Program Overview

Introduction to the Film Studies Program

The Film Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the field of cinema. Film Studies students take courses across a number of departments, including Media Studies, English, Sociology, Comparative Literature, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Art History, Italian, French, Spanish, German, and Russian. The objective of the program is to explore many facets of cinema as an art, with students becoming versed in film aesthetics, the history of film technology and the structures of the industry, the evolution of major movements in global cinema, mainstream and alternative filmic traditions, and the cultural and political impact of film as a form of mass communication. There is a strong emphasis on writing in the program, including both academic (film analysis, research projects) and professional (screenwriting, treatments, film criticism) approaches.

Program Details

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of cinema, covering various aspects such as film aesthetics, history, and industry structures.
• Students will explore major movements in global cinema, including mainstream and alternative traditions.
• The program places a strong emphasis on writing, encompassing both academic and professional approaches.

Degree Requirements

The program offers both a major and a minor in Film Studies.

• Major: The major in Film Studies requires students to complete a series of courses that provide a foundational understanding of cinema, including its history, aesthetics, and cultural significance.
• Minor: The minor in Film Studies is designed for students who wish to supplement their major with a comprehensive understanding of cinema, and requires the completion of a subset of courses from the major.

Faculty and Courses

• The program is taught by a faculty with expertise in various areas of film studies, including film history, theory, and criticism.
• Courses are offered in a variety of subjects, including film aesthetics, film history, and screenwriting.

Research Areas

• The program encourages students to engage in research projects that explore the cultural, historical, and aesthetic dimensions of cinema.
• Students may pursue research in areas such as film history, film theory, and film criticism, among others.

Conclusion

The Film Studies Program at Queens College provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the field of cinema. With its strong emphasis on writing and research, the program prepares students for a variety of careers in the film industry, as well as for further study in film and related fields.