Why Study Film Studies?
Explore how film shapes culture, tells stories, and influences the way people see the world. Through critical analysis and creative production, you’ll study cinema from multiple perspectives.
Study Film Through Theory and Practice
Students examine film’s artistic, cultural, and scholarly importance while also developing hands-on experience in production-related work.
Use Professional Production and Editing Tools
Students can work with state-of-the-art cameras, sound and lighting equipment, editing software, and in-house computer labs through the Department of Communication.
Learn Across Languages, Cultures, and Industries
Explore cinema from around the world through courses that connect film to history, culture, politics, and society.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Want to understand how film shapes culture and public life.
- Are interested in both analysis and media-making.
- Want experience with video production, photography, or editing.
- Are considering creative, cultural, or communication-related work after graduation.
The minor works well with majors in:
Communication, English, theatre, Spanish and other modern languages, history, sociology, and other humanities or social science fields. You do not need to be a communication major or an experienced filmmaker to pursue this minor.
What You'll Study
You’ll explore cinema through history, criticism, global traditions, and media production while examining how visual storytelling communicates ideas across cultures.
In Demand-Skills:
Build creative, technical, and analytical skills that translate across media, communication, and creative industries.
- Analyze film as an artistic, cultural, and social medium
- Communicate ideas through visual storytelling, writing, and editing
- Use digital production tools to create and refine media projects
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students complete 21 credit hours, including an interdisciplinary minor that combines film history and theory with courses in production, photography, writing, and global cinema. The curriculum helps students study film from multiple perspectives while building practical and analytical skills.
View minor requirements in the course catalog
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Stories. Screens. Perspectives.
Spotlighted courses that reveal how film shapes culture, communicates ideas, and inspires creative expression around the world.
Introduction to Film Studies
Discover how cinema became one of the world’s most influential art forms. Explore film history, genres, audiences, and the techniques that shape the movies we watch.
International Cinema
Travel the world through film while exploring stories of politics, culture, identity, and society. Compare cinematic traditions from diverse countries and cultures.
Black Images in Film
Examine how Black Americans have been represented in film from the early 20th century to today, exploring cinema as a lens for race, identity, and social change.
Video Communication
Create your own films through hands-on production. Learn to write, shoot, edit, and produce video projects while exploring how visual storytelling creates meaning.
Meet Your Faculty Mentors
Learn from faculty whose expertise spans literature, languages, communication, philosophy, and other disciplines, bringing diverse perspectives to your studies.
Recent Graduate Careers
Film Studies complements a wide range of majors, helping students apply visual storytelling, critical analysis, and media literacy across creative and professional careers.
Film and Television Production
Students pursue roles in film and television production, developing skills in visual storytelling, editing, and media creation through coursework and hands-on experience.
Design and Creative Industries
Students use their training in visual analysis and creative production in fields such as graphic design, digital media, and content creation.
Journalism, Broadcasting, and Media Communication
Graduates work in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media, applying their understanding of visual communication, storytelling, and audience engagement.
Graduate Study and Film-Related Fields
Some students pursue graduate study in film, history, or related disciplines, as well as pathways in screenwriting and advanced media production.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Film Studies minor should:
Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in Film Studies and review degree requirements in the course catalog.