Film Studies (BA)

This program is offered by School of Communications/Media Arts Department and is only available at the St. Louis main campus.

Program Description

The film studies major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive theoretical study of film. Students develop an understanding of film history and aesthetics, as well as critical approaches to the study of film. Upper-level courses focus on in-depth analysis of film genres, filmmakers or international cinema. Film studies courses move from general survey to specific, in-depth studies of a genre, filmmaker or theory.

Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of global film history, including cultural, historical and social contexts.
• Identify critical approaches to the study of film theory and aesthetics.
• Articulate knowledge of film studies and critical thinking skills through research papers and oral presentations.
• Apply proficiency in film theory knowledge to internships (when applicable) and future careers using film studies as a pre-professional occupation for film studies publishing, teaching and research, film restoration and archiving, film festival curating and film distribution.

Portfolio Review Course Requirements

• EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
• FLST 1000 Film and Television Appreciation
• FLST 2050 History of Film
• FLST 2060 Modern World Cinema

Degree Requirements

For information on the general requirements for a degree, see Baccalaureate Degree Requirements under the Academic Policies and Information section of this catalog.

• 36 required credit hours
• Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours
• Electives

Required Courses

• FLST 1000 Film and Television Appreciation (3 hours)
• FLST 2050 History of Film (3 hours)
• FLST 2060 Modern World Cinema (3 hours)
• FLST 4160 Survey of Film Theory and Criticism (3 hours)
• FLST 4620 Senior Overview* (3 hours)
  or MDST 4950 Internship* (3 hours)
• EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production (3 hours)
  or ENGL 1900 Introductory Seminar in Literary Analysis (3 hours)
• SCPT 3110 Script Analysis (3 hours)

*Capstone Course 

Area of Specialization

In addition, students must complete five of the following three-credit hour courses:

• FLST 2070 History of Animation (3 hours)
• FLST 3160 Topics in Film Studies (3 hours)
• FLST 3170 Topics in Documentary Film Studies (3 hours)
• ENGL 2210 Adaptations (3 hours)
• GAME 3500 History of Video Games (3 hours)
• PHOT 2040 History of Photography (3 hours)