Program Overview

Film Studies, Master of Arts

The Master of Arts program in film studies requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit, of which 24 semester hours must be earned at the University of Iowa. Students must earn a minimum program grade-point average of 3.25.

Learning Outcomes

• build requisite skills for PhD-level study, including academic research and writing, public presentations, publishing, and grant applications;
• identify and apply concepts of film and media theory in scholarship as well as pedagogical practice;
• identify and apply methods of film historiography, including evaluating and working with archival materials;
• develop a broad understanding of the discipline’s history, current status, and potential future;
• acquire knowledge of cinema’s historical periods, global variations, and diverse forms; and
• acquire a diverse set of professionalization skills in order to explore film- and media-related career possibilities within and beyond academia.

Program Structure

The 36 semester hours are typically acquired by taking 12 graduate-level courses that span two years. The program's focus is on advanced film theory and film history in an international context.

Core Requirements

• CINE:5500: Success in Graduate Studies (consult advisor about semester hour enrollment) - 1-3 hours
• CINE:5673: Advanced Film Theory - 3 hours
• CINE:5675: Advanced Film History - 3 hours
• CINE:5900: MA Thesis in Film Studies (taken twice for 3 semester hours each) - 6 hours

Language Study

Up to 6 semester hours in languages and literatures courses numbered 3000 or above in an area other than English may be counted toward the degree.

Electives

Students are required to enroll in the two graduate courses offered by the Department of Cinematic Arts each semester. This requirement of two per semester does not include the required CINE:5500 Success in Graduate Studies or CINE:5900 MA Thesis in Film Studies (third and fourth semesters). 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 MA 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 will thrive in the department.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a BA in film studies or a related discipline. All applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College.

Career Advancement

The Master of Arts degree typically prepares students for continued, advanced graduate work in film studies at the University of Iowa or elsewhere. However, students have used their MA training in film theory and history to seek careers in other areas, including film criticism, positions at film archives or film festivals, or within various facets of the film industry.

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: Success in Graduate Studies - 3 hours
  • CINE:5673: Advanced Film Theory - 3 hours
  • CINE:5675: Advanced Film History - 3 hours
• Spring:
  • CINE:5673: Advanced Film Theory - 3 hours
  • CINE:5675: Advanced Film History - 3 hours
  • Elective course - 3 hours

Second Year

• Fall:
  • CINE:5673 or CINE:7615 or CINE:5675: Advanced Film Theory or Film Studies Seminar or Advanced Film History - 3 hours
  • CINE:5673 or CINE:7615 or CINE:5675: Advanced Film Theory or Film Studies Seminar or Advanced Film History - 3 hours
  • CINE:5900: MA Thesis in Film Studies - 3 hours
• Spring:
  • CINE:7615 or CINE:5675 or CINE:5673: Film Studies Seminar or Advanced Film History or Advanced Film Theory - 3 hours
  • CINE:5675 or CINE:7615 or CINE:5673: Advanced Film History or Film Studies Seminar or Advanced Film Theory - 3 hours
  • CINE:5900: MA Thesis in Film Studies - 3 hours
  • Thesis Defense