Each day we are confronted with a myriad of images on a wide variety of screens. We tend to think that these images operate in a straightforward manner rather than considering the way in which we—often automatically—decode those images. That is to say, when we are confronted with an image, we rarely take the time to examine either the intention of that image or its connotations. However, in order to do so, we need a common language that we might use to discuss these images. Put simply, the goal of this class is to help you learn to interpret and converse about images. By examining the complex stylistic and structural aspects of cinema and television, you will begin to develop a critical eye and an adequate vocabulary for art forms that are typically dismissed under the guise of pure entertainment.