SiLA Spring 2025 Course Offerings
Please note that there will be no Spring Break this semester! Instead, you'll engage in 14 consecutive weeks of immersive learning, which will give you time to return to Chicago for Commencement. 🎓
Important Note on Classroom Capacity: Based on the college’s recommendations, the SiLA classroom can accommodate 15 students per class. When registering, please keep in mind that if a class is full, you will be encouraged to select a different class or section.
Below is a calendar view of the Spring 2025 Course Offerings:
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPRING 2025 SCHEDULE
Course descriptions for the Spring 2025 course offerings are provided below. SiLA students should enroll in the three required classes and at least one elective listed below:
Required Courses:
- COLL 232: Internship (3 credits) This course allows students to earn academic credit for qualifying internships related to their field of study. Students will have the opportunity to meet with the instructor and the SiLA Internship Coordinator for guidance on their internship experience, helping them align their objectives with professional goals. The course focuses on enhancing comfort in professional L.A. environments, expanding networking opportunities, and improving interpersonal and communication skills.
- Los Angeles Speakers Series - CINE 362 (3 credits) In the Los Angeles Speakers Series, you’ll gain exclusive access to influential figures who are shaping the entertainment industry on topics across the entertainment spectrum. This required course provides a unique opportunity to engage with industry movers and shakers in an intimate setting, where they will share their personal journeys to success and valuable insights into their work. Listening to these leaders is the first step in mastering the language of Hollywood and gaining a competitive edge in your career. As you transition from Chicago to L.A., you’ll not only acquire invaluable knowledge but also have the chance to ask questions and refine your networking skills, setting the stage for your future success in the industry. (This course is designed for the entire SiLA cohort and will take place at a TBD location big enough to accommodate all SiLA students.)
- LA Career Development – MEDI 335 (3 credits) This dynamic course provides an engaging introduction to career development and job-hunting techniques tailored specifically for students in film and other creative fields. Students will discover strategies to effectively navigate the job market, explore the latest industry trends, and gain insights into their unique strengths and skills to craft a personalized path from student to successful professional. Each section highlights essential principles of career growth, universally relevant across creative disciplines and open to all students. Each section can only accommodate 15 students.
- **ADVANCED TOPICS IN MEDIA STUDIES - CAREERS IN POST PRODUCTION (3 credits) MEDI 382A. Instructor: Troy Takaki. Students with post-production interests may enroll in this course – as a required course - to replace LA Career Development – MEDI 335 (3 credits). The course explores Post Production career pathways from DIT to delivery with an emphasis on navigating the current L.A. industry.
Electives:
Choose at least one of the following electives:
Elective Option #1:
Pitching Hollywood: Los Angeles
CINE 409 – 3 credits
The ability to effectively present ideas is a crucial skill for a successful career in the entertainment industry. This elective course will delve into the art of "selling a pitch" to studios, networks, and streamers, empowering students to pitch themselves as collaborators or present concepts for their creative projects. Through a combination of practical exercises and tried-and-true techniques, students will learn how to articulate their creative ideas compellingly to ensure they resonate with their audience. Participants will engage in repeated pitching exercises of varying types and lengths, honing their presentation skills in front of peers and industry professionals. This course is designed to help students, regardless of their discipline, make their creative visions land powerfully and effectively.
Elective Option #2:
Digital Entertainment Strategy & Marketing
MEDI 382A – 3 credits
At Columbia College Chicago, we know that every creative project—whether it’s a film, TV show, music album, or visual art—deserves an audience. This course is crafted for students from all creative backgrounds, providing you with the essential tools to navigate the vibrant entertainment marketing landscape of Los Angeles.
You’ll dive into the essentials of local marketing and branding, learning how to showcase your unique artistic vision and engage with your audience effectively. In today’s digital world, mastering online marketing is vital. This course will cover crucial topics such as digital strategy, content creation, publicity, influencer partnerships, and social media management. You’ll also gain insights into practical elements like platform algorithms, legal considerations, analytics, and how new tech like AI is changing marketing, empowering you to make smart business choices that elevate your creative work. Join us to learn how to effectively market yourself and your content as you connect with your target audience in the heart of L.A.!
Elective Option #3:
Advanced Topics in Media Studies - Negotiations for Film and Television
MEDI 382B – 3 credits
Do you believe that negotiation is just about bluff and bravado? Think again. While lawyers often handle written contracts, it is crucial for content creators and creative professionals to grasp the fundamental agreements necessary for successfully leveraging their entertainment projects and themselves. Led by the former Executive Director of the Producer’s Guild, this elective class offers an in-depth exploration of the art of negotiation in the entertainment industry. Students, regardless of their discipline, will actively participate in various practical negotiation scenarios, honing their skills and understanding how to advocate effectively for their creative work.
Elective Option #4:
TV Writing - Comedy
TELE 487 – 3 credits
In this course, you will critically analyze various half-hour situation comedies currently in production while simultaneously crafting your own original half-hour comedy spec script. (The catalog course description is as follows: This course enables students to analyze a variety of comedies currently in production. A variety of speakers from the industry will illuminate the shows, describing how they were developed, written, and produced.)
Faculty profiles available here