I know a lot of people have told me I need to just get out there and start making a film with hands on experience. However I am already a student at a community college and they happen to offer an inexpensive program in Film and I feel it is my best way to get started. That being said, I want to know if Cinematography is a good first film class? I have pasted excerpts from the syllabus for opinions and also, because although there are no prereqs, at the end it says it is an "Advanced Course." This was the only film class that met my schedule and I am interested in camera work right away as I have no experience at all.

If you have the patience for it, I'd like some opinions on the syllabus and whether you think it is a good place for someone to start who has had no experience in Film at all. Thanks, here's a bit of info:

The student will be able to:
X Load and unload a film camera magazine
X Identify correct film stock
X Select appropriate camera lens and filters
X Select appropriate film exposure
X Measure foot candles
X Measure focal length
X Identify team roles
X Assemble/disassemble film cameras
X Expose film according to given directions utilizing a light meter
X Synchronize picture with sound
X Complete camera reports
X Identify basic Lighting techniques/formats utilizing Basic lighting theory
X Operate various types of film cameras
X Operate camera support equipment
X Observe proper Darkroom procedures
X Identify different roles/jobs on the set
X Communicate effectively and efficiently
X Color management skills
X Identify and select origination medium
X Demonstrate basic photography skills
X Assist in the execution of shooting activities using standard industry camera equipment
X Assist in shooting activities required for appropriate camera department documentation
X Execute the proper care and handling of camera and camera assist equipment
X Work as a member of a film production team
X Develop appropriate industry contacts
X Assist in analyzing production requirements to determine camera equipment needs
X Describe major parts of a studio camera
Detailed course content:
I. Overview of camera process
a. How emulsion works
b. The chemistry of film developing
c. The role process
d. The lens theory
e. The artistic composition
f. The duties of Director of Photography and Director
II. Staging, pre-rigging, final rigging and filming.
a. Load magazine
b. Thread camera
c. Reset footage/meterage counter
d. Clean and maintain camera, perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs
III. Camera Department Personnel
a. Director of Photography
b. Camera Operator
c. First Camera Assistant
d. Second Camera Assistant
e. Loader
f. Dolly Grip (Technically part of Grip department but often functions as part of camera department
IV. Records for camera department
a. Printed materials such as
1.Script
2. Call sheets
3. Shooting schedules
4. Lab forms
5. Camera Reports
6. Requisitions and invoices
V. Perform pre-production routines
a. Assemble a team
b. Determine number of employees for camera department and employees for production department.
Assessment method(s):
Students will evaluated on performance on written tests and assignments, demonstrated performance in laboratory sessions and demonstrated performance in production project sessions outside of the regular class meeting times.

Professors expectations
It is emphasized from the very first class meeting that students will be addressed as professional filmmakers, and will be expected to comply with guidelines and conduct usually associated with professional filmmakers, i.e. subject selections, necessary research, DEADLINES, proper formatting, written presentations and oral presentations.
This course is an advanced course to the process of filmmaking. Other Motion Picture & Television Production Technology courses will be going on concurrently throughout the semester.

And, of course, with the major assignment for the course being a short film/project you will need to have sufficient available time outside of class time to complete the required steps and the project itself. In addition, you will need to coordinate with class members outside of the classroom to complete projects.

So, having read all this, first I thank you, and second do you think this is a good class to start in? Or should I take something more introductory? In addition the class meets twice weekly for 4hrs each class.