Film and Video - Senior Thesis/Project
The Senior Thesis/Project Seminar class (FVP 498) is limited to students with a Senior standing and permission of instructor. Students must complete a proposal and detailed timeline (see specifics below) and submit it to the instructor prior to registration. A permit is required for registration.
All work will go through proposal (including a timeline), draft and revision process. All work will have self-critique as well as peer and instructor critique.
The seminar is limited to 15 students per semester. Permission of instructor required. No incompletes will be given.
Course Objectives
- develop a thesis paper, script, film or video project that demonstrates depth and sophistication
- develop planning and implementation skills
- develop skills in critiquing production and written work and works-in-progress
- to consider current ethical issues facing our fields
- to develop networking opportunities with professionals in the chosen area of emphasis
- to develop interviewing and other related employment seeking skills
Credit Load/Sections
In the registration system, you will see multiple sections available. There is only one class, one meeting time & day. All "sections" meet together. The sections indicate the credit load you choose. A student may register for 1-6 credits. A credit load has multiple factors.
- Writing/directing a 12-minute short film (fiction or nonfiction) qualifies for up to 6 credits (you may register for less, but if you are in need of 6 credits to fill a gap or to graduate, a project of this size qualifies)
- Cinematography, producing, production design, sound on a film qualifies for up to 3 credits.
- Writing a thesis essay or 30-page script qualifies for up to 3 credits.
- The instructor of record will help determine and clarify if your project qualifies for up to either 3 or 6 credits.
- Once accepted, the instructor will send instructions on how to submit an OVERRIDE REQUEST and provide registration information as to the proper section number.
Project/Thesis Parameters
Individual Projects
Individual projects must adhere to the following length parameters:
- Video or Film projects: Maximum of 12 minutes in length, must screen in end-of-semester showcase
- Animation: Maximum of 5 minutes in Length - must screen in end-of-semester showcase
- Script: Maximum 30 pages in length and must be a complete script
- Thesis (essay, academic paper, media criticism/analysis): 20-25 pages in length
- New Media (Website, projection mapping, interactive video, etc.): approved by instructor- must display at end-of-semester showcase
Collaborative Projects
Collaborative projects are possible. Consult with the instructor in advance if you are interested in proposing a collaborative senior project.
Preparing the Proposal
COVER PAGE
- Your name
- G#
- Email Address
- Type of Project (Fiction, Nonfiction, Documentary Film, Animation, Thesis Paper, Screenplay, New Media Project)
- Project Length (See parameters listed above)
NEXT PAGE
Fiction & Nonfiction Productions:
- Description Describe the project as clearly as possible. This may include a premise, treatment, working thesis statement, etc.)
- Timeline Create a timeline with all phases of production. (i.e.: Pre-production may include writing the screenplay, having table reads, auditions, etc.) The timeline should include all important steps and their proposed completion dates within the Winter semester.
- Budget Develop a proposed budget that includes all expected costs, including craft services, travel expenses, rental fees, sound/music purchases, etc.
Scripts:
- Logline Provide the protagonist, goal, and major obstacle in one sentence.
- Synopsis A one-two paragraph summary of the major events of the story.
- Treatment A one page detailing of the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
- Character Bios A psychological analysis of at least two major characters, including backstory, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Thesis Essays:
- Treatment A one-page proposal for your argument or declaration, including rationale.
SUBMIT THE PROPOSAL FOR APPROVAL
Compress the PDF application documents and save as "LastName_FirstName_Thesis_Fall/Winter_Year".
Email the proposal as an attachment to the instructor for Senior Projects/Thesis.
The instructor will verify that it has been received and may request revisions or offer suggestions for a stronger proposal. This may be done through email or the instructor or you can request an in-person meeting to discuss the proposal in more detail.
Once the instructor as approved the proposal, a permit will be placed online so you can register. The permit can be from one to six credits. You will want to discuss the number of credits you should register for with your academic advisor and/or the Senior Thesis/Project instructor.
To register, you will place the correct CRN # in the box at the bottom of the ADD/DROP page under REGISTRATION in Banner.
Questions
The submission window for the Senior Thesis/Project proposals for the FALL 2025 semester is March 25 through April 24, 2025. The window for proposals for the WINTER 2026 semester is August 28 through September 29, 2025.
The instructor for Fall 2025 Senior Thesis/Projects is Professor Shane McSauby.
The instructor the Winter 2026 Senior Thesis/Projects is Professor Joel Potrykus.
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