Concepts & Philosophy

These courses will help you lay the foundation for creating and appreciating fine movies.

1. Studying the Arts and Humanities: Follow this course to get an introduction to the arts and humanities through a series of exercises. [The Open University]
2. Philosophy of Film: This course offers a philosophical analysis of film art. [MIT]
3. Feeling and Imagination in Art, Science, and Technology: Follow this seminary on creativity to learn about the development process and more. [MIT]
4. Philosophy in Film and Other Media: This course will teach you about thematic issues of philosophical importance. [MIT]
5. Introduction to Art History: Follow this course to see art throughout history and how it has developed and functioned. [University of Utah]
6. Shakespeare, Film and Media: This course takes a look at the history and use of Shakespeare on film. [MIT]
7. Art of Color: Understand the way colors work through this course that discusses color history, interactions, and psychology. [MIT]
8. Introduction to the Visual Arts: This class explores video, sculpture, and public spaces in visual arts, offering a look at visual langage and concepts in artistic practice. [MIT]
9. Introduction to Media Studies: Become a more literate and critical consumer and producer of media culture through this course. [MIT]
10. Philosophy of Art & Aesthetics: Learn about the thinking behind making things beautiful. [Minnesota State University]
11. Art and Understanding: Follow this seminar to get answers to the question, "what is art?" [Columbia]
12. Making sense of the arts: With this overview course, you’ll get an introduction to life as an artist. [The Open University]
13. BSAD Foundations in the Visual Arts: Learn about visual art and artistic development in this course. [MIT]

Personal Development

Check out these college courses that will help you better develop yourself as a filmmaker.

14. Pathway to Dreams: Use this course to establish your goals, direction, and voice as an artist. [Connexions]
15. Projects in the Visual Arts: Personal Narrative: This course requires you to complete video exercises and screenings to develop your skills and art. [MIT]
16. Interrogative Design Workshop: In this workshop, you’ll learn how to be a fearless speaker in your art. [MIT]
17. Creativity and Mental Illness: Professor Raj Persaud discusses the popular occurance of both psychological dysfunction and extreme ability in the arts. [Gresham College]

Evaluation

With these courses, you’ll learn the essentials for movie criticism.

18. Expository Writing: Social and Ethical Issues in Print, Photography, and Film: If you’re interested in becoming a movie critic, this course is a great place to start. [MIT]
19. The Origins of Modern Criticism: Follow this e-seminar to learn about reviews of films and other media as they relate to democratic culture. [Columbia]

Storytelling

Learn about your voice as a storyteller through these courses.

20. Comedy: This course offers a look at comedy in different media from a variety of authors and creators. [MIT]
21. Film as Visual and Literary Mythmaking: Follow this course to learn how film and literature can create myths. [MIT]
22. Forms of Western Narrative: Learn about Western storytelling in various media through this course. [MIT]

Cinema

These courses will help you get a better understanding of cinema.

23. Special Topics in Cinematic Storytelling: In this seminar, you’ll see a variety of approaches to cinematic storytelling. [MIT]
24. The Film Experience: Check out this course to get an introduction to narrative film. [MIT]
25. Studies in Film: In this course, you’ll find an investigation of the relationship between film and literature. [MIT]
26. Topics in the Avant-Garde in Literature and Cinema: Follow this course to get an understanding of the avant-garde. [MIT]
27. A Conversation with Filmmaker Mira Nair: Watch these videos of Mira Nair to learn about creating films, and the concepts behind them. [Harvard]

Creation & Video Production

Learn the important details and concepts behind actually creating films.

28. Documenting Culture: Understand the how and why of capturing everyday life on film by studying this course. [MIT]
29. Media Art: In this course, you’ll learn about time-based art practices, and gain production experience. [Capilano University]
30. Introduction to Video: In this course, you’ll learn about video by completing assignments that will teach you about video capture and editing. [MIT]
31. Digital Video: An Introduction: Follow this e-seminar with filmmaker Michael Rubin to create a personal video project. [Columbia]
32. Introduction to Photography and Related Media: In this course, you’ll get instruction on the fundamentals of photography, artistic exploration, techniques, and more. [MIT]
33. Holographic Imaging: Check out this lab course to learn the ins and outs of holography. [MIT]
34. Blender 3D Design: Follow this course to get an understanding of how to use Blender software to create 3-D objects, animation, and more. [Tufts]
35. Media Art II: This course is a continuation of Capilano’s Media Art, offering experience in imaging, public art, and more. [Capilano University]
36. Producing Films for Social Change: Get a good look into the creative and production process behind films that spark social change and discourse. [Tufts University]
37. Environmental Sustainability: Perspectives on the World: This e-seminar with Oscar-winning director Milos Forman will provide you with education on scriptwriting, casting, and more. [Columbia]

Design

Follow these courses to learn about scenery and design.

38. Design for the Theater: Scenery: Learn more about scenic designs in theory, history, and current practice. [MIT]
39. Symmetry: Follow this course to learn more about concepts in symmetry, including group theory, axioms, and the four properties. [The Open University]

Industry & Culture

With these courses, you’ll gain a better understanding of the culture and industry of movies.

40. Introduction to Spanish Culture: Examine Spanish culture in this course through the country’s art, literature, film, and more. [MIT]
41. Do Movies Have a Future?: Take a look into the future of the film industry through this lecture. [Princeton]
42. German Culture, Media, and Society: Explore the culture of Germany through the country’s short films and radio plays, as well as learn about trends and topics in media including film. [MIT]
43. Media in Cultural Context: Consider the international trade of video and television with this course. [MIT]
44. Experiences in Interactive Art: Learn about interactive digital art, and creating a conversation with your audience. [MIT]
45. Topics in Indian Popular Culture: In this course, you’ll learn about Bombay cinema, "masala movies," and more. [MIT]
46. Modern Art and Mass Culture: Get an introduction to modern art in this course. [MIT]
47. Introduction to Anthropology: Through this course, you’ll gain an understanding of cultural anthropology. [MIT]
48. Japanese Literature and Cinema: Learn more about the culture and films of Japan through this course. [MIT]
49. Visualizing Cultures: This course will ask you to look at and create graphics from different cultures. [MIT]
50. Studio Seminar in Public Art: Check out this course to learn more about creating projects for public spaces. [MIT]