0 or 3 credits
Fall 2026 Lecture Laboratory Upper Division
This course explores how audiences find value in films that are often dismissed as "bad" or low quality. We will look at movies that were shown at drive-ins, released straight to video, or sometimes never released at all. Together, we will analyze ideas like "camp", the connection between film budgets and perceived quality, and how audiences turn failures into cult classics. This course asks you to go beyond simple entertainment and consider how meaning and enjoyment can emerge from even the most unconventional films.
Learning Outcomes1Identify various technical elements present in films and video content. For example: shot compositions, editing patterns, etc.
2Apply creative thinking and technical skills to produce video content.
3Analyze the story content of films to recognize narrative beats, patterns, and structure that is relevant to audience engagement.
4Evaluate films critically from a variety of audience and other perspectives.
made by Purdue students.