Master of Arts in Cinema Studies

Program Overview

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The Master of Arts in Cinema Studies at San Francisco State University immerses students in the study of cinema and media scholarship, emphasizing history, theory, and criticism. The program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and critical thinking skills, preparing them for careers in academia, media arts management, and the entertainment industry. Graduates are skilled in conducting research, crafting written analyses, and teaching film studies.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Cinema Studies at San Francisco State University provides students with the opportunity to conduct graduate research in cinema and media scholarship. The program emphasizes the study of cinema history, theory, and criticism, as well as all "cinematic" media and their related theories.

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Objectives:

The M.A. in Cinema Studies aims to equip students with the following abilities:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of cinematic theory, history, and criticism.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of cinematic texts, encompassing film, television, and digital media.
• Craft well-supported written arguments and analyses using appropriate source materials.
• Carry out independent research culminating in a thesis project.
• Demonstrate teaching skills suitable for undergraduate cinema studies coursework.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• The program requires a minimum of 30 units of graduate-level coursework.
• Students are required to complete two specific courses:
• CINE 700: Introduction to Graduate Studies (taken in the fall of the first year)
• CINE 898: Master's Thesis (taken in the second year, typically the final semester)
• The remaining 24 units can be chosen from elective courses listed under "Degree Requirements".
• Students are encouraged to consult with a faculty adviser for guidance in selecting elective courses.

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Course Schedule:

• Not all courses are offered every semester.

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Individual Modules:

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Core Requirements (6 units):

• CINE 700: Introduction to Graduate Studies (3 units): This course serves as a foundation for graduate studies, providing students with an overview of the program and its requirements.
• CINE 898: Master's Thesis (3 units): Students complete and submit their thesis projects during this course.

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Electives (minimum 24 units):

The following courses are available for elective units:

• CINE 720: Critical Paradigms and the Cinematic (3 units): This course examines key critical approaches to cinema.
• CINE 721: Cinematic Documentary (3 units): This course explores the history, theory, and practice of documentary filmmaking.
• CINE 723: Cinema Forms and Aesthetics (3 units): This course delves into the various forms and aesthetic principles of cinema.
• CINE 727: Cinematic Styles, Forms and Movements (3 units): This course analyzes different cinematic styles, forms, and movements across history.
• CINE 728: Cinema Histories (3 units): This course examines the history of cinema across various cultural and historical contexts.
• CINE 741: Cinema and the City (3 units): This course explores the relationship between cinema and urban environments.
• CINE 743: Sexuality in the Cinema (3 units): This course analyzes the representation of sexuality in cinematic texts.
• CINE 747: Postcolonial Cinema (3 units): This course explores the development and impact of postcolonial cinema.
• CINE 748: Cinema and Cultural Studies (3 units): This course examines the intersection of cinema and cultural studies.
• CINE 749: Critical Practices (3 units): This course focuses on developing critical thinking and writing skills in relation to cinema.
• CINE 820: Seminar in Critical Theory (3 units): This seminar delves into advanced critical theory related to cinema.
• CINE 852: Directed Experience in Film Education (3 units): This course provides students with practical experience in teaching film studies.
• CINE 897: Research Projects in Cinema Studies (3 units): This course allows students to develop and conduct research projects in cinema.
• CINE 899: Independent Study (3 units): Students can pursue independent research or projects under the guidance of a faculty member.

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Assessment:

• Level One Proficiency: Students must demonstrate first-level written English proficiency by achieving a grade of B or better in CINE 700.
• Level Two Proficiency: Students must demonstrate second-level written English proficiency in their thesis proposal.
• Thesis Project: The thesis project is a significant component of the program, culminating in a written thesis of standard academic journal length (25-35 pages).
• Thesis Committee Review: A thesis committee, typically consisting of a chair and one or two additional faculty members, reviews and approves the student's thesis.

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Teaching:

• The program emphasizes developing teaching skills, particularly for undergraduate film studies courses.
• Students have opportunities to gain practical experience in film education through courses like CINE 852: Directed Experience in Film Education.

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Careers:

Graduates of the M.A. in Cinema Studies program have pursued a variety of careers, including:

• Academia: Earning doctoral degrees at prestigious institutions and securing tenure-track positions at universities worldwide.
• Entertainment Industry: Holding positions such as journalists and reviewers, studio archivists, audience analysts, producers, and creative executives in the entertainment and digital media industries.

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Other:

• Written English Proficiency Requirement: The program requires students to meet written English proficiency standards at two levels, assessed through coursework and the thesis proposal.
• Advancement to Candidacy: Students must meet university requirements, achieve a B or better in required courses, and pass their thesis committee review to advance to candidacy.