COML 1104

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - October 29, 2025 7:08PM EDT

COML 1104
FWS: Reading Films

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

We live in an image-saturated world. How do we make sense of the moving image and its powerful roles in shaping culture and mediating our relationship with the world? This course will equip students with the tools to understand and decipher film language. It introduces and interrogates the basic notions, technologies, terminologies, and theories of film analysis. We will study visual and compositional elements, like mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound. Films we discuss will include different geographies, genres, major directors, schools, and film movements. Through writing, students will learn to analyze films with accurate, medium-specific vocabulary, develop informed and nuanced arguments, and critically reflect on the position of the viewer.


Distribution Requirements (WRT-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2025SP, 2024FA, 2024SP

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi:

  •   FWS Session. 

  • 3 Credits Graded

  • 20519 COML 1104   SEM 101

  •  
    • MW
    • Aug 25 - Dec 8, 2025

    • Zhang, X

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

    For more information about First-Year Writing Seminars, see the Knight Institute website at http://knight.as.cornell.edu/.