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PhD

Film Studies, PhD

University of Iowa
Iowa City , United States
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Students
Tuition Fee
Not Available
Start Date
Not Available
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
72 semesters
Details
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Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Cinematography | Film Production | Film Studies
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview

Film Studies, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in film studies requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate credit, of which 39 semester hours must be earned at the University of Iowa after a student has received their MA degree. Semester hours are earned through coursework and eventually work focused on the completion of a dissertation. Students must earn a minimum program grade-point average of 3.25.


Learning Outcomes

Students will:


  • solidify skills for work in the discipline, including researching and writing a book-length study, public presentations, publishing, grant applications, etc.
  • gain confidence and fluency working with concepts of film and media theory and learn to synthesize, adapt, contextualize, and critique theoretical approaches
  • acquire and mobilize advanced primary research skills and deepen their ability to work with models and methods of film historiography, and to articulate historical sources with theoretical approaches
  • acquire and mobilize an advanced understanding of the discipline’s history and current status
  • acquire and mobilize advanced discipline-level knowledge in historical periods, global variations, and diverse forms, and learn to take a position in the future development of film and media studies
  • learn the fundamental skills for undergraduate-level teaching in film and media studies
  • deepen professionalization skills in order to explore film and media-related career possibilities within and beyond academia

Core Requirements

The PhD in film studies requires the following coursework:


  • CINE:5500: Success in Graduate Studies (consult advisor about semester hour enrollment)
  • CINE:5673: Advanced Film Theory (taken twice for 3 semester hours each)
  • CINE:5675: Advanced Film History (taken twice for 3 semester hours each)
  • CINE:7615: Film Studies Seminar
  • CINE:7700: PhD Comprehensive Exam Preparation
  • CINE:7992: Thesis
  • Seminar course numbered 7000 or above

Electives

Students are required to enroll in the two graduate courses offered by the Department of Cinematic Arts each semester. Remaining elective hours may be taken in courses selected from other departments; students should consult their advisor.


Admission

A faculty committee chaired by the head of film studies evaluates applications to the PhD program. Application materials should include undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts, a personal statement, a writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and samples of creative work when relevant. Admission decisions are based on the full range of an applicant's accomplishments and evidence that the applicant will fit the elements of the program and thrive in the department.


Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a BA in film studies or a related discipline and either an MA in film studies or a related discipline, or an MFA in film production with significant experience in film studies.


Career Advancement

The PhD program in film studies has an impressive job placement record, with graduates located in faculty positions at major research universities and prestigious liberal arts colleges throughout the world. Graduates are, through their published research, visible and productive contributors to film studies and related disciplines, and many have served in leadership positions within professional organizations.


Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor.


  • First Year:
    • Fall: CINE:5500, CINE:5673, CINE:5675
    • Spring: CINE:5673 or CINE:7615, CINE:5675, Elective course
  • Second Year:
    • Fall: CINE:5673, CINE:5675 or CINE:7615, Elective course
    • Spring: Exam: Doctoral Comprehensive Exam, CINE:5675, CINE:7615, CINE:7700
  • Third Year:
    • Fall: Dissertation Prospectus, CINE:7992, Elective course, Elective course
    • Spring: CINE:7992, Elective course, Elective course
  • Fourth Year:
    • Fall: CINE:7992, Elective course, Elective course
    • Spring: CINE:7992, Elective course, Elective course, Exam: Doctoral Final Exam
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