Course Info

FILM 490: Advanced Topics in Cinema

This class will be an in-depth examination of a filmmaker, film genre, or film movement that has had a significant influence on the development of cinematic storytelling and expression. Through lectures, screenings, readings, discussions, and critical writing assignments, students will analyze the distinctive traits of the selected topic within the broader context of cinema history and culture. Specific topics will be selected by the instructor and will vary with each quarter.

This course is repeatable.

Spring 2024-2025

  • Section: 901
  • Class number: 36275
  • Meeting time: M 5:00PM - 8:15PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00210 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Liliane Calfee | View syllabus

Winter 2024-2025

  • Topic: The Heist Film
  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 22499
  • Meeting time: Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: CDM 00708 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Eric Marsh | View syllabus
  • Topic: The Heist Film
  • Section: 510
  • Class number: 22553
  • Meeting time: -
  • Location: Online: Async
  • Instructor: Eric Marsh | View syllabus

Winter 2023-2024

  • Topic: Black Film Studies
  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 22421
  • Meeting time: Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: CDM 00708 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Raphael Nash | View syllabus
  • Topic: Black Film Studies
  • Section: 510
  • Class number: 22491
  • Meeting time: -
  • Location: Online: Async
  • Instructor: Raphael Nash | View syllabus
  • Topic: AI Art Tools for Film, Animation, and Theatre
  • Section: 801
  • Class number: 22476
  • Meeting time: Tu 5:45PM - 9:00PM
  • Location: CDM 00536 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Scott Roberts | View syllabus

Spring 2022-2023

  • Section: 601
  • Class number: 43299
  • Meeting time: TuTh 1:30PM - 3:00PM
  • Location: CDM 00216 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Jose Soto | View syllabus
  • Topic: A Documentary Filmmaker's Journey
  • Section: 602
  • Class number: 43474
  • Meeting time: W 10:00AM - 1:15PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00214 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Steven James
    • CLOSED
  • Topic: Psychedelic Cinema of the '60s Counterculture
  • Section: 901
  • Class number: 40456
  • Meeting time: W 5:45PM - 9:00PM
  • Location: 14EAS LL105 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Robert Puccinelli | View syllabus

Winter 2022-2023

  • Topic: The Heist Film
  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 28981
  • Meeting time: Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: CDM 00708 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Eric Marsh | View syllabus
  • Topic: Showrunning
  • Section: 502
  • Class number: 31663
  • Meeting time: Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00209 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Jose Soto | View syllabus
  • Topic: The Heist Film
  • Section: 510
  • Class number: 31384
  • Meeting time: -
  • Location: Online: Async
  • Instructor: Eric Marsh | View syllabus

Section 801

Class number 30653
  • Topic: Lighting -Black, Indigenous, People of Color
  • Meeting dates: 1/2/2023 - 3/19/2023
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P021B at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Estrella Vargas | View syllabus
  • Topic: Lighting -Black, Indigenous, People of Color
  • Meeting dates: 1/2/2023 - 3/19/2023
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0101 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Estrella Vargas | View syllabus


  • Topic: AI Art Tools for Film, Animation, and Theatre
  • Section: 802
  • Class number: 30980
  • Meeting time: M 5:45PM - 9:00PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00506 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Scott Roberts | View syllabus

Spring 2021-2022

  • Topic: Psychedelic Cinema of the '60s Counterculture
  • Section: 901
  • Class number: 42450
  • Meeting time: W 5:45PM - 9:00PM
  • Location: 14EAS LL105 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Robert Puccinelli | View syllabus

Winter 2021-2022

  • Topic: The Heist Film
  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 28686
  • Meeting time: Th 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: CDM 00708 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Eric Marsh | View syllabus