Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the requirements for the Film Studies major and minor?
The Film Studies major is composed of a core of five "core" courses that introduce the basic historical, critical and theoretical background information that all film students need to know. The student then completes his or her course of study by selecting seven additional elective courses from the options listed in the College Bulletin.
The Film Studies minor requires students to take three of the core courses-MEDST 143, 144 and 200-and an additional three elective courses.
Question: What are the major "core" courses?
The major core courses are all offered by the Department of Media Studies.
MEDST 143: "History of Cinema 1": A broad survey of the prehistory and history of the early medium from its inception until the advent of sound in the late 1920s. Many key silent films are screened and discussed. Major topics include the growth of various key national cinemas across the world, including the United States, France, Germany and Russia. Key directors working in a wide variety of genres, such as Edison, Porter, Griffith, Eisenstein, Wiene, Chaplin and Keaton, among many others, are studied.
MEDST 144: "History of Cinema 2": A broad survey of the medium as an industry and an art form from the advent of sound through the breakdown of the studio system and the emergence of the European "New Waves" in the 1960s. Socialist Realism, French "Poetic Realism," Italian Neo-realism, and the emergence of wide-screen formats are among the topics considered in detail.
MEDST 200: "Principles of Sound and Image": An introduction to the art of filmmaking. Lectures cover various production variables such as composition, editing, camera movement, and sound for the principal moving image art forms. Examples are drawn from advertising spots, public affairs documentaries, various film genres and art films. In addition, students work together in teams to make two short video productions in order to learn first hand some of the challenges posed by moving image production.
MEDST 240: "Styles of Cinema": Introduction to the critical analysis of cinema. Through the close examination of segments and whole films, students learn about the key terms used to describe aspects of cinematic art. The purpose is to sensitize students to the many different ways in which filmmakers construct meanings in their work and to teach them how to analyze films as works of art.
MESDT 341/341W: "Film Theory": Reflecting on the basic principles of the film medium is almost as old as the medium itself. What defines cinema? How does it constitute unique works of art? What principal strategies should filmmakers use? What determines film spectatorship? This survey course considers these and other questions as they have emerged over the course of film history. Key authors to be studied include: Munsterberg, Eisenstein, Pudovkin, Arnheim, Bazin, Metz, Bonitzer and Carroll.
Question: Does the program offer courses in filmmaking?
The Film Studies program offers two courses that introduce students to the fundamentals of video and film production. A core course-MEDST 200-teaches basic ideas and offers opportunities for the production of short videos. MEDST 244, an elective, develops students skills in 16mm production. In addition, students may be advised to take other video and sound production courses in the Department of Media Studies. NOTE: These latter courses do not count for elective credit in Film Studies.
Question: Does the Film Studies program sponsor internships?
New York City is one of the key production sites for film and television in the country. Many institutions offer internships. Although the program does not now require internships, interested students should consult with the Film Studies Program coordinator for suggestions about possible opportunities.
Question: What sorts of careers does a degree in Film Studies prepare me for?
A degree in Film Studies develops crucial critical skills that could be successfully used in careers in education, film production and distribution, library and archival studies, and business.