Film Studies, B.A.

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The film studies major prepares students to participate in a world increasingly shaped by moving pictures. The major is founded on the principle that the study of cinema and the artistic production of motion pictures complement one another, and all film studies majors perform substantial work in both areas. Through courses that offer a foundation for understanding cinema—and its relation to culture, history, technology and aesthetics—the film studies major teaches students to create and analyze moving images, to produce research, and to make art.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Film Studies (FST) major is based solely upon a student’s grade in FST 200 - Introduction to Film Study, the department’s foundational course, which teaches and evaluates skills that students use in all other courses in the Film Studies major. Students who earn a “C” or better in FST 200 will be admitted to the major upon application.

To apply to the FST major, students must first declare a PFST (pre-Film Studies) major. Upon earning a “C” or better in FST 200, students may then declare the FST major. For purposes of admission to the FST major, the department only credits students’ first or second grade in FST 200 (i.e., students may repeat the course once).

Students seeking an internship course in film studies must have a minimum of 12 hours in previous film studies courses, junior or senior standing, and an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better. To enroll in an internship course, students must submit an application to receive permission from the chair of the Department of Film Studies.

A student in film studies must complete all requirements for the major with an overall 2.00 GPA or better.

Competency Requirements for a Major in Film Studies for the B.A. Degree:

Oral Communication Requirement:

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. in Film Studies, a student must successfully complete FST 495 or FST 496 .

Applied Learning Requirement:

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. in Film Studies, a student must successfully complete one of the following courses: FST 301 , FST 302 , FST 363 , FST 451 , FST 493 , FST 495 , or FST 498 .

Writing Requirement:

To satisfy the writing requirement for the B.A. in Film Studies, a student must successfully complete one of the following courses: FST 317 (ENG 317 ), FST 363 , FST 367 , FST 368 , FST 440 , FST 445 , FST 480 , FST 496 , or another course designated by the department as “writing intensive.”

Course Requirements for a Major in Film Studies for the B.A. Degree:

The major consists of 47 hours, distributed as follows. No course may satisfy more than one Course Requirement within the major. However, a course that satisfies a Course Requirement may also be used to satisfy one or more Competency Requirements for the major.

Film Studies, B.A.

Admission Requirements

Competency Requirements for a Major in Film Studies for the B.A. Degree:

Oral Communication Requirement:

Applied Learning Requirement:

Writing Requirement:

Course Requirements for a Major in Film Studies for the B.A. Degree:

Three Core courses:

Two Film History courses:

One Global Cinema course:

One Comprehensive Production Practicum:

Two Film Production courses:

Two Capstone Courses

One Capstone in Film Production:

One Capstone in Critical Studies:

Electives:

Total: 47 hours