Program Overview

Cinema Studies (MA)

The Master of Arts in Cinema Studies program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies is a self-contained curriculum that provides students with an advanced course of study in the history, theory, and criticism of film and the moving image. Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships for credit at film libraries and archives in the city or in the film and media industries in order to further their professional development. Many lecture classes are offered in the evening for the convenience of working students. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers as film curators, programmers, preservationists, critics, and educators as well as filmmakers, screenwriters, and industry professionals.

Program Description

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and criticism of film and the moving image. The curriculum includes courses in film form, film theory, film history, and television history and culture. Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships and independent study projects.

Admissions

Admission to Graduate Cinema Studies is based on previous academic achievement, a personal statement, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation. In addition to the general Tisch Graduate Application, applicants must submit:

• A professional résumé listing academic background, work experience, honors, affiliations with professional organizations, papers presented at conferences, published work, language ability, etc.
• A statement of purpose (two to three double-spaced pages) outlining academic and professional background, goals, and what the applicant hopes to gain from the program.
• A writing sample (15-20 double-spaced pages) that reflects the ability to carry out sustained critical, theoretical, and/or historical thinking on film, television, video, and/or new media.

Program Requirements

Students must complete 36 credits, of which 32 credits must be taken in the department; 4 credits of graduate credit may be transferred from another department or institution, with permission of the chair, if these credits are not counted toward another graduate degree.

• Major Requirements:
  • CINE-GT 1010: Film Form/Film Sense: Industries & Aesthetics (4 credits)
  • CINE-GT 1020: Film Theory (4 credits)
  • CINE-GT 1015: Film History/Historiog (4 credits) or CINE-GT 1026: Television: History and Culture (4 credits)
• Electives: 24 credits of Cinema Studies electives
• Total Credits: 36

Additional Program Requirements

Comprehensive Exam

Students must pass a comprehensive examination, which is administered thrice yearly, in November, March, and July. The examination may be taken on completion of 24 credits of course work but no later than a semester after the completion of 36 credits of course work. The comprehensive examination is a take-home examination consisting of five questions, of which the student must answer two.

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study is provided to help students plan their course work: 1st Semester/Term:

• CINE-GT 1010: Film Form/Film Sense: Industries & Aesthetics (4 credits)
• CINE-GT 1015: Film History/Historiog (4 credits)
• CINE-GT XXXX: Cinema Studies course of choice (4 credits) 2nd Semester/Term:
• CINE-GT 1020: Film Theory (4 credits)
• CINE-GT 1026: Television: History and Culture (4 credits)
• CINE-GT XXXX: Cinema Studies course of choice (4 credits) 3rd Semester/Term:
• CINE-GT XXXX: Cinema Studies course of choice (4 credits)
• CINE-GT XXXX: Cinema Studies course of choice (4 credits)
• CINE-GT XXXX: Cinema Studies course of choice (4 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. An understanding of the canonical theories and methods of Cinema Studies as well as the latest advances in the discipline.
2. Knowledge of fundamental written and film works of the discipline.
3. The ability to critically analyze various genres of the moving image.
4. The ability to communicate effectively in written form in the genres relevant to the discipline.
5. Practical skills in the areas of media management, production, criticism, or preservation.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.