Film Appreciation is a study of cinema and major motion picture directors, their most influential and interesting movies, and the development of the film director's art. The course examines the evolution of directorial style and the techniques of filmmakers from the silent era (i.e. Buster Keaton) to contemporary times (i.e. Sofia Coppola). Creative approaches to the cinematic medium are explored in depth, and students will gain a basic understanding of film grammar. Traditional film genres and styles, including musicals, gangster films, westerns, screwball comedies, science fiction, and film noir, will be viewed and discussed.