Cinema studies degree overview

Cinema is a global phenomenon. Its impact – artistically, culturally, and politically – is undeniable. Through their study of film history, film theory, film analysis, and film criticism, students of cinema studies develop an understanding of how films resonate in our lives. They explore film genres, authorship, ideologies, and styles. They are introduced to film production and editing. And when they complete their studies, they find that their technical knowledge and artistic and aesthetic sensibilities can be applied in a variety of creative callings.

Associate Degree in Cinema Studies – Two Year Duration
A cinema studies associate program combines foundational courses in the major with some general education/liberal arts classes in subjects such as English literature and composition, math, and the social sciences.

Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema Studies – Four Year Duration
At the bachelor’s level, the cinema studies curriculum is a comprehensive hybrid of courses in the major and the liberal arts. Because of its longer duration, this undergraduate program engages students in a more in-depth examination and discussion of cinema studies subject matter. Most bachelor’s programs also include an experiential component, which typically allows students to create a film or present a final project research paper.

Despite the distinctions described above, cinema studies courses like the following are at the heart of both of these undergrad programs:

• Introduction to Film Studies – an introduction to the historical, analytical, and theoretical approaches to cinema; an overview of the components of film production
• Image and Sound – this course uses readings, screenings, lectures, discussions, and critiques to survey the fundamental forms, concepts, terminology, and techniques of filmmaking
• Film History – a look at silent film and the transition to sound; creative and technological practices; studio, avant-garde, independent, contemporary, and digital film
• New Media in Art – digital photography, experimental video, sound, photo book design, and blogging; presenting projects on the Internet
• Film Theory and Criticism – the language of film, the relationship between audience and screen, the role of film as a mass and global phenomenon, genre criticism, stardom, feminist and queer film theories
• Documentary Filmmaking – approaches to documentary filmmaking through video projects, readings, screenings, lecture, discussion, and critique
• Masculinity in American Film – ways in which film has contributed to how masculinity has been constructed in American culture since World War II; topics will be discussed using selected films such as The Maltese Falcon, Red River, Dr. Strangelove, McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Chinatown, Die Hard, and American Beauty
• Film as History and History as Film – an examination of moments in European history – Medieval England, Nazi Germany, and the Holocaust – through films like Becket, The Triumph of the Will, and Schindler’s List
• Principles of Editing – film, video, and new media as tools for creative expression; connecting images and sound; making editing choices
• Topics in Russian Film – Russian film in its historical and cultural context; possible topics include the golden age of Soviet film, the cinema of Tarkovsky, film as propaganda

American Literature
This degree field is concerned with the literatures and literary history of the United States, from the colonial period to present. Coursework may include contemporary American literature, literary theory and criticism, the American novel, and American Jewish literature.

American Studies
As the name implies, students who major in American Studies study the United States, its history, literature, politics, economy, people, and popular culture. Increasingly, programs in this field incorporate examination of the wider Americas and the Caribbean.

Anthropology
Students of anthropology study the evolutionary history of people, how they interact, how they adapt to various environments, how they communicate and socialize with one another, and how their bodies and cultures have changed over time. The field attempts to answer big questions on many of the fundamentals of human culture, from gender to political systems to violence, religion, race, and economics.

Art History
Students of art history study the history and development of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, filmmaking, and architecture.

Comparative Literature
This field of study is dedicated to the literature and literary traditions of two or more different countries, cultures, or languages. Examples of courses in comparative literature are literature of the Americas, literature of China and Japan, romanticism, and tragedy.

Students of cinema studies develop some highly transferable and valuable skills:

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Adaptability and open mindedness
• Appreciation of aesthetics
• Broad historical and cultural knowledge
• Communication / presentation / public speaking
• Creativity and resourcefulness
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Listening and asking insightful questions
• Planning
• Research
• Self-discipline
• Storytelling / comfort adapting content for different audiences and users
• Strong writing skills

The combination of theoretical and technical skills that cinema studies majors learn leads them to careers in a wide variety of creative industries.

Common Industries

• Acting
• Advertising
• Archive Companies and Libraries
• Artistic Management
• Arts and Entertainment
• Broadcasting
• Casting Agencies
• Communication
• Consulting
• Education
• Exhibit Design
• Film Studios
• Heritage, Cultural, and Festival Organizations
• Media – TV, Radio, Newspaper, and Magazine Companies
• Meetings and Events
• Multimedia and Digital Design Firms
• Museums / Art Galleries
• Photo Studios and Agencies
• Production Companies
• Publishing Houses
• Stage Design – Theater, Opera, and Dance Companies
• Writing