Curriculum

Courses can be a mixture of Industry related internships and courses students can use to complete their degree. Students can earn from 9 to 12 credits while participating in Rider’s Los Angeles internship program. Depending on the number of CO-OP credits registered for, students will be expected to devote between 25 and 35 hours a week to their internships. Classes are scheduled in the evening and students can easily schedule their internships around classes. Participants in the program must be full-time students enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits.

Students must register for the following courses:

• FTV 395 The L.A. Media Experience
• FTV 399 The Co-op Experience (Internship) (9-12 credits)

Students will take from 12-15 credits and must be full-time students to participate.

FTV 395  LA Media Experience

3 credits

This course is a practical exploration of the workings of the contemporary film and media industries in Los Angeles, California, and is designed as a required compliment for students enrolled in Rider’s Semester in Los Angeles program. Focused on both major studios and independent production companies, this course explores how media are created, distributed and consumed in the U.S. and around the world. Students will examine the role of creativity, economics, an ever-evolving technology and the impact they have on how this industry operates today and where it may be heading into the future. The class will stay current by regularly reading trade publications and, through guest lectures, have many opportunities to hear directly from industry professionals about issues and challenges facing the field. Prerequisite(s): POI (restricted to students enrolled in the Department of Film & Television’s Semester in Los Angeles program.)

Students will keep a journal of their experiences in L.A. Entries in these journals will serve as the basis for further discussion.

As a final assignment, students will present a cohesive overview of how their experiences in L.A. shaped, shifted or changed their ideas about the industry and what specifically has added to their knowledge base in terms of skills obtained, professional associations, networking groups, leveraging social media for professional gain, etc. Students will have the option of writing a paper or creating a short video.

The Internship Experience in L.A.

9-12 credits

The internship component of the program is key to the L.A. experience by providing an ideal opportunity for learning about the entertainment industry in a focused and experiential manner. Just as important, internships provide students with an invaluable opportunity for networking and building professional relationships. Internships also provide direct and resume-building experiences in the field which will be important in finding employment after graduation.

As with all Internships and Co-ops, students carry the responsibility of securing their own internship. Students are encouraged to use the Internet, trade publications (Entertainment Careers.net, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, etc.), as well as various Hollywood-centered creative directories for specific information on companies. Rider provides a great deal of help and support and has secured the services of media/internship professionals in Los Angeles to aid our students in their search for an Internship. In addition, Rider faculty and staff are available to assist students with their internship search process.