Academic Catalog

Film (B.A.)

The major in Film prepares students for careers as film/video makers, professionals and scholars who can create, interpret and critique film as a visual and narrative art form. Students acquire knowledge of film history and film/media theory as they gain training and experience in the art of storytelling through screenwriting, cinematography, sound recording, editing, producing and directing. Students develop skills in the planning, acquisition and management of resources and logistics as they engage in the conceptualization, realization and exhibition of engaging narratives.

Additional work at the graduate level is recommended for some of these careers.

 

In addition to the course work below, students must complete all of the department's general degree requirements.

Major Requirements: The major in Film requires completion of 45-46 credits in coursework as outlined below.

Required Courses33
Introduction to Audio-Television-Film Production
Fundamentals of New Media Production
Introduction to Film
History of Film
Media Writing and Storytelling
Editing and Field Production
Screenwriting
Techniques of Film and Video Production
Producer's Workshop
Film Criticism and Theory
Portfolio Requirement (select one)3-4
Director's Workshop
Film, Cinematography and Lighting
Electives
Select nine credits of the following:9
Media Analysis and Criticism
The African-American Film Experience
Queer Film and Media
Audio Production
Television Production
Immersive Media Production
Studies in Film History
Documentary and Non-Fiction Film and Television
Screenwriting (can be twice for an additional 4 credits)
Film, Cinematography and Lighting (if not taken as portfolio req.)
Digital Animation
Director's Workshop
Internship
Allesee Lectures in Media (Max. 3)
Documentary Storytelling I
Allesee Master Class (Max. 6)
Directed Projects in Film and Media
Total Credits45-46

 Note: Students interested in Sound Design may fulfill some elective requirements through the Music Technology program in consultation with their advisor.

Film majors are encouraged to take additional film-related courses, offered throughout the university, toward fulfillment of their undergraduate degree requirements. These include, but are not limited to:

ADA 4220Time-Based Media II: Experimental Animation3
AID 3300Introduction to Industrial Design3
APH 2400Introduction to Photography3
COM 4240African Americans in Television4
COM 5610Advanced TV Production3
ITA 5150Italian Cinema3
SLA 3710Russian and East European Film3-4
SLA 3750Polish and Yugoslavian Cinema3
THR 4271Acting for the Camera3
 
 

Departmental Honors Program

The Communication Department Honors program offers capable students the opportunity to pursue independent study and to  work closely with department faculty members. Completion of the honors major results in an honors degree designation on the diploma.

In order to enter the departmental honors program students must have achieved academic excellence in previous work, such as a high school g.p.a. of 3.5 or a college or university g.p.a. of 3.3. Students must meet all regular major requirements including the following: three honors-option courses within their major at the 2000 level or above, taught by full-time faculty members (internships cannot satisfy this requirement), at least one HON 42xx-level seminar offered through the Honors College, a senior honors thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor in their major area (COM 4996) and maintain a minimum g.p.a. of 3.3 cumulative and in the major.

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