B.A. in Film Studies

The Film Studies major applies the liberal arts tradition to the present-day culture of images and technologies. Courses in film history, theory, and criticism enable students to become active, selective, and ethical participants in a world progressively more dominated by the media of visual communication. Research-based studies in American and world cinema explore the mutual influence of the films and their respective diverse cultures and historic periods. Familiarity with several great films and film makers provides a basis for understanding the relationship between contemporary artists and industrial society. Each student will have an opportunity to apply this theoretical knowledge to the experience of film making and exhibition both through programs in scripting, photography, production, and digital editing and through an extensive internship program in the Boston area.Students are encouraged to widen and deepen their understanding of the medium through additional courses in Art History, Studio Art, Theater, and Communication. While this Film Studies major provides a solid foundation for further studies and professional involvement in the industry, it also offers the liberal arts student a broad-based preparation for other career options. The Film Studies major requires 12 courses (36 credits), four of which must be above the 3000 level. These must be distributed as follows: •Introduction to Film Art •At least two American Film History courses. Courses in excess of two may be counted as electives. •At least two production courses (Film Making, Photography, Digital Editing). Courses in excess of two may be counted as electives. •Six electives, at least two of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level •Senior Project: A film, or film script, historical or critical essay. An advisor will determine if the student is prepared to undertake the specific project and will direct its completion.Since film is a humanistic discipline, students are also encouraged to take supplementary courses in history, political science, literature, music, and theater. In general, a rich liberal arts curriculum will supplement a student’s technical training in production and provide a fertile ground for fresh narrative ideas.