Nov 04, 2024  
Spring 2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Spring 2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Film Studies, B.A.


The Film Studies Major gives students a foundation in film history, aesthetics, and methods of analysis that illuminate global and cultural perspectives. Students in the Film Studies Major develop expertise in analyzing the film industry and individual films. They are prepared to begin careers in journalism, festival organization, film acquisition and distribution, and, with additional professional training, entertainment law. Film students have been accepted into film and cultural studies graduate programs and have launched electronic publications on film and media.

Film Studies Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Film Studies are expected to:

  • Critically evaluate film as an aesthetic form and cultural text.
  • Evaluate the social, economic, and technological factors that shape films from different historical periods, gender and ethnic perspectives, domestic and international cultural contexts.
  • Make aesthetic judgment through interpretation and critical thinking about fiction and nonfiction film, experimental and mainstream cinema, feature and short form narratives.
  • Demonstrate a sense of professionalism through creative and intellectual independence. 

Film Studies Majors meet with Faculty Mentors in the Department of Theatre and Film to:

  • Select electives;
  • Choose a minor that best contributes to their program of study;
  • Develop the skills, network, and portfolio to successfully pursue your career after graduation.

Distance Learning

Selected film courses are offered in a Distant Learning format. These courses can be used to satisfy requirements in the Film Minor, the Film Production Major, and the Film Studies Major. Some courses satisfy requirements in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree or group requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences.

UFO/BG Reel

The collaborative student organizations UFO (University Film Organization) and BG Reel are a remarkable resource for anyone interested in making films or participating in film culture. The groups sponsor several 48 Hour Film competitions throughout the year. They also host the BGSU Film and Media Festival held at the end of every spring semester. The Film and Media Festival features workshops with film professionals and screenings of student films from BGSU and the region.

Study Abroad Program

Film Production, Film Studies, and Theatre Majors may apply to participate in the BGSU and University of Wales student exchange program. If accepted into the program, students spend a semester studying film and/or theatre in the respected Department of Theatre, Film, and Television at Aberystwyth University.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements


Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                              

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements


World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Major Requirements


Minor Requirements


(Usually 20 Credits)

Film Studies majors are required to have a minor. Students meet with advisors in the Department of Theatre and Film to select a minor.

For Graduation You Will Need:


  1. 122 credit hours minimum.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  4. 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.

Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office