Film Studies

Program Objectives

Film Studies provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in film production techniques such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design, as well as internships that position students for rewarding careers as filmmakers and digital creators.

In addition to developing an appreciation for the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking, students pursuing a Film Studies minor gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of cinema, studying major movements, influential directors, seminal works, and groundbreaking technological advancements. The minor also illuminates key theoretical frameworks and critical approaches, enabling students to analyze and interpret films with depth and insight. Together, these experiences extend the core Communication and Media Studies curriculum into a focused exploration of cinematic storytelling, media history, and screen-based production.

Our facilities include a production stage, a new post-production suite, 30 Macs with the latest software, and screening rooms equipped with current projection technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Film Studies learning outcomes parallel the Communication and Media Studies program outcomes while specifying their application to cinema and screen media:

Content Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of cinematic and digital media design, including image composition, sound, and editing; explain major movements, key filmmakers, and technological developments in the history of cinema; research, question, and interpret evidence in support of conclusions about films and film industries.
Communication: Demonstrate competency in oral, written, and visual communication about film, including critical analysis and basic production documents; design effective screen-based communication using text, sound, and moving images across digital platforms; apply communication and film theory in the creation and interpretation of cinematic messages; practice ethical communication in collaborative production and in the on‑screen representation of individuals, communities, and cultures.
Critical Thinking: Critically analyze films and other screen media in both oral and written formats; critically analyze communication in cinematic contexts, including intercultural, interpersonal, visual, and mass‑mediated representations; evaluate opportunities and challenges in contemporary film and screen‑media industries.

Programs

Film Studies Minor