Fossil Ridge High School – Film Studies: Introduction to Film Analysis

Apr 2026 · 2nd Semester

The focus of the course will be the academic study of film. The goal is for students to become active, analytical viewers of film. To this end, students will be exposed to the elements of narrative filmmaking as well as an overview of the history of film with an emphasis on cinematic classics. Students will read extensively on film craft, history and criticism. Students will also read and analyze a novel that has been adapted for the screen with the purpose of comparing and contrasting the narrative techniques of the different mediums. Students will write in a variety of compositional modes including but not limited to: analytical/interpretive, compare/contrast, research/argumentation, critical reviews, etc. Visual media has become pervasive in American society and there is a need to instruct our students to become critical, discerning viewers of the powerful medium. At FRHS: Students will NOT be reading and analyzing a novel adapted for the screen.