Film Studies Interdisciplinary Minor

The film studies program is an interdisciplinary minor designed to aid students in developing a broad understanding of the history of film, an awareness of film language used by filmmakers, and a critical viewing ability.

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The faculty for the program have been drawn from the Departments of Anthropology, Communication, English and History and bring a variety of experience and perspectives to the study of film.

Students interested in the film studies program should contact Dr. Jack Rollwagen, 131 Smith Hall, (585) 395-5707.

The film studies minor requires the completion of 18 credits as follows:

Course Number Course Name Credits
ENL 200 The Art of the Film 3
FLM 301 Theory and Criticism of Film
(Offered as Independent Study)
1-3
FLM 302 Documentary and Experimental Film 3
One course under the category Film and Society, by advisement 3
Additional Film Studies courses, by advisement 6-8
Total: 16-20

FLM 301 Theory and Criticism of Film (A). Covers theoretical movements and perspectives such as formalism and realism, semiotics, structuralism, and post-structuralism. Explores key issues and concepts and their practical usefulness in the analysis of filmic texts. Presents historical and contemporary readings and screenings. Offered as an Independent Study. 1-3 Cr.

FLM 302 Documentary Film (A). Provides an introduction to documentary and experimental films. Explores the nature of documentary and experimental films as creative scientific works; as statements by individuals living within particular cultural frame works; as instruments of per suasion and propaganda; and as devices which expand our perspectives on the world around us. 3 Cr.

FLM 404 Documentary Film Production (A). Provides an introduction to video production, emphasizing the pre-production process: selection of EFP equipment; developing a framework for documentary production, including appropriate references; and preparing to interview experts. Entails some discussion of computer shot logs, time coding, video-to-audio transfers for transcriptions, and the preparation of narrative. Requires no production experience and includes no editing. 3 Cr.

FLM 490 Topics in Film (A). Addresses current topics, issues, controversies, etc. in film studies. Specific topics vary each semester. Descriptions of specific topics offered may be obtained from the director of film studies. May be taken more than once for credit if the topics differ. 1-3 Cr.

FLM 491 Seminar in Film (A). To be defined by the instructor in accordance with the specific subject matter covered that semester. Content varies with the appropriate subtitles provided. Example: "Revolution as Presented in Film." 3 Cr.

 

Last Updated 7/21/22