Downloadable Syllabus

Complete, downloadable Syllabus in PDF Format, Spring 2026:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.commons.gc.cuny.edu/wp-content/blogs.dir/48971/files/2026/01/FILM-3702_SP26-OER-ZTC-Syllabus-2.pdf.

This document contains Course Information and policies, course schedule, and course bibliography.

Course Information from Syllabus

Course Information from Syllabus without the course bibliography and Schedule.

Course Information 

Course Description

In this course, you will learn advanced principles and techniques in the craft of Editing. We will

explore a wide range of post-production techniques focusing on the picture and sound edit for short narrative filmmaking. Professional editing skills will be developed, including digital cinema workflows, picture and sound editing and color correction using Avid Media Composer, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.

There will be an emphasis on current industry practices and the role of the assistant editor. Class time will be divided between screenings of a variety of films by acclaimed editors; hands-on technical demonstrations and in-class lessons; and critique of student work.

Course Objectives

• To gain an advanced working knowledge of aesthetics and techniques of film editing;

• To gain proficiency in current editing standards, software and practices;

• To encourage positive collaboration and emphasis on the interconnection of editing with script, direction, producing, cinematography, and sound.

Expected Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course students should be able to:

• Be proficient in editorial techniques, workflows, and principles of storytelling

• Complete editing exercises across multiple forms (narrative, documentary and more)

• Critically discuss editorial choices and the work of outstanding editors

• Collaborate effectively with peers by offering and receiving feedback

Class Format

Our regular weekly meetings will follow this or similar format. This format is subject to change based on course learning needs.

• 9:30—9:40: Attendance
• 9:40—10:30: Screening and Discussion
  • Discussion Session is where we discuss assigned films and readings. We also workshop student cuts in progress and offer critique on completed work.

• 10: 30-10:40: 10min Break
• 10:40—12:00: Lab and Workshop
  • In Lab Sessions, the instructor will give demos and students will work on assigned lessons and exercises using provided media and editing software on their home computers. Screenshots will be shared at the end of the session to demonstrate student progress to the instructor. NOTE: In Presentation Sessions students make their Feature Editor presentations in pairs.
• 12:00-12:10: 10min Break
• 12:10—12:40: Feedback on student work
• 12:40—1:10: Final Questions / Class adjourns     

A Note on Technology Support

If you are having trouble accessing a reliable computer with editing software, please reach out to me directly and I will help connect you with available resources. Your health and safety are more important than deadlines. As circumstances are continuously changing, I will be flexible, but please do your best to stay in communication about any delays.

Course Evaluation Factors

• Participation: 20% (In-class Discussion and course related communication)
• Lab Work: 20% (Editing exercises)
• Editing assignments: 60% (Independent work with original or provided footage)
  • Opening sequence (25%)
  • Dialogue scene (35%)

Grading

A minimum of 3-5 hours per week of work outside of class is required to successfully complete this class — in most cases, considerably more time is needed.

• An A grade goes to work that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the craft and concepts involved.  Most importantly, it is creative, inspired, and engaging.
• A B reflects a strong technical grasp and above average work.
• A C grade indicates that work is satisfactory and meets basic requirements.
• A late assignment will be deducted one letter grade immediately.
• No assignment will be accepted more than a week late without prior communication with the professor.

Letter grades

Letter grades will be used for all final grades but assignments will be graded out of 100 points. The conversion between number grade and letter grade is made based on this CUNY conversion table: 65-67=D+, 68-70=C-, 71-74=C, 75-77=C+, 78-80=B-, 81-84=B, 85-87=B+, 88-90=A-, 91-94=A, 95-100=A+.

Required Resources

Course Resources

• Our Course Website: https://film3702.commons.gc.cuny.edu , will contain links to all readings and resources, as well as the syllabus, schedule, and the course bibliography.
• Brightspace will be used to share course materials and send announcements about course related information. Grades posted on Brightspace and CunyFirst.
• Adobe account: Sign in with your @login.cuny.edu credentials
• Access to Student Media Server will be used to share large media files as needed

Logging in to Brooklyn College Library Resources:

Many of the readings for this course require logging in to Brooklyn College Library with your CUNY credentials.

Here is a link to a guide on getting logged in to BC Library resources:

BC Remote access: https://libguides.brooklyn.cuny.edu/accounts/remoteaccess

Required Course Materials

• External hard drive dedicated to film dept. work (1-2TB)
• Headphones
• Editor’s notebook / Legal pad and pen

CUNY Resources

Immigrant Student Support

I support the rights of undocumented students to an education. If you have any concerns in that regard, feel free to discuss them with me, and I will respect your wishes concerning confidentiality. For resources and support, please visit Brooklyn College’s Immigrant Student Support Office, 117 Roosevelt Hall, email: [email protected]. Website for Immigrant Student Success Office:

ISSO website: https://www.brooklyn.edu/dosa/student-support-services/isso/

Student Support Services

Please visit the BC student Support Services site: https://www.brooklyn.edu/dosa/student-support-services/ for links to the many services Brooklyn College provides, from Food Pantry to LGBTQ+ Resource Center, to Personal Counseling.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is mandatory
• Film department policy requires a grade of F if there are more than 2 unexcused absences.
• Lateness is considered part of an absence. Each unexcused lateness will be marked as a partial absence.
• Please keep in mind that completing assignments for other courses or working on a film production is never a valid excuse for an absence or inattention during class.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading"Device Use

Cell phones must be silent during class. Points will be deducted from your attendance and participation grade if your phone rings, or if I notice your phone distracting you or others during class time. This also includes checking social media, texting, checking email or any other online activity while attending class. This also includes use of the computer workstations during class lectures, labs and workshops.

Accessibility

It is important to me that the course be accessible to all students. In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students must first be registered with the Center for Student Disability Services. Students who have a documented disability or suspect they may have a disability are invited to set up an appointment with the Director of the Center for Student Disability Services, Ms. Valerie Stewart-Lovell at 718-951-5538. If you have already registered with the Center for Student Disability Services please provide me with the course accommodation form so we may discuss your specific accommodation.

Course Code of Conduct

In this course students are expected to challenge themselves and take creative risks. In order to create a classroom experience where all students feel they can express their ideas and tell their stories to their fullest abilities, this class supports a learning environment that is anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, anti-transphobic, anti-colonial and anti-classist. Students and faculty are expected to observe these ideals in the work that they create in the course and during group discussions and workshops.