universal visual grammar.

  • CNMA 3375 Media Studies

    Prerequisite(s): Will vary depending on the specific topic

    This course is programmed each semester to expose students to a broad range of cinematic styles and approaches. Classes focus on a variety of subjects (e.g., a European Film Survey, the complete works of Frank Capra, or a season of Emmy-award-winning television.)

  • CNMA 4115 Advanced Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 3315

    Programmed with specific topics each semester, this practicum provides students the opportunity to practice the craft of specific apprenticeships overseen by a faculty member.

  • CNMA 4199 Senior Portfolio

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 3330 and 24 hours of CNMA coursework

    Working with a faculty member, students complete a professional resume and portfolio featuring their best coursework and personal projects (in preparation for interviews, etc.)

  • CNMA 4215 Advanced Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 3315

    Programmed with specific topics each semester, this practicum provides students the opportunity to practice the craft of specific apprenticeships overseen by a faculty mentor.

  • CNMA 4300 Entertainment Business

    Prerequisite(s): Six credit hours of CNMA 2000 or 3000 or 4000 level coursework

    An overview of the business and legal elements that will affect students’ work, whether as independent filmmakers or in industry careers. This class also examines the changing dynamics in the digital economy and trains students in the art of pitching and presentation.

  • CNMA 4315 Advanced Practicum

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Programmed with specific topics each semester, this practicum provides students the opportunity to practice the craft of specific apprenticeships overseen by a faculty mentor.

  • CNMA 4330 Advanced Digital Design

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 3330

    Develops and applies key design principles for graphic design, web design, and app development in larger project-based assignments. Course incorporates advanced concepts including coding, analytics, and APIs.

  • CNMA 4390 Senior Project I

    Prerequisite(s): 33 credit hours of CNMA coursework

    The capstone experience for each student is a year-long final project. Developed and completed with oversight from a faculty member, these classes offer students the time and space to create a professional-quality project that can be used to kick start their artistic career after graduation.

  • CNMA 4395 Senior Project II

    Prerequisite(s): 33 credit hours of CNMA coursework

    The capstone experience for each student is a year-long final project. Developed and completed with oversight from a faculty member, these classes offer students the time and space to create a professional-quality project that can be used to kick start their artistic career after graduation.

  • CNMA 6185 Internship

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6323

    Credit is awarded for approved professional internships. Opportunities include media related work in the Houston area or summer internships in Austin, Hollywood, or other regions.

  • CNMA 6285 Internship

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6323

    Credit is awarded for approved professional internships. Opportunities include media related work in the Houston area or summer internships in Austin, Hollywood, or other regions.

  • CNMA 6310 Faith, Culture, and the Arts

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course explores the role of the Christian artist in culture. Students will study how great Christian thinkers have thought about culture and art throughout church history and be challenged to understand their vocation as artists and media creators from a biblical perspective. Students will also develop an understanding of how to live out their faith through their work as they seek to affect the culture around them. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • CNMA 6320 Topics & Genres: Filmmakers on Cinema

    Prerequisite(s): None

    These courses examine cinematic techniques for filmmakers through the lens of other cinematic artists. This course is programmed each semester to expose students to a broad range of cinematic styles and approaches. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • CNMA 6321 Cinematic Core Principles

    Prerequisite(s): None

    An overview and survey of the cinematic medium and its various forms, with an emphasis on historical foundations and developing opportunities. Includes an in-depth look at the fundamental components of the medium – writing, directing, acting, cinematography, and editing – and synthesizes these various roles so that students can experience how these components work together to create the end product. Building off of small exercises, students will produce short films in this course.

  • CNMA 6322 Art of Storytelling

    Prerequisite(s): None

    An overview and survey of storytelling across multiple mediums, from ancient oral tradition to modern media. This class will explore the role storytelling plays in culture and help prepare students in the development, presentation, and pitching of stories.

  • CNMA 6323 Media Industry & Business

    Prerequisite(s) None

    An overview of the business and legal elements that will affect students’ work, whether as independent filmmakers or in industry careers. This class also examines the changing dynamics in the digital economy and trains students in the art of pitching and presentation.

  • CNMA 6331 Screenwriting Workshop

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A writing workshop in which students will create and revise original screenplays. Over the course of the semester students will learn to critically assess their own work as well as the work of their peers. CNMA 6331 is an introduction to the screenwriting workshop.

  • CNMA 6332 Screenwriting Workshop II

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6331

    A writing workshop in which students will create and revise original screenplays. Over the course of the semester students will learn to critically assess their own work as well as the work of their peers. CNMA 6332 builds upon the experience and skills acquired in CNMA 6331.

  • CNMA 6333 Screenwriting Workshop III

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6332

    A writing workshop in which students will create and revise original screenplays. Over the course of the semester students will learn to critically assess their own work as well as the work of their peers. CNMA 6333 builds upon the experience and skills acquired in CNMA 6331 and 6332.

  • CNMA 6334 Screenwriting Workshop II

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6333

    A writing workshop in which students will create and revise original screenplays. Over the course of the semester students will learn to critically assess their own work as well as the work of their peers. CNMA 6334 builds upon the experience and skills acquired in CNMA 6331, 6332, and 6333.

  • CNMA 6380 Special Topics

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Special topics and projects are determined based on student interest and need, faculty availability, and subject matter that would be supportive of the Cinema & New Media Arts curriculum. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • CNMA 6385 Internship

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6323

    Credit is awarded for approved professional internships. Opportunities include media related work in the Houston area or summer internships in Austin, Hollywood, or other regions.

  • CNMA 6391 Thesis Project I

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6390

    Under the direction of a faculty mentor, students will write or produce a faculty-approved cinematic thesis.

  • CNMA 6392 Thesis Project II

    Prerequisite(s): CNMA 6390

    Under the direction of a faculty mentor, students will write or produce a faculty-approved cinematic thesis.