Film and Video Studies BA, Cinema Studies Specialization

The cinema studies specialization explores the history, theory, and criticism of film and television with attention to new forms of interactive media that have broadened the screen domain. Students examine cinema’s role as a unique and compelling modern art form and as an exploration of evolving cultural practices and social and political values in a global society. The body of film and television texts-over 100 years of imaginative artifacts from Hollywood and the independent and international film communities-is probed to discover how such texts create and convey meaning; how they both reflect and invent the culture in which they exist and how they dialogue with each other. Students will learn to interrogate cinema, television and interactive media from an informed understanding of their history and cultural functions, as well as to develop a familiarity of how new technologies both reinforce and challenge traditional renderings of the moving image.

To complete the learning experience, all students pursuing the cinema studies specialization are expected to compile a portfolio. FVS 489 “Senior Colloquium” is designed to facilitate this goal. Those students wishing to continue on to graduate school may also want to complete an independent writing project. FVS 496 ”Individual Study” is designed to fill this role.

Students must maintain a 2.4 GPA or higher with a minimum grade of C- in all courses counted toward fulfilling the film and video studies major or minor requirements.