Minor in Film Studies

Program Overview

The Film Studies Minor at Duquesne University offers students a comprehensive exploration of film history, theory, and criticism. Through a combination of required and elective courses, students gain a deep understanding of film genres, movements, and directors, as well as the cultural and social contexts of filmmaking. The minor prepares students for careers in the film industry and beyond, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a passion for cinema.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Minor in Film Studies at Duquesne University allows students to explore the history and theory of filmmaking across genres, cultures, and periods in addition to their major course of study.
• Objectives:
• To provide students with a foundation in the language, history, and theory of film.
• To develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills in relation to film.
• To expose students to a variety of film genres, movements, and directors.
• To provide students with an understanding of the cultural, social, and political contexts in which films are produced and consumed.
• Program Description:
• The minor consists of 15 credit hours of coursework.
• Required courses include:
• ENGL 200: Introduction to Film (3 credits)
• Elective courses can be chosen from a variety of topics, including:
• Film genres (e.g., Horror Film, Film Noir)
• Cinematic movements (e.g., French New Wave, British Cinema, Asian American Cinema)
• Important directors (e.g., Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick)
• Thematically oriented courses (e.g., Film and War, Film and Empire, Austen and Film, Shakespeare in Film)

Outline:

• Content: The minor covers a wide range of topics in film studies, including:
• The history of cinema
• Film form (e.g., cinematography, editing, sound, narrative structure)
• Film theory
• Film genres
• Film movements
• Film directors
• The cultural, social, and political contexts of film
• Structure: The minor consists of 15 credit hours of coursework, including:
• 3 credits of required coursework

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their knowledge of film history, theory, and criticism, as well as their ability to analyze and interpret films.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Courses are taught using a variety of methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Screenings
• Hands-on exercises
• Faculty: The faculty in the English Department are experts in film studies, and they have a wide range of research interests.
• Unique Approaches: The minor offers a unique opportunity for students to explore film studies in a rigorous and interdisciplinary environment.

Careers:

• Career Paths: The minor in film studies can lead to a variety of career paths in the film industry, including:
• Film production
• Film criticism
• Film education
• Opportunities: Graduates of the minor can also pursue careers in other fields that require strong analytical and communication skills, such as:
• Journalism
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Outcomes: The minor in film studies prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in the film industry and beyond.