Program Description
The Cinema Studies Program offers students an opportunity for intensive study of the art of film through a broad range of courses in history and aesthetics. All students begin with year-long introductory surveys of film and modern art, then proceed to more advanced courses that focus on a wide variety of directors, national cinemas, genres, modes (narrative, documentary, avant-garde), and critical/theoretical approaches. In their senior year, students explore and extend their knowledge of cultural, historical, industrial, philosophical, and artistic perspectives on the medium in their senior project.
This program is rigorous and highly competitive, with official admission to the program contingent on successful completion of Cinematic Expression I and II during the freshman year and a qualifying examination at the end of the freshman year.
Requirements for the Major
In their freshman year, cinema studies majors complete four survey courses: Cinematic Expression I and II (with a grade of B or higher required in each), Introduction to Modern Art, and Art Since 1945. At the end of the year, a qualifying examination in film history and aesthetics is given, which must be passed in order to advance to the second year.
In their second, third, and fourth years, students concentrate on advanced studies: four upper-level film history courses, three upper-level film theory courses, and at least 24 credits in elective courses, 12 of which must be upper level. (At least one video production course is recommended.) In their fourth year, students also complete the 8-credit senior project in consultation with their senior thesis advisor.
Representative Courses
Cinematic Expression I & II
Introduction to Modern Art
Art Since 1945
Cinema and Revolution
Documentary Film and Theory
Genres of Affect
Contemporary Global Cinema
Kubrick
American Film Genres
The Western
The American Avant-Garde Film
The Independent Spirit in American Film
Japanese Cinema
Topics in Classical Cinema
American Cinema of the ’50s
The New Hollywood
Eastern European Film
Italian Cinema After Neorealism
French Cinema Since 1930
Women and Film
Philosophy and Film
Film Sound: Technique and Theory
Methods in Film Criticism
Meaning and Truth in Cinema
Documentary Production
For more information, visit the Cinema Studies site in Academic Programs.
Updated May 27, 2008
