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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Film, B.A.
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The Film Major gives students a foundation in film history, aesthetics, and production. Students in the Film Major develop expertise in analyzing the film industry, individual films and genres, and various facets of film culture. They also gain experience in film and digital production by working on individual projects and faculty-supervised, department-sponsored productions. Film Majors have the opportunity to prepare for careers in screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, and other film-related fields, including film journalism, acquisition and distribution, casting and talent management, festival organization, and, with additional training, archiving and preservation, entertainment law, or higher education. Graduates of BGSU’s Film program have started their own production companies, have been accepted into prestigious graduate and competitive professional programs, and have worked in various positions within the film industry.
Film Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, Film students 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.
- Collaborate on specific film/video productions as a writer, producer, director, cinematographer, gaffer, editor, sound editor/mixer, or other member of the production team.
Film 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;
- Determine protocols for internship or studio experience;
- Develop the skills, network, and portfolio to successfully pursue your career after graduation.
Distance Learning
Selected film courses are offered in a Distance Learning format. These courses can be used to satisfy requirements in both the Film Major and Minor. Some courses satisfy requirements in the Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree or group requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Student Organizations
The collaborative student organizations BG Reel, BG on Screen, and Film Appreciation Club are remarkable resources for anyone interested in discussing films, making films or participating in campus film culture.
- BGReel sponsors several 48 Hour Film competitions throughout the year and also hosts the BGSU Film and Media Festival held at the end of every spring semester.
- BG on Screen offers a collaborative and creative environment where students participate in film-related workshops and create narrative work outside of the classroom.
- Film Appreciation Club provides a weekly occasion for students to watch and discuss films of their choosing in a communal and collegial atmosphere.
Study Abroad Program
Film Majors may apply to participate in the BGSU and Aberystwyth University 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. Other opportunities exist through BGSU’s offices of Education Abroad and International Programs and Partnerships.
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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 (WLC)
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.
_____________________________ ________
_____________________________ ________
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_____________________________ ________ Major Requirements (40 Hours)
Film Foundations (9 Hours)
Perspectives on the Field (9 Hours)
High Impact Development (7 Hours)
Film Electives (15 Hours)
Students must have at least 15 hours of electives; when a 2 hour course in among the electives, a second 2 hour course must be taken to complete the electives.
Each semester some but not all electives will be offered. Course offerings are subject to departments’ schedules. _____________________________ ________
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_____________________________ ________ A. Writing, Directing, and Producing
B. Cinematography, Editing, and Production
Minor Requirements
Film Majors are required to have a minor. Students meet with advisors in the Department of Theatre and Film to select a minor in another program or department (see catalog or see Faculty Mentor or College Advisor). Recommended minors include Theatre, Media Production, Digital Arts, Creative Writing, Marketing, Photography, and Popular Culture. For Graduation You Will Need:
- University minimum of 120 credit hours.
- Minimum GPA 2.00.
- At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
- A minimum of 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
- Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
- 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, students should monitor their academic progress using degree audit. Students must complete an online Application for Graduation via their MyBGSU Student Center based on the dates posted in the degree audit. After the application deadlines, students must complete an online application located on the College of Arts and Sciences website. Contact the College of Arts and Sciences with questions. |
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