I would highly not recommend this class for anyone. It is a huge waste of time, you won't learn anything you will use later in life, and the midterm is stupidly long for a film course. The final paper is only 6-7pgs. but you will need to use 2 in class readings and 2 outside scholarly sources, you will have to put in too much work for a class that won't prepare you for much, if anything. Don't have a problem with the Professor, just have a problem with the class.

You'd have a better chance taking the SAT blindfolded and having a fork as a writing utensil than passing one of Professor Caldwell's exams. Not to mention, there are three of them, each worse than the last.

Is this course interesting? Sure.
Is Professor Caldwell knowledgeable? Of course.
Is there proper power points, lectures, discussions that improve student's knowledge in order to pass the exams? Nope.

In my opinion, this course is terrible because of the his unorganized lectures, and over organized exams.

Even some of the TA's agree. Although, only one or two of them don't grade as harsh as the rest.

Prof. Vianello is a fabulous teacher. he's passionate about the subject and knows everything. He's also open to other ideas and opinions. He discusses the financial aspect of tv more than I had expected but we watch a ton of shows which makes every class session enjoyable. I highly recommend him. It's helpful if you do know a bit of film/tv background before taking this class otherwise there is a lot of info for you to memorize. The trick to passing the class is to get a great TA! The readings are interesting for the first 4 weeks or so but then the material is just a review of class so it's a bit boring. The exams are so easy, midterm was 50 multiple choice and the final was 20 multiple choice and a 5 point textual analysis.