Advanced Topics

This section contains four optional paths you can follow after finishing the Core (or at least the first four sections of the Core). You do not need to do all of them.

• A. Production and Filmmaking – for people who want to learn how to make films and videos
• B. Theory and Criticism – for those who love deep analysis, writing reviews, and theoretical ideas
• C. Media and Society – for people interested in media industries, politics, policy, and global impact
• D. Digital and New Media – for those drawn to platforms, algorithms, internet culture, and emerging technologies

A. Production and Filmmaking

• Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics — Rabiger & Hurbis-Cherrier (Amazon; preview available)
• Screenplay — Syd Field (Archive.org)

B. Theory and Criticism

• Better Living Through Criticism — A. O. Scott (Archive.org)
• Semiotics and Communication — Chandler (open web text; Daniel Chandler's semiotic guide)

C. Media and Society

• Global Entertainment and Media Industries — Hesmondhalgh (Amazon; related to author's broader work)
• Custodians of the Internet — Tarleton Gillespie (open chapters/excerpts via author's site)

D. Digital and New Media

• Understanding Digital Culture — Vincent Miller (Archive.org)
• MIT OCW – Platform Studies and Algorithmic Media (related digital media and platform theory)