BA Degree in Film Studies
Description
The Film studies major is designed for students who wish to work in some aspect of the film industry as well as those who are interested in the academic study of film. Classes incorporate the traditional format of film and new digital technologies into the curriculum. The Film Studies major focuses on the theoretical and historical analysis of cinema and media arts, as it relates to genres, authorship, curating, and various critical and theoretical approaches.
To receive the B.A. Degree in Film Studies, the student must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will utilize and demonstrate proficiency in the three phases of film production (pre-production, production, and post-production) in the creation of short film and video projects, in related studio classes.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of film history, film theory, production and post-production aesthetics.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking, analytical reasoning and critical analysis of filmmaking principles, practices and techniques. These include: specialized use of film lexicon, analysis related to craft and cinematic expression (including mise-en-scene, cinematography principles, lighting design, sound design, directing, producing and editing concepts), and analysis of a broad range of film texts (genre studies, directors studies, research methods, international cinemas, and adaptation theory).
- Students will be able to examine and analyze film texts, articulate conclusions as to their historical and critical values, and begin developing their own critical research.
- Students will integrate theory and research skills in the creation of a capstone thesis paper for academic public presentation.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 42 credits )
The core is required of all students majoring in Film Studies. A grade of "C" or higher in FILM 492B is required for graduation.
FILM 175 Video Production (4)
FILM 275 Film Appreciation (4)
FILM 285 History of Motion Pictures (4)
FILM 302 Practicum (1)
FILM 365 International Cinemas (4)
FILM 386 Film and Media Arts Genres (4)
FILM 387 Authorship in Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 388 Research Methods in Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 460 Curating and Programming Media Arts (4)
FILM 480 Critical Approaches to Film & Media Arts (4)
FILM 469 Internship (1)
FILM 492A Capstone Research (1)
FILM 492B Capstone Project (3)
Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
FILM 480 Critical Approaches to Film & Media Arts (4)
Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete the following:
- Completion of Foundational Portfolio Review
- Completion of Thesis Portfolio Review
- Completion of Capstone Portfolio Review
FILM and GID Computer and Software Requirements:
The FILM and GID programs have a laptop recommendation. While computer labs are available to you, we want you to have a computer powerful enough for at home use. Current equipment specifications as well as any purchase options will be discussed during the first semester of enrollment. Educational pricing for hardware purchases can be made at https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/back-to-school. Software resources are referenced below.
LAPTOP
Our recommendation is a MacBook Pro. A 13” model customized with 16GB of RAM will suffice for your curriculum, however the 14” and 16” models have larger screens, better CPU processing and graphic power, and an HDMI out built in. The 14” and 16” models can accommodate more than 16GB of RAM as well whereas the 13” inch maximum is 16GB.
You will need a USB-C to USB adapter as well. USB-C hubs featuring ethernet, HDMI out (if 13" model), and passthrough charging are also available online (less expensive than Apple).
SOFTWARE:
- Microsoft Office - available for student rates and to download at https://www2.mnstate.edu/it/office365/
- An Adobe CC license will be provided to all SoMAD majors (ANIM, FILM, GID).
Restricted Electives
( 16 credits )
Restricted Film & Media Studio Electives - 8 credits from list
ANIM 375 Stop-Motion Animation (4)
AEM 181 Introduction to Audio Production (3)
FILM 372 Editing Techniques (4)
FILM 378 Techniques of Producing (4)
FILM 383 Adaptations to Film (4)
FILM 472 Community Video Project (4)
GID 230 Introduction to Digital Design (4)
GID 250 Introduction to Interactive Media (4)
PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (4)
Other Restricted Electives - 8 credits from list
Must include one FILM course.
ART 233 Global Art History I (3)
ART 234 Global Art History II (3)
COMM 301 Business and Professional Communication (3)
COMM 351 Messaging for Mobile Media (3)
COMM 352 Social Media Campaigns (3)
COMM 365 Media Planning (3)
COMM 383 Event Planning (3)
COMM 423 Marketing Communications (3)
ENGL 285 Scriptwriting(3)
FILM 265 16 mm Production (4)
FILM 290 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 384 Techniques of Film Directing (4)
FILM 390 Topics in Film (1-3)
FILM 416 Special Projects in Film (1-3)
FILM 469 Internship (1-12)
FILM 490 Topics in Film (1-3)
PHIL 320 Philosophy of the Arts (3) or
ART 320 Philosophy of the Arts (3)
THTR 230 Acting I: Principles (3)
THTR 235 Directing I: Principles (3)
THTR 255 Stagecraft (3)
THTR 322 Drama II (3)