Course Info

SCWR 121: Classic Hollywood Film Structure

Critical analysis of successful Hollywood films and their narrative structures. Films of multiple genres and eras by creators with a diverse and intersectional range of identities will be examined. Students will learn how to recognize classical three-act structure in finished films and scripts. Students will develop a cinematic language with which to discuss films as well as a toolbox of techniques to use when making films. Key story concepts to be discussed include: protagonist, antagonist, want versus need, elements of the future, poetic justice, planting and payoff, catalyst, climax, and Aristotelian terminology.

Fall 2025-2026

  • Section: 101
  • Class number: 13055
  • Meeting time: Th 1:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Location: STDCT R0330 at Lincoln Park Campus
  • Instructor: Lisa Buscani | View syllabus

Spring 2024-2025

  • Section: 601
  • Class number: 32752
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: CDM 00708 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Jef Burnham | View syllabus

Winter 2024-2025

  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 22613
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: LEWIS 01007 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Lisa Buscani | View syllabus

Fall 2024-2025

  • Section: 101
  • Class number: 14780
  • Meeting time: Th 1:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Location: STDCT R0330 at Lincoln Park Campus
  • Instructor: Lisa Buscani | View syllabus

Spring 2023-2024

  • Section: 601
  • Class number: 32681
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00802 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Daniel Kravitz | View syllabus

Winter 2023-2024

  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 22572
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: LEWIS 01007 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Jeff Griggs | View syllabus

Fall 2023-2024

  • Section: 101
  • Class number: 13161
  • Meeting time: Th 1:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Location: STDCT R0330 at Lincoln Park Campus
  • Instructor: Olivia Lilley
  • Section: 110
  • Class number: 13162
  • Meeting time: -
  • Location: Online: Async
  • Instructor: Olivia Lilley
    • CLOSED

Spring 2022-2023

  • Section: 601
  • Class number: 39739
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00211 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Ilisa Aaron | View syllabus

Winter 2022-2023

  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 28391
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00802 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Lisa Buscani | View syllabus

Fall 2022-2023

  • Section: 101
  • Class number: 18813
  • Meeting time: Th 1:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Location: STDCT R0330 at Lincoln Park Campus
  • Instructor: Lisa Buscani | View syllabus

Spring 2021-2022

  • Section: 601
  • Class number: 37114
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: CDM 00708 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Jef Burnham | View syllabus
  • Section: 901
  • Class number: 37139
  • Meeting time: M 5:45PM - 9:00PM
  • Location: 14EAS LL105 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Lee Madsen | View syllabus
  • Section: 910
  • Class number: 37090
  • Meeting time: -
  • Location: Online: Async
  • Instructor: Lee Madsen | View syllabus
    • CLOSED

Winter 2021-2022

  • Section: 501
  • Class number: 20469
  • Meeting time: Tu 1:30PM - 4:45PM
  • Location: 14EAS 00802 at Loop Campus
  • Instructor: Lee Madsen | View syllabus
  • Section: 510
  • Class number: 20470
  • Meeting time: -
  • Location: Online: Async
  • Instructor: Lee Madsen | View syllabus
    • CLOSED

Fall 2021-2022

  • Section: 101
  • Class number: 4433
  • Meeting time: Th 1:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Location: STDCT R0330 at Lincoln Park Campus
  • Instructor: Benjamin Kumming | View syllabus